Councilor Chae Eun-ji: "Gwangju Tourism Corporation's City Tour Bus Operating Illegally"

Suspicion Raised Over Submission and Manipulation of False Data in Audit

Eunji Chae, Member of Gwangju Metropolitan Council

Gwangju City has been criticized for deploying unlicensed vehicles that do not meet the qualifications to operate the city tour bus.

On the 4th, Chae Eun-ji, a member of the Gwangju City Council (Democratic Party, proportional representation), stated during the administrative audit of Gwangju Tourism Corporation, “Gwangju City Tour Buses are only allowed to operate vehicles that have obtained a limited license under the Passenger Transport Service Act, but it was confirmed that vehicles without such licenses are currently in operation.”

Councilor Chae emphasized, “The city tour is a very important project operated to enhance the convenience of tourists and citizens visiting Gwangju and to revitalize local tourism,” adding, “Deploying buses without obtaining a limited license and operating them disregards the importance of the project and constitutes a violation of the law.”

In response, a representative from Gwangju Tourism Corporation replied, “The vehicle in question is a reserve vehicle deployed for city tour operations, and it is true that it does not have a limited license.”

Issues regarding licensed vehicles were also raised. Councilor Chae said, “Among the two vehicles approved with limited licenses, one is operating without the wrapping as specified in the task request,” and urged, “Please review and improve the overall operation of the city tour business.”

Furthermore, manipulation of administrative audit data and submission of false materials by Gwangju Tourism Corporation were pointed out. Councilor Chae revealed photos submitted by Gwangju Tourism Corporation as DRT driver uniforms were actually photos taken in 2016 by the transportation company for other purposes, sharing the reported photos.

Councilor Chae criticized, “Gwangju Tourism Corporation either intentionally edited the materials submitted for the administrative audit or submitted them without verifying the company’s data,” and stated, “The materials submitted by Gwangju Tourism Corporation for the administrative audit cannot be trusted.”

In response, Kim Jin-gang, president of Gwangju Tourism Corporation, said, “We will promptly verify the facts regarding the issue, investigate, and take appropriate measures.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.