The level of squid sold for '56,000 won' at the squid vendor in Sokcho

A squid vendor in Sokcho was penalized with a 'business suspension' after urging a woman who visited alone to eat quickly. Now, another squid vendor is embroiled in controversy over 'overpricing' and 'rudeness.'

On the 8th, a post titled "I got really angry at the squid vendor" appeared on the Sokcho City Hall free bulletin board.

The author, Mr. A, explained, "I heard a lot of squid were caught, and the prices have dropped, so I expected to eat delicious squid at a good price when I visited the squid vendor with friends."

However, upon arrival at the vendor, Mr. A and his party were confronted with sellers claiming, "We aren't catching much squid these days" and "Squid are rare," selling them for 28,000 won each.

What particularly confused Mr. A's group was the seller's statement, "We don't sell just one."

Ultimately, Mr. A's group purchased two squids for 56,000 won and had an 'unpleasant dining experience.' Furthermore, shortly after they started eating, the seller asked if they wanted to order more food and drinks, hinting at them.

Mr. A stated, "When I asked for more dipping sauce, he grumbled, 'If you’re not going to order more, why ask for sauce?' I felt uncomfortable and just left after a while."

"I heard squid is expensive, but at the restaurant across from the vendor, it was 20,000 won for two squids."

"It seemed like squid prices were sky-high, but across from the vendor, a restaurant sold two squids for 20,000 won along with a serving of sashimi," he complained. "Is it right to leave the 56,000 won squid vendor and the rude sellers like this?"

In reality, the photo shared by Mr. A shows the squid sold for 56,000 won at the vendor was scanty compared to its price.

After their unpleasant experience at the vendor, Mr. A's group went to a restaurant where the same two squids were sold for 20,000 won, and they were served a plate full of sashimi as well.

Earlier this month, a similar controversy arose at a Sokcho squid vendor where 'rudeness' was reported through various social media and online communities.

At that time, a squid vendor involved in the 'rudeness controversy' received backlash after a female customer visiting alone was urged to leave her seat and eat quickly just minutes after her food arrived, with remarks like, "Hey, can't you eat here?" and "Hurry up and eat."

Following the controversy, on the 8th, the Sokcho City Fisheries Cooperative, the Sokcho City Handline Fishing Operators Association, and the Sokcho City Yangmiri Trap Association held special kindness training and a self-regulatory resolution meeting at Sokcho City Cheongho-dong Fisheries Cooperative, announcing, "We issued a warning to the tenant on the 22nd of last month, and we will consider business suspension or closure if similar complaints arise again."

Gyeong Jeong-ho, a provincial councilor of Gangwon-do, emphasized on-site, "The squid vendors play an important role in local tourism," and urged, "Please welcome tourists more kindly."

Image source: Two squids purchased by Mr. A's group for 56,000 won at the squid vendor / Sokcho City Hall free bulletin board, two squids purchased for 20,000 won and sashimi received as a service at a nearby restaurant after leaving the squid vendor by Mr. A's group / Sokcho City Hall free bulletin board, Sokcho City Hall free bulletin board, YouTube 'Kim Sul Pocha'