Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Korea, South

All Topics about Pohang All Cities in Korea, South

1. Pohang Port Scam

Taxis overcharging tourists at the port, pretending high fares are standard. Stay aware of fair rates and use trusted transportation services.

Taxi Overcharging: Unfair pricing by taxis at Pohang Port
Trusted Transportation Services: The availability of reliable and affordable transportation options in Pohang
Awareness: Knowing the standard rates for transportation in Pohang to avoid overcharging

Some shops sell fake souvenirs at high prices. Always check for quality and authenticity before buying.

Fake Goods: Presence of counterfeit souvenir items in Pohang shops
Quality Check: The importance of inspecting the quality and authenticity of souvenirs before purchasing them.
Price Verification: Ensuring that prices for souvenirs in Pohang are reasonable and fair

Unlicensed guides offering services at popular tourist sites. Always confirm the guide's license before hiring.

Unlicensed Guides: Presence of unauthorized guides in Pohang's tourist areas
License Verification: The necessity to verify the guide's license to ensure they are authorized to provide services.
Tourist Site Awareness: Knowing where and when you may encounter unlicensed guides in Pohang

Some street food vendors may use contaminated ingredients or overcharge. Stick to reputable stalls and double-check the prices.

Contaminated Ingredients: The risk of consuming unhygienic food from unreliable street vendors in Pohang
Reputable Stalls: The importance of selecting well-known and trustworthy street food stalls in Pohang.
Price Verification: Ensuring that prices for street food in Pohang are reasonable and fair

Criminals installing skimmers on ATMs to steal card information. Use ATMs in secure locations or inside banks when possible.

ATM Skimming: The risk of ATM skimming in Pohang
Secure Locations: The importance of using ATMs located in secure and well-lit areas.
Bank ATMs: Using ATMs inside banks or financial institutions for added security

Some landlords overcharge tourists for lodging. Research and book accommodations in advance to secure a fair price.

Overpriced Lodging: The occurrence of overpricing for accommodation in Pohang
Advanced Booking: Booking lodgings well in advance to avoid being taken advantage of.
Reputable Platforms: Using reliable booking platforms and agencies for accommodation in Pohang

Some currency exchange booths offer unfavorable rates. Compare prices before exchanging money.

Unfavorable Exchange Rates: The occurrence of unfavorable exchange rates at some currency exchange booths in Pohang
Price Comparison: Comparing exchange rates at multiple booths before making a transaction.
Reputable Booths: Choosing reputable and well-reviewed currency exchange booths in Pohang

Petty theft is a risk in crowded areas. Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.

Petty Theft Risk: The likelihood of pickpocketing occurring in crowded tourist areas of Pohang
Valuables Security: Keeping valuables secure and out of sight to minimize the risk of theft.
Awareness: Staying alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas

Fake Wi-Fi hotspots may steal personal data. Use secured networks or mobile hotspots when available.

Data Theft: The risk of data theft from unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots in Pohang
Secured Networks: Using only secured Wi-Fi networks, such as those provided by hotels or trusted establishments.
Mobile Hotspots: Utilizing personal mobile hotspots when no secure network is available

Some rickshaw drivers overcharge or take longer routes. Agree on a price before starting the ride.

Overcharging: The likelihood of being overcharged by rickshaw drivers in Pohang
Price Agreement: Agreement on the price before starting the ride to avoid any misunderstandings.
Trusted Rickshaw Services: Using reputable and trusted rickshaw services in Pohang

Some vendors at night markets may use overpriced or low-quality items. Be cautious and compare prices with other stalls.

Overpriced Items: The occurrence of overpricing for items at night markets in Pohang
Quality Check: Inspecting the quality of items before purchasing them to ensure their authenticity.
Price Comparison: Comparing prices for similar items at multiple stalls before making a purchase

Some taxi drivers may refuse to use the meter or overcharge. Always insist on using the meter and double-check the fare.

Meter Refusal: The risk of taxi drivers refusing to use the meter in Pohang
Meter Use: Ensuring that the taxi driver uses the meter for fair and accurate pricing.
Fare Verification: Double-checking the fare at the end of the ride to avoid any misunderstandings

Some bars and liquor stores sell counterfeit alcohol. Verify labels and purchase from reputable establishments.

Counterfeit Alcohol: The risk of consuming counterfeit alcohol in Pohang bars and liquor stores
Label Verification: Verifying labels on bottles to ensure their authenticity.
Reputable Establishments: Purchasing alcohol from reputable and well-reviewed bars or liquor stores in Pohang

Some shops may sell overpriced SIM cards. Compare prices and buy from authorized retailers.

Overpriced SIM Cards: The likelihood of being sold overpriced SIM cards in Pohang shops
Price Comparison: Comparing prices for SIM cards at multiple retailers before making a purchase.
Authorized Retailers: Buying SIM cards from authorized and reputable retailers in Pohang

Some buskers may overcharge or perform poorly to deceive tourists. Watch performances and compare prices with other artists.

Overcharging: The likelihood of being overcharged by buskers in Pohang
Performance Quality: Assessing the quality of performances to ensure they are worth the price.
Price Comparison: Comparing prices for similar performances from other artists before making a donation