Visitors to the cherry blossom festival in Jeju showed symptoms of food poisoning, prompting health authorities to investigate the cause.
According to the Jeju Health Center on the 18th, it has been reported that the number of individuals suspected of food poisoning after the Jeonnong-ro king cherry blossom festival has reached 80. Most of them experienced abdominal pain and diarrhea, and some received treatment at hospitals.
The Jeonnong-ro king cherry blossom festival was held from the 28th to the 30th of last month. Reports related to food poisoning are still ongoing, and the Jeju Health Center is conducting an epidemiological investigation to determine the exact route of infection and the cause.
This festival has also come under fire for 'overpricing.' Complaints that some food prices were excessively high spread primarily through online communities. A post stating that a plate of stir-fried sausage containing 6 pieces cost 25,000 won has heightened criticism.
Jeju Province decided to mandate the display of price tags at food stalls during local festivals in the future. Plans to introduce recommended price ranges for different industries and to establish complaint reception channels are also being considered.
The tourism industry in Jeju is expressing a sense of crisis. According to the Jeju Tourism Association, the number of tourists visiting Jeju in the first quarter (January to March) is tentatively estimated to be over 2.75 million, a decrease of more than 12% compared to the same period last year.