Temples in the Busan and Gyeongnam region stand firm against the controversy of exorbitant prices for BTS concerts..Supporting temple stays for fans

*This content was translated by AI.

Ahead of the world tour concert of the idol group 'BTS' (BTS) to be held in Busan, temples in the Busan and Gyeongnam region have stepped forward to restore the region's tourism image, which has been tarnished by controversies over exploitative pricing practices in the accommodation industry.

On the 22nd, the Korean Buddhist Culture Business Group announced that temples operating temple stay programs in the Busan and Gyeongnam region will actively provide dormitory and accommodation spaces within their temples to assist domestic and international fans and tourists visiting the BTS Busan concert.

This support measure was prepared to aid public-level responses and convey Korea's warm image, following a series of excessive accommodation price hikes and unilateral cancellations by some lodging establishments before and during the BTS concert period from June 11 to 14, which led to growing complaints and concerns among domestic and international fans.

To date, eight temples have confirmed their participation in providing dormitory support: Busan Beomeosa Temple, Naewonjeongsa Temple, Hongbeopsa Temple, and Seonamsa Temple in Busan, as well as Daegwangsa Temple and Seongjus Temple (both in Changwon), Tongdosa Temple (in Yangsan), and Pyochungsa Temple (in Miryang).

Notably, Busan Beomeosa Temple, which serves as the head temple of the 14th district of the Jogye Order and is a millennium-old temple, has decided to provide free accommodation and meals for overseas fans. Beomeosa Temple will open its temple stay spaces free of charge to 20 people daily during the concert period. Selected participants will also be offered programs to experience the essence of Korean Buddhist culture, including traditional temple food, rest areas, and walks along a thousand-year-old forest path.

Beomeosa Temple's abbot, Jeong Oh, stated, "In Buddhism, we caution against actions that harm others for the sake of small, immediate gains." He emphasized, "Some excessive selfishness must not tarnish the warm culture that Busan citizens have built over a long time, nor the dignity of the Republic of Korea." He continued, "Young people from around the world who travel far to visit Busan for this concert are not merely tourists; they are our precious guests connected through music and culture." He added, "Since prioritizing the peace and mutual prosperity of the many over the profit of a few is the spirit that Beomeosa Temple, a millennium-old temple, has upheld, we will do our utmost to welcome our guests so that they can stay safely and comfortably and return with good memories of Korea."

A representative from the Culture Business Group also stated, "We will support fans who are struggling with accommodation burdens by conveying the spirit of sharing and hospitality inherent in temples, ensuring that visitors coming to Busan can carry away safe and warm memories."

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*This content was translated by AI.