The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) in South Korea has implemented revisions to unfair terms and conditions in major camping site reservation platforms, aiming to enhance consumer protection and transparency in the camping industry.
The FTC revised 121 unfair terms across 11 categories, addressing issues such as the exemption of platform brokerage responsibilities and legal liabilities of operators, as well as unjust restrictions on cancellations and refunds.
According to Maeil Business Newspaper, this move comes in response to the increased use of online booking platforms for camping, a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The surge in campsite reservations through these platforms has been accompanied by a growing number of consumer grievances. A survey conducted by the South Korean Consumer Agency in May revealed that 74.0% of respondents reported experiencing issues with inaccurate information, including discrepancies between online photos and actual campsite appearances, as well as inconsistencies in penalty fees displayed on platforms versus those actually applied.
The FTC’s investigation uncovered numerous problematic clauses in the terms and conditions of these platforms. These included provisions that absolved operators of responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of posted information, exempted them from liability for damages incurred during service use, or transferred such responsibilities to users. The commission deemed these terms unfair as they exempted platforms from accountability regardless of their culpability.
In response to these findings, the FTC has mandated significant changes.
Platforms are now required to establish clauses that hold them liable for inaccuracies in posted information, including campsite photos, in cases where the operator acts intentionally or negligently. New clauses strengthen platforms’ responsibilities towards their partner businesses, aiming to keep campsite photos and information current.
The revised terms also include requirements for platforms to bear responsibility within the scope of intention and negligence in the event of disputes and to take prompt action in mediating and resolving such issues.
The Fair Trade Commission stated, “We have strengthened the responsibility and role of the platform by extensively correcting the operator’s disclaimer in the terms and conditions of major camping sites and natural recreation forests,” adding, “The rights and interests of consumers who use camping sites and natural recreation forests will be enhanced.
These changes reflect a growing trend in regulatory oversight of online booking platforms, particularly in the travel and hospitality sectors. The revisions are expected to enhance consumer rights and interests for those using camping sites and natural recreation forests, while also impacting how campground owners and operators interact with these platforms.
