Foreign tourists cited unfriendliness and price negotiation while shopping as the least pleasant experience in Korea last year, a state-run organization’s report showed Wednesday.

According to the Korea Tourism Organization, inhospitality and price bargaining accounted for 333 of visitors’ complaints, or about 36 percent. The total number of complaints reached 888 cases last year, nearly the same as in 2013.

The report said many of the visitors faced difficulties when demanding refunds for defective items.

Foreign visitors also reported 84 cases of overcharging or reckless driving in taxis, followed by inconveniences with accommodations at 84 cases, the report said.

Other cases included forced purchases of tour packages at travel agencies, or hostile service and overcharging at restaurants.

“(The organization) takes measures or imposes penalties against reported sites once the visitors file complaints,” the KTO said.

Complaints can be filed via email at tourcom@knto.or.kr or on the KTO’s website at kto.visitkorea.or.kr. Visitors may also call 1330 or send a fax to (033) 738-3620.

The state-run organization offers the complaint report service in English, Japanese and Chinese.

By Lee Hyun-jeong (rene@heraldcorp.com)