[Alpha Biz= Reporter Kim Jisun] As of the 24th, the travel industry is grappling with significant financial losses due to unpaid travel product sales by Tmon and Wemakeprice, with the estimated amount exceeding KRW 100 billion. The largest affected company is Hana Tour, with an estimated unpaid amount of KRW 8 billion, followed by Modu Tour with KRW 6 billion and Chamjoon Travel with around KRW 2 billion. Kyowon Tour and Yellow Balloon are also estimated to have losses exceeding KRW 5 billion each.
The industry is particularly concerned about the repayment status of unpaid amounts for September, as travel agencies typically settle accounts with platforms one month after the sales. The unpaid amounts currently estimated at KRW 100 billion are from sales made in June and July. The figures for August, when the peak holiday season begins, are expected to be 20-30% larger.
The impact extends beyond the travel sector. Issues are also arising with the use of gift cards for cultural products and delivery app vouchers, as well as unpaid amounts in some consumer goods like electronics. On the same day, around 30 victims visited Wemakeprice's headquarters in Gangnam, Seoul, to lodge complaints.
AlphaBIZ Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
