The Seoul city government plans to provide a cash reward to anyone who reports on overcharging by taxi drivers. The ordinance passed a deliberative council at the city government on Wednesday. Under the new law, tipsters can receive a reward of 500,000 won ($500).

“Either Koreans who have learned of rip-off cases against foreigners or the foreign travelers themselves can call ‘120’ to the Dasan 120 Seoul Call Center and report the unfair treatment,” said Kim Soo-jung, an official from the city transportation headquarters.

Other bills to revitalize Insa-dong, a cultural and traditional district, and preserve tradition in the area will also be proposed at the upcoming city council meeting.

The city will introduce a bill that bans new massage or cosmetics shops from opening in the Insa-dong district and increase the amount of financial aid that building owners can borrow from 50 million won to 100 million won.

The traditional streets, which used to be the epicenter for traditional artists, are now full of cosmetics, massage and souvenir shops and modern restaurants, causing controversy about whether the area is really traditional.

Labeling of traditional goods made by artisans in Insa-dong will be included among the bill items.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)