Paid Twice, Then "Not Our Problem"... Retreat Center Collected Duplicate Fees and Refused a Refund [The Essentials of Consumer Affairs]

[Financial News] "Wait a moment. Ma'am, you already paid the retreat fees yourself?"
A teacher at a school, identified as A, heard an unexpected account from parents while settling the students' retreat fees. The students had already paid 1 million won directly before using the retreat center. The problem was that the school had also already paid the same amount to the same retreat center.
In effect, the students and the school had each paid for use of the same facility. After belatedly discovering the duplicate payment, the school asked the retreat center to return the excess amount, but no refund process was initiated. The consumers ultimately filed a claim for relief with the KCA.
According to the KCA on the 4th, the key issue in the case was whether the retreat center could continue to retain money it had received twice for the same service.
Article 741 of the Civil Act stipulates that anyone who obtains a benefit from another person's property or labor without legal cause, thereby causing that person a loss, must return the benefit. This is known as the principle of restitution for unjust enrichment.
Based on this principle, the KCA verified the facts, including the students' and school's payment records, and recommended that the retreat center promptly issue a refund through its own procedures and coordination with the relevant local government. The operator ultimately accepted the recommendation, and the refund process for the duplicate payment proceeded.
The KCA urged consumers using facilities such as retreat centers to clearly specify in the contract when and how the fees will be paid and who will make the payment. In particular, when a school or group pays on an individual's behalf, it is necessary to check that the payment does not duplicate an amount the individual has already paid.
In addition, if an operator demands advance settlement of the remaining balance or additional fees without a clear basis during checkout, consumers should first verify the facts, including the exact contract terms, rather than paying immediately on site.
A KCA official said, "If you document the condition of the facility before and after use with photos or videos, the records can be used to establish the facts if a dispute arises later."
[email protected] Kim Hyun-ji Reporter