‘Worst experience in India’: Korean tourist shares frightening experience after being scammed by elderly man, video goes viral

A Korean digital creator’s Instagram posts describing how he was scammed in Old Delhi have gone viral, attracting widespread attention and sparking a debate about tourist safety in India. Walter K., who visited India in September, shared his experience in a candid caption titled “Worst Experience in India,” saying the incident turned what had been a positive trip into a frightening ordeal.

Walter said the problem started when an auto rickshaw driver demanded Rs 3,800 for a short ride, which is almost double the cost of an Uber car from Agra to Delhi. But the biggest problem came when an elderly man approached him near Old Delhi, claiming to be a professor.

In the video that went viral, the man appears friendly and says, “I’ll take you on a tour of Old Delhi, and when I come to Korea, you’ll take me on a tour around me. How about that?” Walter agreed to trust him. But throughout the trip, the man made Walter pay for everything, including the inflated cabin fare and car prices. Initially, he offered to split the costs but later backed out, claiming his wife would “kill him” if he spent the money.

Walter wrote that he struggled for about an hour and lost about $100 (about Rs 9,000) before seeking help. A few locals intervened, confronted the fraudster and helped Walter get another rickshaw. The man fled the scene.

“I was reminded again that everywhere, there are good and bad people,” Walter said, thinking about the incident. He added: “The good people I met in India were far more than the bad people. So, even with this bad memory, I will still remember India as a good country… Most importantly, I am very grateful that I was not hurt, that I got my money back, and that I was able to return safely.”

Before leaving Delhi, Walter visited Old Delhi and said: “Ah, what a wonderful end to a good memory.”

The video sparked widespread anger on the Internet. Many viewers expressed their anger at the scam, while the Indian public called on the Delhi Police and tourism authorities to take strict action against scammers targeting foreign visitors.

The video quickly went viral, and viewers flooded the post with supportive messages. Many expressed remorse over the incident, saying things like, “Oh my God, I’m so sorry about what happened. We love foreigners, but he really hurt you because he knew you were traveling alone. I’m so sorry about what happened.”

Some added, “I feel very embarrassed as an Indian. Please make sure we are all not like that person,” while others emphasized, “Sorry this happened to you. Most of us really care about visitors, and it’s sad to see such situations.”

One viewer even invited Walter to experience the country safely, writing: “Because of one person’s actions, please don’t judge India, brother. Our nation is our pride. Few people do not represent us, and I’m sorry if you experience anything bad. If you are in India, send me a DM – I will be happy to show you the real India.”