Korean tourist scammed in Delhi by 'professor': 'Worst experience in India, lost Rs 9,000'

In the video, the scammer can be heard asking the Korean tourist not to shoot him, but Walter K insisted it was for his safety. (Image credit: Walter K/Instagram)

A Korean digital creator’s Instagram reel describing how he was scammed in Old Delhi has gone viral, drawing widespread attention and sparking debate on tourist safety in India. Walter K, who visited India in September, shared the 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 trouble began when a rickshaw driver demanded Rs 3,800 for a short ride—nearly double the cost of an Uber from Agra to Delhi. But the bigger problem was an elderly man who approached him near Old Delhi, claiming to be a professor.

In the viral video, the man appears friendly, saying: “I'll show you around Old Delhi, and when I come to Korea, you show me around. How about that?” Trusting him, Walter agreed. But, throughout the trip, the man made Walter pay for everything, including inflated cab and auto fares. Initially, he offered to share costs but later backed out, claiming his wife would “kill” him if he spent money.

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A post shared by 월터 K (walter K) (@walter.k.ig)

Walter wrote that he struggled for nearly an hour and almost lost $100 (about Rs 9,000) before asking for help. A few locals intervened, confronted the scammer, and helped Walter get another rickshaw. The man fled the scene. “I was reminded once again that everywhere, there are both good and bad people,” Walter said, adding that he still considers India a good country because of the help he received.

In the comments, Instagram users empathised with Walter while hoping that authorities would find the scammer. One user wrote: “I cried while watching this… I’m really ashamed of what happened to you.” Another said: “Omg what a scam. You should be so careful, always double-check everything before you trust anyone.”

Others expressed anger: “I have seen the same uncle in other videos—he is purposefully targeting foreigners.” Many urged Walter not to judge India by one incident: “Our country believes in ‘Atithi Devo Bhava.’ This man doesn’t represent us.”

A few other users tagged the Delhi Police and political leaders, demanding action against the suspect.