BUSAN (THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - A South Korean man who feigned food poisoning to dodge restaurant bills was arrested on Wednesday (Sept 21) on suspicion of blackmail.

Police in the South Korean city of Busan's Saha district said the man, a 47-year-old identified only as Park, had eaten without paying at 12 restaurants using similar tricks.

In the latest occasion, Park ordered 40,000 won (S$48.70) worth of food at a restaurant in Saha-gu, Busan, at around 8pm on July 13.

After finishing the food, Park refused to pay, claiming the dishes he had were not delicious.

Police say Park caused a disturbance for 30 minutes but the restaurant owner stayed unconvinced.

He is accused of subsequently threatening to report the establishment for causing him food poisoning.

The police tracked down Park using his car plate number.