TODAY Korea — Kim Chaeyoon, Reporter | With late April temperatures flirting with 81°F (about 27°C), South Korea’s hotel scene has been busy rolling out outdoor programming aimed at staycationers.
On the 30th, TODAY Korea found hotels across the country launching a mix of seasonal outdoor experiences — think gourmet pop-ups, live concerts, pools and open-air film nights.
Industry insiders say these seasonal offerings are designed to keep guests on property longer, catering to a growing trend: people want varied, low-effort experiences without traveling far.
In fact, Hanwha Resort’s all-inclusive packages — bundling rooms and breakfast with water parks, saunas and activity programs — accounted for roughly 45% of its total package sales last year.
A frequent hotel guest, Mr. Lee, told this outlet, “The more a hotel has to do, the less bored I get. Not having to go out is convenient, and more programs make me feel like I’m getting real value.”
In response, South Korean hotels are expanding spring outdoor promotions to connect with consumers in new ways.
For example, The Shilla Seoul now offers a room package that gives guests early access to its outdoor pool, Urban Island, before the standard 3:00 PM check-in time.
With the package, guests can use the pool from 11:00 AM until closing on check-in day, and from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM on check-out day.
The hotel also introduced a Mediterranean-inspired poolside bar menu to match Urban Island’s “an island of urban relaxation” vibe.
Signature offerings include lobster ravioli and Singapore-style shrimp and crab fried rice, plus two cocktails inspired by the Mediterranean sea and sunset.
Walkerhill Hotel & Resorts is staging “Forest Concert: Jazz Picnic,” a laid-back evening of music, food and fresh air set in the Achasan forest.
The event takes place May 31 and June 7 at Walkerhill’s outdoor picnic spot, Forest Park. Picnic time begins at 6:00 PM and lasts about 1 hour, during which guests can savor a picnic box and a glass of red wine.
The main show starts at 7:00 PM and runs for 70 minutes. Performers include the Lee Ji-yeon Jazz Orchestra — winner of the 15th Korean Popular Music Awards’ Best Jazz Album — alongside jazz vocalists Lee Dae-won and Jung Min-kyung.
Walkerhill is also offering a “Forest Concert Room Package,” which includes a stay at Grand Walkerhill Seoul or Vista Walkerhill Seoul and two adult concert tickets.
Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul will host “Gastronomic Garden” every Thursday and Friday evening from May 14 through June 19.
The series takes place on the outdoor terrace of the hotel’s signature restaurant, Festa by ChungHoo, letting diners enjoy fine dining against the backdrop of Namsan’s natural scenery.
The pop-up expands the kitchen outdoors with an open-kitchen format, so chefs can showcase live grilling performances.
The evenings also feature live music — vocals accompanied by piano and guitar — to complete the sensory experience.
Song Ju-yong, head of operations at Banyan Tree Seoul, said, “We’ve prepared a special evening in an urban outdoor garden, with cool breezes and live music. We hope guests escape daily life and enjoy an unforgettable early-summer night that delights both their taste buds and ears.”
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