As the May holiday stretch began on May 1, South Korea’s resort industry reported a surge in demand, with many properties effectively sold out. With one day of leave on May 4, travelers can take up to five days off, and many family travelers have shifted to domestic trips amid a strong exchange rate and sharply higher airline fuel surcharges.
Resort operators said they are focusing on programs that make on-site spending feel worthwhile, moving beyond simple lodging toward “all-inclusive”, stay-focused offerings that position the resort itself as the destination.
Daemyung Sono Group’s Sono International said its properties were essentially fully booked for the holiday period running from May 1 to May 5. High1 Resort reported a similar trend, with average room reservations topping 90% during the break; its Grand Hotel was effectively at zero vacancy.
To hold guests’ attention, operators are rolling out a slate of “stay-focused experiences” designed to keep visitors on property.
Sono International, which operates resorts nationwide, is tailoring events by location to extend guests’ stays.
At Vivaldi Park in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province — a major holiday draw — the resort is holding a “Family Festival” from May 1 to May 4 across its outdoor areas. The program includes live pop-band performances, a pop-up food truck tied to the entertainment show “Black and White Chef,” and a flea market as part of a garden festa. Experience-based offerings such as park golf at the summit of Maebongsan and a magic show are also scheduled.
Sol Beach properties around the country are also offering location-themed programs. Sol Beach Yangyang is planning a dinner barbecue and an outdoor flea market; Sol Beach Samcheok is offering children’s tarot experiences and busking at Santorini Plaza; and Sol Beach Namhae is hosting a yuzu-candle one-day class and an ocean-view yoga class.
High1 Resort, operated by Kangwon Land, is emphasizing “cross-generational” programming aimed at both parents and children.
A featured event is the “Chick Sports Day” on May 2 at Grand Plaza, with outdoor activities such as arrow curling, a family relay and tail-chasing games designed to bring three generations together.
From May 3 to May 5, the resort will run “High1 Wonderbus,” turning the property into a festival setting with performances including a kids’ wonderland and a retro-style concert. Each evening, a signature media show is planned at the casino entrance to extend entertainment into nighttime hours.
Kumho Hwasun Spa Resort will hold a children’s swimming competition and a parent-and-child piggyback race, billed as the “Eobuba Water Operation,” on May 9 and 10 at its outdoor pool as part of a mini-Olympics-style program. Jeju Resort is also running “Happy Bubble Day,” filling an outdoor pool with foam.
Kumho Seorak Resort is staging the fourth Seorak Park Golf Family Team Championship, with 14 two-person teams competing against a backdrop of Ulsanbawi, offering resort lodging vouchers among the prizes. Kumho Tongyeong Marina Resort will present “Sunset Yacht Romantic Busking” on weekends in May, featuring live performances by local artists on the water at dusk.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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