1500 Free Hotel Vouchers, Generous Service from Shinsegae Vice Chairman Jeong Yong-jin

Delay in Opening of 'Grand Josun Busan' Due to Heavy Rain Compensation
Significant Losses but Customer Trust Is Crucial

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] "Please come up with a plan so that customers whose vacations were ruined by heavy rain can leave with a smile."

On the 20th, Shinsegae Chosun Hotel postponed the opening of 'Grand Chosun Busan' due to flooding damage caused by heavy rain and presented all customers who canceled their reservations with a free stay voucher for the same room they had booked. As a result, Shin Yong-jin, Vice Chairman of Shinsegae Group's 'customer-centric management,' is being talked about in the hotel industry. Although the management's opinion was to provide free meal vouchers and accommodation discounts due to the significant losses the hotel had to bear from the natural disaster, Vice Chairman Shin reportedly ordered an expansion of the compensation plan, saying, "Customer trust in the brand is more important than visible profits."

There were about 1,500 customers who had made advance reservations at the hotel from the original opening date of the 25th to the postponed opening date of October 6th. While contemplating the reopening timing and compensation plans for customers, CEO Han Chae-yang of Shinsegae Chosun Hotel and Won Young-wook, General Manager of Grand Chosun Busan, along with other hotel executives, accepted Vice Chairman Shin's proposal to allow all customers to use the same rooms they had reserved free of charge. This decision was based on the judgment that even if they gave up room sales worth hundreds of millions of won, they could realize the value of 'customer satisfaction,' which Shinsegae Group prioritizes above all.

The hotel sent the free stay vouchers via email, stating, "First of all, we apologize for not being able to welcome you due to the delay in the hotel opening caused by heavy rain," and "We sincerely thank customers who kindly understood the cancellation of advance reservations." Grand Chosun Busan was originally scheduled to open on the 25th, but heavy rain in the Busan area last month caused flooding damage to the underground parking lot and operational facilities. Although restoration was completed, the opening was postponed to prepare thorough measures to prevent recurrence of flooding.

Customers whose vacations were ruined by the heavy rain also smiled brightly. One reservation customer said, "I thought it was unavoidable due to a natural disaster, but I feel the sincerity and genuine effort of the hotel." The hotel industry also evaluated, "They turned the crisis of the postponed opening into an opportunity to form new bonds with customers and enhanced the brand image."

Grand Chosun Busan will unveil on October 7th. On the 20th, the hotel explained, "We have completed flood restoration of the underground parking lot and operational facilities and have also prepared thorough recurrence prevention measures, including the completion of flood barriers." The hotel consists of a total of 330 rooms across 16 floors above ground and 4 basement levels, along with five food and beverage (F&B) outlets, a swimming pool, fitness center, spa, banquet and event rooms, and various other facilities. Guests can use the Grand Chosun Athletic Club (GAC) located on the 6th and 7th floors of the hotel, the outdoor Heavenly Pool (billiards), as well as the infinity pool. There is a buffet restaurant reflecting the know-how of 'Aria,' the buffet at Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul, a Chinese restaurant 'Palais de Shin,' 'Lounge & Bar' where guests can enjoy afternoon tea sets and cocktails, gift & patisserie 'Chosun Deli,' and a Starbucks coffee shop.

A kids-only floor has also been prepared for families with children. The kids service program, Chosun Junior, offers welcome gifts as well as children's water cups, robes, slippers, and bath amenities. Attractions include 'Ryan Sunday Land,' Kakao Friends' Adventure Park opening for the first time in the Busan area, the premium kids English membership club 'Promom Kinder,' the audio screening room 'Orpheo,' the book curation space 'Still Books,' and the spa 'Ocellas,' providing plenty of entertainment options.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.