"Relaxation in Nature + Activities" Hotel Industry Focuses on 'Supganceu'

Mauna Ocean Resort Panorama (Photo by Mauna Ocean Resort).

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] The hotel industry is rolling out 'Sopkangs' (forest vacations) products that allow guests to relax leisurely and safely in nature. This trend is driven by increased demand for contactless travel in natural settings due to the heatwave and the ongoing impact of COVID-19. According to a recent report by the Seoul Institute, a survey of Seoul citizens' summer vacation activities last year showed that 'visiting natural scenic spots' (18.2%) ranked first. Domestic camping, ranked second (16.6%), also saw the largest increase compared to 2019 (6.6 percentage points), proving the demand for safe travel in nature.

In response, hotels are offering a variety of rest-focused products that emphasize relaxation in nature. Gyeongju Kolon Hotel is offering the 'Summer Pimaek' package until the 31st, allowing guests to enjoy in-room dining while taking in the view of Tohamsan Mountain from their rooms. The package includes two draft beers and a Margherita or Salami pizza prepared by the hotel chef. Prices start at 123,900 KRW for a deluxe room on weekdays (including VAT).

Mauna Ocean Resort, located at an altitude of 500 meters on Dongdae Mountain in Gyeongju, has launched the 'Romantic Summer Night' package, providing a healing time through nature. Guests staying with this package receive a bottle of Yali wine. The package is available until the 31st, with prices starting at 130,900 KRW for a 66㎡ (20-pyeong) villa-type room on weekdays (including VAT).

WE Hotel Jeju, situated on the mid-slope of Hallasan Mountain, offers a 'Solo Travel Package' tailored for single travelers until the end of this year. The package includes one night in a Hallasan view superior room, one wellness breakfast, access for one to the natural bedrock water sauna, outdoor jacuzzi, indoor swimming pool, and fitness center. It also offers a healing forest program where guests can walk along forest trails and feel nature. Prices start at 170,000 KRW for a superior room on weekdays (including VAT).

Located in Uljin, Gyeongbuk, home to the country's largest colony of Geumgang pine trees, the Geumgang Pine Eco-Rium forest recreation facility is one of the 'Sopkangs' destinations selected as a '2021 Wellness Tourism Site' by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization. It is adjacent to Bulyoungsa Valley and the Geumgang Pine Forest Trail. Geumgang Pine Eco-Rium is offering the 'Bookcation' package until the end of this year. It includes a randomly selected bestseller book, various 'inner healing' contents such as yoga and trekking, and a healthy meal plan. Prices start at 159,000 KRW for a single-person package on weekdays (including VAT).

Forest Resort Restri Resort in Jecheon offers the 'Holistic Stay' package until the 19th, allowing guests to enjoy a panoramic view of a 150-year-old primeval forest. The package includes two drinks at a premium book cafe and a kit containing scents and teas to aid relaxation. Prices start at 201,000 KRW for an S20-type room on weekdays (including VAT).

Even in downtown Seoul, products targeting 'Sopkangs' have been introduced. Hotel Poco Seongsu offers excellent accessibility to Seoul Forest, allowing guests to enjoy both a hotel stay and nature in the city. The 'Vacanto in Poco' package, available until the 31st, lets guests enjoy a walk in Seoul Forest and then escape their busy daily life with a mojito cocktail. It includes one bottle of 'Bacardi Mojito,' a cocktail from Cuba's premium rum brand 'Bacardi,' and two ice glasses. Prices start at 117,000 KRW for a standard room on weekdays (including VAT).

Mayfield Hotel Seoul has launched the 'Wellness Forest' package. Guests can experience personalized health programs prepared by certified instructors from 'Life and More,' specializing in yoga and meditation, in their rooms. Additional benefits include breakfast and dinner, spa access, Moroccan oil amenities, and signature tea from 'Tea Collective.' The package is available until the end of this year, with prices starting at 410,000 KRW per person for a superior room on weekdays (including VAT).

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