"Chuseok Changed by COVID-19" Seoul Shilla Hotel Sees Cake Sales Soar

Seoul Shilla Hotel, Pastry Boutique.

During the Week Including Last Year's Chuseok Holiday, Cake Sales Increased by 25% Compared to 2019

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] The 'COVID Chuseok' has continued for the second year, changing the holiday landscape. With family gatherings restricted, new customs such as online ancestral rites and memorial services have emerged, and unique gift sets have appeared, fueled by the popularity of non-face-to-face products.

Seoul Shilla Hotel announced on the 15th that cake sales at its bakery 'Pastry Boutique' increased during the holiday. Cake sales during the week including last year's Chuseok holiday rose by 25% compared to the same period in 2019, before the outbreak of COVID-19. The hotel stated, "This year’s holiday, combined with weekends and bridge holidays, allows for nearly ten days off, which is expected to further boost cake sales."

The industry views the increase in holiday cake sales as a result of restrictions on family gatherings due to COVID-19. During times when family interactions were frequent, people gathered in their hometowns to share holiday food, but this Chuseok, those who met family after a long time want to commemorate the occasion, it is said. In cases where meetings with relatives are avoided, cakes have become a means for individual families or friends and couples to prepare for the holiday.

The hotel explained, "As people refrain from visiting their hometowns or traveling due to COVID-19, more are spending Chuseok at home with friends and partners," adding, "With reduced expenses on travel, people are celebrating the holiday with hotel cakes and premium wines."

Meanwhile, the most sold cake at Pastry Boutique during last year’s Chuseok holiday was the fresh cream cake, accounting for 20% of total cake sales. It was followed by green tea chocolate cake made with green tea powder directly sourced from production areas, the Austrian traditional cake Sachertorte with rich chocolate flavor, and others.

A representative from Seoul Shilla Hotel said, "Since COVID-19, annual sales of bakery takeout products have been growing," adding, "The sharp increase in sales during holidays such as Seollal and Chuseok is encouraging, and following the traditional cake peak seasons of Christmas and Valentine’s Day, we are planning to introduce special cakes targeting holidays next year."

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