Compensation Psychology Explodes... "Hangang Dinner Cruise Fully Booked"

Easing of Private Gatherings, Sales Increase 175% Compared to Last Year
Hotel Buffet and Restaurant Weekday Reservation Rate 90%

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-sun] "Reservations are fully booked."

The Hangang cruise business, which had been sluggish due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is now booming. Weekend reservations for dining cruises along the Hangang River are already fully booked through the end of the year. This is attributed to a surge in dining-out demand since mid-last month, triggered by the announcement of phased daily recovery, also known as 'With Corona,' which unleashed suppressed compensatory spending. According to the food service industry on the 2nd, E-Land Group's eCruise flagship products, 'Lunch Cruise' and 'Dinner Cruise,' recorded their highest monthly sales since the COVID-19 outbreak. Although eCruise suspended Dinner and Lunch Cruises in February and March, the easing of private gathering restrictions has drawn crowds. Last month, sales increased by 175% compared to the same period last year. An eCruise representative explained, "Reservation inquiries for year-end and New Year events are surging," adding, "With continued clear weather, weekend evening buffets are almost fully booked."

As the small wedding trend spreads, cruise weddings are also gaining popularity. Contracts for onboard weddings suitable for 100 to 200 guests have increased, resulting in more cruise weddings last month alone than the total number of weddings in the previous year. The company analyzed that many couples-to-be seeking special and private weddings are choosing this option. The fact that no additional fees are required beyond the meal cost also positively affects its affordability. Inquiries for spring wedding reservations next year continue unabated.

Buffets and restaurants in luxury hotels are also bustling with year-end reservations. Seoul Shilla Hotel’s buffet 'The Parkview,' Korean restaurant 'La Yeon,' and Chinese restaurant 'Palaceon' are nearly fully booked through the end of the year. Weekday reservation rates at restaurants operated by Signiel Seoul, a hotel brand of Lotte Hotel, have exceeded 90%. The buffet 'Constance' at Chosun Palace, priced at 150,000 KRW per person, is also fully booked through the year-end. A food service industry official said, "Since last month, customer numbers have increased, providing relief," and added, "With the implementation of With Corona, reservation calls have surged, and we expect to recover last year’s sales in November and December."

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