According to a survey conducted among employees of Yujin Group, this summer vacation is preferred to be an 'untact' vacation spent at home or in a hotel. [Photo by Yujin Group]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] Due to the surge of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), office workers are planning 'untact' vacations this summer, opting for domestic travel, staying at home, hotels, or camping sites.
Yujin Group recently conducted a survey on the awareness of this summer's vacation among 1,145 employees of its affiliates, including Yujin Enterprise, Yujin Investment & Securities, Dongyang, EHC, Yujin Home Day, Yujin Savings Bank, Korea Express, and Hanil Fibers.
According to the survey results, when asked about their summer vacation destinations, the largest number of respondents (42.2%) said they would travel domestically while adhering to social distancing. Staying at home was the second most common response at 27.9%. About one in ten respondents said they would spend their vacation reducing contact with others either outdoors (11.6%) such as pensions or camping, or indoors (11%) such as hotels or resorts.
This survey result contrasts with last year’s figures, where domestic and overseas travel accounted for 52% and 26% respectively, while only 5% said they would stay at home. This reflects an unprecedented vacation landscape brought about by COVID-19.
When asked if they intended to visit the representative summer resort, the beach, seven out of ten respondents (68.4%) said they would not go due to the expected large crowds. Among those who expressed willingness to go, about half (15.1%) stated that the number of visitors should be limited.
Vacation expenses are also expected to decrease. The average expected summer vacation cost among respondents was 690,000 won, significantly down to 60% of last year’s 1,160,000 won.
The vacation period has also shortened accordingly. Last year, the most common response was a 5-day vacation (28.7%), but this year, 3 days or less (39%) was the trend. Four days (18.7%) and five days (16.7%) followed, while the proportion of those responding with six days or more remained in the single digits.
A Yujin Group official said, "With COVID-19, securing both safety and recharging during the vacation season has become an important issue," adding, "We plan to support our employees so that they can safely and happily overcome these difficult times both at vacation spots and in the workplace."
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