Instead of Going Home, 'Chukangseu'... Hotel Industry Unveils Unique Chuseok Packages

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] The hotel industry is unveiling various packages to celebrate the first Chuseok since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Catering to the rise of contactless culture, they have introduced products that were not available before, targeting groups such as ‘Honchu-jok’ who spend Chuseok alone and ‘Homchu-jok’ who quietly spend time with family instead of visiting their hometowns.

According to the hotel industry on the 2nd, Lotte Hotel Seoul and World are offering holiday products available through a drive-thru method until the 4th in celebration of Chuseok. Since introducing the drive-thru for the first time in the industry last March, they have expanded the service in line with the spread of contactless culture.

Lotte Hotel Seoul is selling a ‘Family Gathering’ package in three types according to the number of people, combining holiday menus such as songpyeon and jeon with popular hotel restaurant dishes. The package includes songpyeon and galbijjim made by the hotel’s master chefs. Lotte Hotel World is selling a ‘Delight Box’ composed of three-tiered boxes containing a total of 15 representative holiday dishes such as japchae and ogokbap.

Seoul Shilla Hotel has also prepared a ‘Hotel-cock’ package for customers who dream of a quiet and complete rest while spending the Chuseok holiday in their rooms. By using the ‘In Room Delight’ package, guests can choose from salads, grilled sablefish or tenderloin steak, seafood spaghetti, or Shilla Club sandwiches for room service meals.

Additionally, although large-scale events have been held every year during the Chuseok holiday, this year, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, they have prepared ‘Gourmet Holiday,’ a dinner course enjoyed in the outdoor garden. While the usual event accommodates about 600 people, the number of attendees has been limited to 90 for this Chuseok.

InterContinental Seoul COEX Hotel is selling a ‘2+1 Package’ until the 11th, which offers one free night when staying two consecutive nights during the Chuseok holiday. A 100,000 KRW voucher for the hotel restaurant is also provided. Grand Hyatt Seoul Hotel is offering a ‘The Longer The More’ long-stay package until December 22. This package is designed for guests staying five nights or more, catering to those who want to enjoy the Chuseok holiday at the hotel.

A hotel industry official explained, "This year’s Chuseok is expected to see an increase in customers staying at hotels instead of visiting their hometowns due to COVID-19, so we have prepared various packages that were not available in previous years," adding, "We have done our best in quarantine measures so that customers can enjoy the Chuseok holiday safely and in a unique way."