Hotels Emerging as Unique Cultural Spaces in the Post-COVID Era
Hotel Industry Launches Unique 'Rest + Culture' Packages for October, the Month of Culture
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] The hotel industry is launching a wide range of unique products that combine "hokangsu" (hotel + vacation) with various cultural experiences, kicking off marketing for the October Month of Culture. From media art exhibitions that allow visitors to appreciate works through audiovisual stimulation under the theme of the post-COVID era, to opera performances enjoyed in guest rooms, and libraries equipped with curated books, hotels are targeting the demand for 'cultural hokangsu.'
Paradise City is presenting the media art exhibition "INSCAPE ? Voyage to Hidden Landscape" by media art master Herman Kolgen until February 6 next year. The exhibition takes place across five spaces including Paradise Art Space, Cimer, Chroma, Art Garden, and Plaza. It features a total of eight works, from the artist’s world premiere new pieces to large-scale representative works. The new piece "BACTERIUM" reflects the characteristics of the COVID-19 virus, reconstructing the 'swarm algorithm' and COVID-19 outbreak patterns into an artistic form.
From October 22 to 24, five overseas media artists including Herman Kolgen, Lucas Paris, Mathew Biederman, MACHINA, and YEONO will visit Korea to hold a no-audience online festival. The festival includes media art performances, a media facade work preview by Herman Kolgen and Kang I-yeon, and artist talks. The festival will be broadcast live on the official Instagram account of the Herman Kolgen exhibition.
Lescape is offering its second musical package, "Lescape Excalibur," targeting customers who enjoy culture and arts until the 25th. In collaboration with EMK Musical Company, this package provides a relaxing stay in the room along with the opportunity to watch the musical Excalibur live. Package users receive two R-seat tickets (worth 260,000 KRW) for Excalibur, with date and seat selection available. "Excalibur" features a star-studded cast including Kim Junsu, Kai, Seo Eunkwang, Doyoung, Lee Jihoon, Enok, Kang Taeul, Shin Youngsook, Jang Eunah, Min Youngki, and Son Junho, and runs at Blue Square Shinhan Card Hall until November 7. The package offers a choice between the Grand Deluxe and Atelier Suite room types.
Seoul Shilla Hotel, in collaboration with CGV, is offering the "In Room Opera" package until the 30th of next month, allowing guests to enjoy opera performances in their rooms. CGV, which has implemented opera viewing in cinemas through its "Monthly Opera" program, recommends five opera videos including Verdi’s "La Traviata" and Rossini’s "The Thieving Magpie." The package also includes food and beverage credits worth 100,000 KRW usable at all hotel dining outlets, with room service available. The package includes five CGV-recommended opera videos per night, 100,000 KRW food and beverage credit, two CGV movie tickets (general admission for Business Deluxe and Grand Corner Deluxe room guests, Gold Class tickets for Superior Suite guests), and access to the fitness center and indoor swimming pool for two people.
The Westin Chosun Seoul has launched the "Fall in Record" package, offering an analog cultural experience. The package plays on the dual meaning of "record" as both "documentation" and "music," providing nostalgia for middle-aged guests and new experiences for the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z). Depending on the room type, guests receive a black-and-white film camera and a turntable to listen to LP records. The package is available until the 21st of next month.
Grand Walkerhill Seoul has set up the "Walkerhill Library" on the second floor of the hotel, where guests can enjoy a "bookcation." The library houses over 3,000 books covering all genres including domestic and international novels, essays, history, science, art, self-development, child education, and practical hobbies, allowing guests to choose according to their preferences. This facility is available exclusively to hotel guests from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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