Stranded by heavy snow but given free lodging... It was an 'unexpected fortune' sent by CEO Lee Boo-jin

On the 23rd, over 400 flights were canceled at Jeju Airport due to heavy snowfall and strong winds, leaving around 20,000 people stranded in Jeju. Amid this, the "Unexpected Luck" promotion proposed by Lee Boo-jin, President of Hotel Shilla, drew attention from netizens. "Unexpected Luck" is the name of a promotion personally suggested by President Lee, through which Shilla Stay Jeju provided free accommodation to travelers stranded by the disruptions.

President Lee Boo-jin of Hotel Shilla. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

According to Yonhap News on the 24th, Shilla Stay Jeju applied the "Unexpected Luck" promotion and offered free stays in six rooms the previous day. "Unexpected Luck" is a benefit from Shilla Stay that provides one night’s accommodation and breakfast for two free of charge to guests who were unable to depart due to sudden weather deterioration or natural disasters causing flight cancellations.

This promotion was created in 2015 when Lee Boo-jin, President of Hotel Shilla, personally proposed it to the CEO of Shilla Stay. It was designed as a gesture of consideration for customers stranded by flight cancellations. Shilla Stay Jeju is located 3.5 km from Jeju International Airport, taking into account that many guests stay there on the last day of their trip.

Since the promotion was established, it is reported that over 200 rooms have been provided under the "Unexpected Luck" program. Shilla Stay stated that it has received positive feedback from travelers who faced difficulties due to sudden flight cancellations.

A Shilla Stay representative said, "Although the annual cost is considerable, we plan to continue operating the 'Unexpected Luck' promotion because it enhances customer satisfaction and has positive effects such as securing loyal customers in the long term."

Flight operations at Jeju Airport, where 425 out of 453 scheduled flights (227 departures and 226 arrivals) were canceled the previous day due to bad weather, have reportedly returned to normal as of the 24th.