Gangwon-do Luxury Hotel Swimming Pool Admission Fee 80,000 KRW Per Person "Too Expensive"

Swimming Pool Admission Fee: Adults 80,000 Won · Children 40,000 Won
Maximum 3 Hours · 5-Shift System Operation... Abolished Due to User Complaints

A controversy has arisen over the admission fee of 80,000 won for the outdoor swimming pool exclusively for guests at a luxury hotel in Gangwon Province.

Kascia Sokcho Hotel, which opened on June 1, is a brand newly introduced to Korea by the global hotel & resort group Banyan Group (formerly Banyan Tree Group). It charges 80,000 won for adults and 40,000 won for children as the entrance fee to the infinity pool, which is only available to hotel guests.

Outdoor swimming pool at Cassia Sokcho.
[Photo by Cassia Sokcho]

Shortly after opening, Kascia Sokcho faced criticism for its high swimming pool usage fees. In July, it operated a five-shift system for a certain period, allowing limited use of up to three hours even after paying a separate entrance fee, which increased dissatisfaction among users. The five-shift system was abolished as of the 31st of last month.

Besides Kascia Sokcho, there are other luxury hotels that charge separate entrance fees for outdoor swimming pools for guests. However, Seoul Shilla Hotel and Gangneung Seamarq Hotel both sell various packages that include swimming pool access.

Insufficient information about hotel swimming pool usage fees is also cited as a source of dissatisfaction. On Kascia Sokcho’s website, there is only a simple introduction to the facilities, with little information about fees or operating hours. The only phrase present is, "Enjoy the ultimate well-being experience immersed in the beautiful harmony of nature where the swimming pool and the sea blend naturally."

There are also criticisms regarding poor website management. The offers menu introducing package products still lists the "Grand Opening Offer," which was only sold during June. This product is no longer available for sale.

Meanwhile, to use Kascia Sokcho’s outdoor swimming pool at the lowest cost, guests can book a room without selecting a package and then add "swimming pool use." In this case, two adults can enter the pool for 110,000 won.

Additionally, there is a way to book package products listed on online travel agencies (OTA). Yanolja sells packages including free swimming pool admission, and MyRealTrip offers packages that include breakfast and a 30% discount on swimming pool entrance fees.