The Rise of Staycations Amid Soaring Prices
Growing Preference for Hotel Holidays
A Surge in Combined Packages: Three-Night Stays, Sleep Care, and Spa Experiences
Due to rising prices, the trend of "staycation," where people seek a short, comfortable holiday close to home, is spreading this summer. Staycation is a compound word formed from "stay" and "vacation," and refers to taking a vacation at home or in a nearby area. Many people who prefer staycations are opting for "hotel-cation" (hotel + vacation), staying at hotels that are comfortable and well-equipped with entertainment options. In response, related industries are introducing unique package deals to attract this demand.
According to a "2025 Summer Vacation and Staycation Perception Survey" conducted by Embrain Trend Monitor, a market research firm, on July 23, among 1,000 men and women aged 19 to 59 living in the Seoul metropolitan area, 72.8% of respondents said they are planning a staycation-type holiday in the future. Additionally, 75% of respondents said that a staycation is more efficient than traveling far away for a short vacation period.
When asked about their preferred type of staycation, 58.7% of respondents chose "stay hotel-cation," which means spending time at a hotel with well-equipped facilities, as their top choice. This was followed by 48.8% who wanted a "play hotel-cation," enjoying various activities and attractions at the hotel, showing that demand for hotel infrastructure exceeded half of respondents. Next, 34% said they would like to explore famous restaurants during their holiday ("mat-cation"), while 29.8% preferred to spend time comfortably at home ("home-cation"). In addition, 15.1% wanted to minimize expenses by enjoying their holiday at indoor shopping facilities such as shopping malls and department stores ("mall-cation" or "baek-cation"), and 11% planned to spend their vacation reading books ("book-cation").
The hotel industry, noting the growing trend of enjoying staycations through hotel-cations, is creating products that combine relaxation and experience programs, and introducing them for the summer holiday season. For example, The Shilla Seoul has launched its first-ever three-night package, allowing guests to experience all major hotel amenities at a leisurely pace. Until August 31, package guests can use the outdoor pool "Urban Island" without any limit on the number of visits during their stay. Families with children aged 5 to 12 can apply to participate in a kids program conducted in English every Friday and Saturday. The package also includes benefits such as complimentary apple mango bingsu, free in-room minibar, and a hotel credit of 300,000 won. During the same period, The Shilla Jeju is offering a room package that includes participation in a nighttime pool party.
Lotte Hotel Seoul has launched a "sleep-cation" package for guests who have difficulty sleeping due to stress. The wellness package, available until August 31, includes a one-night stay in a wellness room equipped with a massage chair, a three-month subscription to the AI-based sleep tech application "Somnia" by Esomni, and a special kit of "Kojaa," a functional sleep beverage by the sleep food brand Romancive. Lotte Hotels & Resorts is also targeting "play hotel-cation" enthusiasts by offering the "Play & Stay" package at chain hotels near professional baseball stadiums in Korea, allowing guests to relax after watching a baseball game. This package is available until October 31.
Additionally, The Westin Josun Seoul is offering the "Essence of Josun" package, which includes luxury benefits available at the hotel, until August 31. Guests will receive a bouquet from the luxury flower boutique "Gyeokmul Gongbu" as a welcome service, and can also experience a personalized 50-minute facial spa program by a professional therapist from V SPA. Depending on the room type, guests can also enjoy dining courses at two of The Westin Josun Seoul's signature restaurants.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
