Craving a holiday but want something fuss-free, last minute and close to home? You are not alone. According to booking data from Agoda, one of the world’s fastest growing global online travel agents (OTA), taking a “hocance” (hotel+vacance), all the pampering of a hotel, combined with the convenience of easy access provided by spending a holiday at a hotel near to home – is increasing.
According to Agoda booking data Seoul, Busan, JeJu, Incheon and Gangneung and Sokcho the top five domestic destinations for Koreans in 2019.
Seoul – Foodie haven
Seoul, which topped the list as Koreans’ most popular domestic destination for at least the past three years, has so much to entertain all types of travelers. Be a tourist in your own town, for ideas check out thingstodo.agoda.com where you can explore the city tour by bicycle, take a visit to the UNESCO Changdeokgung Palace and stroll the royal gardens, go on a Beer Tour or Traditional Seoul Gourmet Tour among the myriad of choices.
Seoul is also a melting pot of cuisines where you can experience the very best of Korean, Japanese, and Western gourmet food experiences.
With over 4,800 accommodation options to choose from, catering for single travelers to family groups, Agoda’s choices are endless whichever part of the city you plan to stay.
Busan – Ocean views
Busan is a special destination where you can feel the charm of the sea and the city at the same time. Taking a Busan City Daily Trip tour is the best way to experience the culture of Busan as it will take you to the Gamcheon Culture Village, Taejongdae Resort Park, and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. If you are planning a hocance in Busan, Agoda offers over 1,300 hotels to choose from including the Hilton Busan, which has an outdoor swimming pool with panoramic sea view photo opportunities and a variety of services to help you relax.
Jeju – Fun for the family
Jeju Island with its natural beauty, is ranked third most popular travel destinations in Korea according to Agoda. If you are traveling with family it makes the ideal destination with many attractions such as waterparks, ziplines, horse back riding to more leisurely beach based pursuits. Jeju Shinhwa World Landing Resort is close to waterparks and theme parks, making it a perfect place for families taking a hocance with children.
Incheon – Entertainment centre
Incheon has been the fourth most popular domestic travel destination for at least the last three consecutive years, and with its easy accessbility by sky or sea, it’s easy to see the appeal. Whether you want to relax on Hanagae Beach on the peaceful Muuido Island or see a beautiful sunset at Eurwangni Beach, or climb nearby mountains such as Cheongnyangsan, Wolmisan, and Manisan for a breath of fresh air – there’s a great deal of appeal in this area of Korea. For other entertainment options you can partake in relaxing massage spas or visits to theme parks with the family. You can access a variety of entertainment options from the Paradise Hotel & Resort on foot.
Gangneung and Sokcho – relax in nature
Gangneung and Sokcho, on the East Sea coast, allow you to enjoy fresh air and nature. From swimming in the ocean to soaking your body in a warm hot spring, it’s the ultimate water relaxation destination. You can also get spectacular views of Seoraksan and enjoy the sunrise over the sea. An abundance of seafood means you won’t just have amazing views of the sea, you can enjoy the bounty of fresh squid or crab. You can also experience sea fishing nearby. For a relaxing time with beautiful views, try a room at the Lotte Resort Sokcho.
