SEOUL - Low birth rates are not just statistics. Their implications are evident across various aspects of Korean society, including the vacation scene.
Lotte Hotel Busan has been operating its outdoor swimming pool exclusively for adults after sunset since 2023. The adults-only policy was adopted after the hotel observed that guests in their 20s and 30s predominantly used the pool during evening hours. Haevichi Hotel and Resort Jeju operates one of its two outdoor pools exclusively for those aged 19 and over. A hotel official said: “The pool at the resort is small, and people rarely swim there; most visitors spend time taking photos for their Instagram accounts. So, we naturally designated it as an adults-only pool.”Ms Kim Young-ae, 45, who has a son, expressed her understanding.
Mr Park Ju-hyuck, a father of two, expressed concerns over the growing trend that does not welcome families with children. Hotels, like other private businesses, have the right to operate per their own policy and rules, but the trend, which adds to a wave of policies excluding children, seniors or certain demographics, raises concerns, experts said.