Jeju emerges as alternative honeymoon destination
A panorama view of The Shilla Jeju / Courtesy of The Shilla Jeju
By Jun Ji-hye
An increasing number of soon-to-be married couples are choosing the nation's southern resort island of Jeju as an alternative honeymoon destination as more than 100 countries around the world have imposed entry bans on people travelling from Korea over mounting fears of COVID-19, according to hotel industry officials Friday.
Among the countries imposing entry bans on people travelling from Korea was Mauritius that has been recently popular among newlyweds.
The Indian Ocean nation's entry ban was imposed after the government there denied entry of 17 Korean couples on their honeymoons, Feb. 23, citing coronavirus fears. The couples were put in isolation on arrival and opted to return home after being told they would have to remain in isolation for 14 days.
In order to alleviate concerns of couples who have experienced inconvenience due to having wedding ceremonies in times of a public health crisis, Hotel Shilla on Jeju Island has released its suite honeymoon package, which runs until April 29.
Officials from the luxury hotel said they prepared the package as there have been a number of inquiries from soon-to-be married couples, noting that they focused on helping couples get enough rest and, at the same time, enjoy various experiences.
For guests who stay more than two nights, the package offers a chance of taking memorable photos at a banquet hall decorated as a wedding hall as well as at the garden.
Couples can borrow wedding accessories such as a bouquet and veil, and the hotel staff can take photographs in addition to their regular duties.
Those who stay more than three nights will be offered dinner at Camping Village.
Package guests will be also be offered a chance to enjoy a romantic time for two hours at the hotel's outdoor pool exclusively for adults.
“Many couples are worried about going on a honeymoon to overseas countries as more and more countries have been imposing entry bans or enhanced quarantine procedures,” an official from The Shilla Jeju said. “March and April is the perfect time to visit Jeju Island as flowers bloom in warm weather.”
The Shilla Jeju's outdoor pool exclusively for adults / Courtesy of The Shilla Jeju
Meanwhile, WE Hotel Jeju, operated by Jeju Halla Hospital, the resort island's largest general hospital, is showcasing a “We with you, healing forest” package offering special therapy programs, which help people boost their immune response and stay healthy in the face of the virus.
The package offers a one-night stay at a superior room commanding a view of Mount Halla and breakfast buffet for two people in addition to a spring picnic set.
Those who stay more than two nights are offered access to the clean natural bedrock water sauna, which is good for skin care.
The hotel has been selected by the state-run Korea Tourism Organization as one of the best wellness vacation spots for the third straight year.