Enjoy relaxed Chuseok at hotels

By Kim Rahn

Chuseok, or Korean Thanksgiving Day, is just over a week away. For either people who visit their hometowns or those staying put, the three-day holiday ― five days if taking advantage of the bridge day before National Foundation Day ― is a good time to take a rest.

For this occasion, hotels are offering packages focused on relaxation.

The Grand Hyatt Seoul

’s Chuseok package offers a one-night stay in a grand double or twin room, free use of the gym, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and free shuttle service to Namsangol Hanok Village at the foot of Mt. Nam where guests can capture the spirit of the traditional holiday.

Travel kits will also be provided on a first-come-first-served basis, featuring a passport wallet, travel bag nametag and a travel laundry bag or shoe storage pouch.

The offer is available from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3 and the price starts from 170,000 won for two guests. Club Lounge benefits, including free breakfast, are also available with an upgrade to a club floor room for an additional 90,000 won. For more information, call (02) 799-8888.

The Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul

presents a package from Sept. 29 through Oct. 3.

It features one-night’s accommodation, breakfast for two at the Granum Dining Lounge, a special dinner at the club restaurant, and a 90-minute spa treatment for one person. Another person can receive a 20-percent discount for the treatment.

Those making reservations and completing payment seven days before the planned stay can receive a 20 percent off the package, the cost of which differs according to room type. Prices are from 573,000 won for a deluxe room or start at 460,000 won when paying seven days in advance. For more information, call (02) 2250-8000.

Two packages are available at the

Ritz-Carlton Seoul

between Sept. 28 and Oct. 7.

The “Refresh With You” package includes a one-night stay in a superior deluxe room, a 90-minute treatment for two at the Themae Spa, and free access to the fitness club and indoor swimming pool. It is priced at 299,000 won.

A more affordable “Stay With You” package features a one-night stay in a superior deluxe room and free use of the fitness club and swimming pool at 139,000 won.

The hotel also offers guests a chance to try their luck. The “Lucky Suite” package features a one-night stay in a club premier room, the use of the club lounge including breakfast for two and other refreshments and free use of the internet at 299,000 won. When checking in, guests take part in a prize draw and if they win, their rooms will be upgraded to a Ritz-Carlton Suite (regular rate 1 million won), executive suite (580,000 won) or premier suite (500,000 won). The chance of winning is about 60 percent.

For more information, call (02) 3451-8114.

The Renaissance Seoul Hotel

presents three different packages from Sept. 28 to Oct. 7.

General benefits of all the offers are a one-night stay in a deluxe room, complimentary use of the indoor swimming pool, the Renaissance Recreation Center and the sauna, as well as traditional Korean rice cookies and rice cake prepared along with breakfast at the Cafe Elysee.

The “Chuseok Package” offers the general benefits at 149,000 won. The “Chuseok and Cinema Package” adds a free breakfast buffet for two at the Cafe Elysee and two Megabox movie tickets at 205,000 won.

The “Chuseok and Wine Package” provides a breakfast buffet and a wine set on top of the other benefits for 279,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2222-8500.

The Grand Ambassador Seoul

offers two packages between Sept. 28 and Oct. 4.

The “Relaxation” package offers a one-night stay in a superior room, a 50,000-won voucher for Balneo Therapy, the hotel’s spa facility, a breakfast buffet for two at The King’s, and a bottle of French red wine and snack, at 203,500 won.

The “Happiness” package features only the room, red wine and snack for 148,500 won.

General benefits of the two deals are free use of the fitness center, swimming pool and Internet as well as two cups of coffee. For more information, call (02) 2270-3112.

The W Seoul-Walkerhill

offers its “W ReWard” package from Sept. 24 to Oct. 7.

It features a one-night stay in a Wonderful Room, breakfast buffet for two with a special holiday menu, mini hand massage and basic nail coloring service for one, and access to the WATER Zone for two including the swimming pool and fitness center.

A 30-percent discount at the hotel’s hair salon, 10-percent discount for spa treatment and 15-percent discount at the hotel’s two restaurants, Kitchen and Namu, are also available. The price starts from 299,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2022-0000.

The Hyatt Regency Incheon

offers two packages from Sept. 24 to Oct. 3.

The “Sweet Gourmet Holiday” program offers a one-night stay and access to the “Afternoon Delight” dessert buffet and breakfast at Restaurant 8. Children under 12 can have the dessert buffet and breakfast for free. It is priced at 280,000 won.

The “Special Gourmet Holiday” deal features a one-night stay and six-course Autumn Signature Menu from Monday to Thursday or the Weekend Dinner Buffet from Friday to Sunday. It is available for 350,000 won.

Guests of the two packages can enjoy fun with their children at the Kid’s Room which is available for free during the period, as well as the swimming pool, sauna and fitness center. For more information, call (032) 745-1234.

The Hyatt Regency Jeju

presents two “Welcoming Full Moon” packages from Sept. 28 to Oct. 6.

The Family Package offers a one-night stay in a deluxe room, breakfast buffet for two at the Terrace Cafe, free use of a rental car for 24 hours and free entry to the Kids Village. The Dining Package includes the room, a holiday buffet for two at Omi Market Grill and free use of the sauna.

Children aged between five and 12 will be able to enjoy cooking classes and learn how to make Chuseok rice cake. Prices start from 250,000 won. For more information, call (064) 733-1234.

The Grand Hilton Seoul

has two packages available from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3.

The “Welcoming the Full Moon” package offers a one-night stay in a deluxe room and two cans of makgeolli “iCing” at 135,000 won, while the “Full Moon” package adds a breakfast buffet for two to the benefits above.

Guests will have free access to the swimming pool and fitness center and a discount for La Clinique de Paris spa treatments. For more information, call (02) 2287-8400.