Teatime getting popular in Korea

/ Korea Times file

The country’s luxury hotels are attracting female customers with a fine array of desserts and afternoon teas.

According to industry insiders, more women in their 20s and 30s are enjoying afternoon tea at five-star hotels. Some have signed up for annual memberships to get discounts on foods and beverages.

“Our ‘Club Marriott’ membership offers an unlimited 33 percent discount throughout the year,” a JW Marriott spokeswoman said.

The American hotel chain has also recruited baristas who serve a wider array of coffee drinks. About 60 percent of the club members are female, according to the company.

Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas has launched dining promotions such as its “strawberry weekend buffet,” which features strawberry-based desserts including smoothies, tarts and cakes. The number of women who have signed up for the hotel’s membership program has increased by 30 this year, the hotel says.