Advertisements for accommodation have been abundant within and outside the city ahead of the expected surge in demand during the Olympic season.
Even with PyeongChang Winter Olympics approaching, tourist accommodation operators in the surrounding Olympic venue of Gangwon Province are finding themselves busy – trying to fill rooms, that is.
Advertisements for accommodation have been abundant within and outside the city ahead of the expected surge in demand during the Olympic season.
In a bid to lure more visitors, administrative authorities are actively advertising affordable accommodation rates through travel agencies. Bookings are currently stagnant at 23% in Gangneung and 27% in PyeongChang.
Previously, accommodation owners have faced a backlash for claims of overcharging, while others have reportedly refused individual guests in favour of longer-staying guests, or those staying in groups. Efforts to raise rental prices have also largely proven unsuccessful.
Neighbouring college student accommodations have been emptied of boarders in anticipation of taking in more visitors.
Yet, while prices have now stabilised, thanks to efforts by the Korean Lodging Association, the rise in the number of bookings appears to have stagnated.
The opening of the Gyeonggang KTX rail line connecting Seoul and Gangwon Province has so far proven little help in driving up visitors and bookings.