Is there anyone who genuinely dislikes traveling? Sure, we all have different preferences—some chase adventure while others seek tranquility—but people who actively hate travel? They’re rarer than finding a quiet café in Seoul on a Saturday afternoon.
Why Koreans Are So Serious About Travel
Koreans, in particular, are obsessed with travel. And I mean that in the most affectionate way possible. We don’t just enjoy travel; we’re absolutely devoted to it. Walk into any Korean office on a Monday, and you’ll hear at least three conversations about weekend getaways or upcoming vacation plans.
Why this intense passion? I think it stems from our daily reality. Most of us live within a surprisingly narrow radius—home to office, office to home, with maybe a detour to the convenience store if we’re feeling adventurous. The typical Korean work culture, with its long hours and “ppali ppali” (hurry hurry) mentality, creates lives that feel like they’re on repeat. When your routine is that compressed, both mentally and physically, the desire to break free becomes almost primal.
Travel offers something precious: the rare combination of mental and physical freedom. It’s not just about changing your location; it’s about escaping the invisible boundaries that define our everyday existence.
The Korean Tourist Takeover
You’ve probably heard the joke: Southeast Asian destinations like Guam and Saipan should just add Korean as an official language at this point. Korean tourists make up such a massive portion of visitors that you’ll find Korean restaurants, Korean tour guides, and Korean signage everywhere. It’s like bringing a little piece of home along for the ride—but with better weather and cheaper massages.
What draws Korean travelers to these places? The formula is simple but perfect: delicious food, refreshing drinks, exciting leisure activities, and relaxing massages. These resort-style destinations hit all the right notes for Koreans who want to unwind without overthinking their itinerary. No complex planning, no cultural anxiety—just pure, straightforward relaxation.
The Pool Villa Phenomenon
Back home in Korea, there’s been an explosion of “pool villas”—accommodations with private swimming pools attached to each unit. These aren’t your average vacation rentals; they’re designed for maximum privacy and comfort. Families and couples flock to these spaces where they can swim, lounge, and exist without bumping into strangers or making small talk at the communal pool.
This trend really speaks to something deep in modern Korean culture: the desperate craving for personal space in an otherwise intensely crowded society.
Think about the typical Korean urban experience: We live in high-rise apartment complexes where you can hear your neighbor’s TV through the walls. We commute on subways so packed during rush hour that “personal space” becomes a laughable concept—you’re literally pressed against strangers, breathing the same recycled air. We work in open-plan offices where privacy is virtually nonexistent. We even socialize in crowded restaurants where tables are so close together you accidentally eavesdrop on three different conversations while trying to enjoy your meal.
Korea has one of the highest population densities in the world, especially in cities like Seoul where over half the country’s population is concentrated in the metropolitan area. We’re constantly surrounded by people, noise, and activity. It’s stimulating, sure, but it’s also exhausting.
So when vacation time finally rolls around, the last thing many Koreans want is to share a pool with strangers or queue for breakfast at a crowded hotel buffet. The pool villa represents something almost luxurious in the Korean context: genuine solitude. A space where you can be loud without bothering anyone, where your kids can splash around without judging eyes, where you can lounge in your swimsuit without feeling self-conscious.
It’s not just about privacy—it’s about reclaiming a sense of control and breathing room that daily life rarely offers. After navigating the constant proximity of urban Korean life all year, the idea of a private oasis becomes not just appealing, but almost therapeutic.
There’s just one tiny problem: the pricing. During weekends, holidays, or peak season, these pool villas can cost double—or even triple—their regular rates. It’s not uncommon to see prices exceeding 1 million won (roughly $750-800) per night. At that point, many people start doing the math and realize, “For this price, I could literally fly to Thailand, stay at a resort, and still have money left over for massages and mango sticky rice!”
The eternal Korean dilemma: domestic convenience versus international value. (Spoiler: International value often wins, which is why those Southeast Asian destinations stay so busy.)
My Kind of Travel
As for me? I’m firmly in the relaxation camp. Give me a quiet space over a bustling landmark any day. I love travel, I worship rest, and I’m an Olympic-level champion at doing absolutely nothing—just zoning out and letting my mind wander.
Crowded tourist hotspots with their Instagram-famous photo spots? Not really my thing. I’d rather find a peaceful corner where I can breathe without an agenda. And now that I have a child, my essential criteria have evolved: somewhere restful with a pool is non-negotiable. Bonus points if there’s minimal effort required and maximum opportunity for everyone (including me) to just… be.
Because at the end of the day, isn’t that what travel should be about? Finding your own version of freedom, whatever that looks like. For some, it’s climbing mountains. For others, it’s exploring museums. For me? It’s floating in a pool, watching my kid splash around, and finally feeling like my brain has permission to power down.
And honestly, that’s worth every won.