Recently, there has been a trend in Korea where many hotels have started implementing special policies that ban children and only accommodate couples without children and solo travelers. This policy is one of the impacts of Korea's low birth rate.
Several well-known hotels in Korea have applied age restrictions in certain areas, for example:
- Lotte Hotel Busan opens its outdoor swimming pool only for adults after sunset, citing that nighttime activities are “not suitable for children.”
- L7 Haeundae in Busan restricts pool access to adults only after 7:00 PM.
- Park Roche in Gangwon Province allows only guests aged over 16 to use their indoor pool and sauna.
- Douglas House in Seoul does not accept guests under 13 years old, stating that this policy aims to “prioritize customer comfort, rest, and sound sleep.”
Other Facilities That Ban Children in Korea
Besides hotels, some tourist attractions also apply age restrictions. One example is Hygge B&C in Pyeongchang, which divides its swimming pools into several zones; a children’s zone, a no-children zone, and a pet-friendly zone.
This policy has sparked both support and opposition among the public. Some people understand the policy, while others consider it a form of “discrimination.”
Meanwhile, Professor Lee Eun Hee from Inha University stated that entrepreneurs have the right to choose any policy that can improve their business sales.
