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Hotels celebrate May 'family month' with child-friendly events and programs

Published: 04 May. 2026, 14:27

A promotional image of ″Kids Pool Party″ at the Westin Josun Busan [WESTIN JOSUN BUSAN]

In May, hotel VIPs aren’t suite dwellers or high rollers — they’re toddlers, infants and children.

As Korea’s so-called “family month” arrives, the hospitality sector is sharpening its focus on young guests with a slate of kid-friendly offerings from K-pop dance classes to magic shows and themed dining. With Children's Day falling on May 5 and Parents' Day on May 8, May is dubbed "family month."

The strategy stems from a growing preference for so-called staycations among families opting for a more relaxed getaway over crowded amusement parks. The shift is also fueled by an increasing number of Gen Z-er parents who are digital natives and avid sharers of family moments.

“More guests are looking for spaces where they can relax while their children are entertained, away from traffic and crowded outdoor spots,” a hotel industry official said. “Today’s younger parents, in particular, enjoy sharing these experiences on their social media, which consequently pushes hotels to marketize the offerings in a more visually engaging way with diverse concepts.”

What was once limited to character-themed rooms and small giveaways has evolved into immersive entertainment programs and dining experiences.

The Shilla Jeju [JOONGANG ILBO]

Gravity Josun Seoul Pangyo launched a program called “Little KPOP Star," available only in May. The session invites child guests to learn the choreography of the latest K-pop hits with professional instructors.

The Westin Josun Busan leans into high-energy fun with its “Kids Pool Party.” Underage participants can sip their mocktails — lemonade and peach-flavored drinks — while indulging in electronic dance music and receiving face painting. The pool party kicked off on May 2 and runs through May 5.

Paradise Hotel Busan will host a racing event where families with children can compete on a track dubbed the “BMW Kids’ Driving Zone.” The track site is a permanent facility.

The Shilla Seoul will run its complimentary “Tiny Hands” program, where children can craft small keepsakes, such as dinosaur-themed car models and dolls, from May 1 to 5. The Shilla Jeju, the brand’s Jeju property, will offer its “Healing Moments and Little Artist” program from May 1 through May 5, a coloring activity for children aged four to eight featuring “Shilla Bear.”

A poster image of ″Phantom of Wonder″ at Paradise City [PARADISE CITY]

Entertainment is equally curated.

Paradise City in Incheon is staging “Phantom of Wonder” through June 30, starring magician Kim Hyun-joon, who will deliver interactive tricks and fire performances.

Grand Josun Jeju is hosting magic and balloon shows in May, along with monthlong drawing contests for junior guests.

Dining, too, gets a playful upgrade.

Food offerings targeting child guests at Andaz Seoul Gangnam [ANDAZ SEOUL GANGNAM]

Andish, a buffet restaurant at Gravity Josun Seoul Pangyo, will run a children-only dessert station on May 4 and 5, while Spectrum at Fairmont Ambassador Seoul will allow children guests to decorate and sample their own cupcakes as a part of the “Little Chef’s Table” program until May 5.

Dishes at Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Myeongdong’s MoMo Cafe will center on appeasing children’s appetite, such as dinosaur-shaped pasta gratin, black bean noodles, bulgogi and arancini. On Children’s Day, May 5, the property will offer animal-shaped cakes, an array of sweets, and iced chocolate, alongside live balloon art crafted by professional performers.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY CHOI HYUN-JU [[email protected]]