What happens to glamping operations when temperatures drop? We dive into ONDA's internal data to show you revenue trends and winter operation tips.
Hello. We're ONDA, the digital platform powering Korea's hospitality ecosystem.
Winter is typically considered the off-season for accommodations — but what about glamping sites, which are even more exposed to cold weather?
We spotted a post on a small business forum asking: "Does glamping work in winter?" It inspired us to dig into ONDA's internal data to answer that question. Let's look at recent glamping trends and winter revenue patterns.
Is Glamping Still Popular?
After COVID-19, nature-based, private travel experiences surged in popularity — and camping demand exploded.
But as the Naver keyword data below shows, it's a highly seasonal business.
Over the past three years, the number of campgrounds in Korea has grown by 1,000, and the camping population now exceeds 7 million. Glamping — with tents, gear, and amenities all included — appeals to first-timers and families with kids. That makes demand likely to keep growing.
Winter Glamping by the Numbers
*Based on ONDA internal data.
**Winter 2021: Dec 2020 – Feb 2021; Winter 2022: Dec 2021 – Feb 2022
Total winter glamping GMV was approximately ₩680 million in 2021 and ₩790 million in 2022 — a 15% year-over-year increase. That suggests more guests are booking glamping even in the cold months. Average winter GMV per property was around ₩4 million. (Based on ONDA internal data averages.)
So what happens when the weather warms up?
Spring GMV (March–May) was about 1.7× winter GMV, and average per-property revenue rose roughly 1.3× from winter levels.
We also found that in winter, sales ranked Naver > Yanolja > TMON, while in spring, it shifted to Naver > TMON > Yanolja.
Winter Glamping Operation Tips
1. Fire Safety First
Glamping operators already know this, but fire prevention is critical in winter. Pay special attention to heating devices and open flames.
2. Prevent Frozen Pipes
When temperatures drop below freezing, outdoor water lines are at high risk. Properties with individual bathrooms need to be especially vigilant.
For detailed tips on preventing frozen pipes, check out this campaign guide.
3. Use the Off-Season to Prep for Peak Season
Glamping sites need maintenance time. Winter is ideal for removing condensation-related mold, replacing worn furniture, and refreshing the property for spring guests. It's also a good time to run social media giveaways or influencer collaborations — building review content that pays off when demand picks up.
4. List on More Channels
As mentioned earlier, properties that list on high-volume channels like Naver, Yanolja, and TMON capture more bookings — even in winter. According to ONDA data, vacation rentals that integrate with 31+ channels see GMV increase by 14% and bookings by 16%. That shows just how much channel distribution drives revenue.
We've covered winter glamping revenue trends and operational best practices.
Take a look at your property's winter sales and occupancy data. Even in the off-season, there are strategies that can drive growth.
If you have questions about property operations or channel integrations, chat with an ONDA specialist today.