Korea's first Golden Week post-pandemic: which pensions dominated bookings in Gyeongnam and Busan?
Hello from ONDA, the digital backbone of Korea's hospitality ecosystem.
May is peak season for domestic travel — and this year, the long weekend around Children's Day (with substitute holidays) pushed demand through the roof. ONDA's total transaction volume jumped 130% month-over-month.
Busan in particular saw near-total sellouts — not just Haeundae beachfront hotels, but even Seomyeon and downtown properties. With summer vacation season just around the corner, we looked at which pensions topped the charts in Gyeongnam and Busan — the regions synonymous with Korean beach escapes.
*Rankings based on May booking volume from direct-contract suppliers.
#10 Hurom Village, Sancheong
Location: 645-40 Donguibogam-ro, Geumseo-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongnam
Pet-friendly, family-friendly, spacious retreat
Sprawling grounds, modern minimalist interiors, and a relaxed vibe for families and dogs alike.
#9 The View Kids Pool Villa, Geoje
Location: 54 Mangchi 3-gil, Irun-myeon, Geoje-si, Gyeongnam
Ocean views. Spa suites. This moment, preserved.
Every room overlooks the ocean and has a private spa. Nearby fishing spots make it ideal for families.
#8 Matisse Beach Spa Pension, Tongyeong
Location: 52-24 Gukchi 1-gil, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongnam
Full ocean views. Full spa suites. Modern interiors. Fair prices.
Value-driven escape with unobstructed views of Korea's southern coast.
#7 Osilla, Gijang
Location: 17 Dongbusangwangwang 7-ro, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan
HOT🔥 Up 58 spots vs. April!
Five minutes from Busan Lotte World. Residence-style units near Osiria Station on the Donghae Line.
#6 Ellim Marina Resort
Location: 74-19 Dongbudaero 1122beon-gil, Samdong-myeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongnam
Korea's only yacht marina resort
Luxury yacht excursions, jet boat thrills, and Italian cuisine by professional chefs — all on Namhae's southern coast.
That's #10 through #6 — and you can already see major climbers compared to April.
Now let's get to the top five.
#5 Jirisan Zelkova Lodge
Location: 354 Baengmudong-ro, Macheon-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongnam
Mountain-view retreat in Jirisan's Baengmudong valley
Experience all four seasons of Jirisan. Perfect summer family getaway.
#4 Two Houses Pension, Namhae
Location: 33 Dongbudaero, Mijo-myeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongnam
Warm tones, cozy vibes, couples' favorite
Intimate atmosphere ideal for couples or friend groups — breakfast included.
#3 Ola Caravan Pension
Location: 180 Songjeong jungang-ro 6beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Panoramic ocean views
Standard rooms and caravans both available. Unforgettable seaside experience.
#2 Stay Hwaga Pension, Gijang
Location: 10 Yeonhwa-gil, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan
Time well spent. For the version of you that's been running nonstop.
Tranquil setting with open-air baths and traditional tea ceremony space. A mood property favorite.
#1 Stay Seomong, Songjeong
Location: 8 Songjeong Haebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Stay in an auspicious dream
Unshakable #1. Korean hanok charm meets warm, minimalist design.
That's the May top 10 for Gyeongnam and Busan — every property either held its ground or climbed.
So what's the secret?
Channel distribution. These properties use ONDA HUB to list across dozens of OTAs and booking platforms — maximizing exposure to travelers.
Our internal data shows that pensions connected to 31+ channels see a 14% lift in revenue and 16% more bookings. More distribution = more revenue.
ONDA HUB connects you to 40+ channels — and includes Pension Plus (our booking management system) at no system fee.
Let ONDA handle sales. You focus on hospitality.