Like all lodging businesses, pensions have peak and off-peak seasons. While year-round peak revenue would be ideal, Korea's distinct four seasons create inevitable high and low periods. So what's the actual split between peak and off-peak — and month by month? Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned operator, understanding these benchmarks can sharpen your strategy. Here's the monthly revenue breakdown based on 2022 ONDA Pension Plus data.
Like all lodging businesses, pensions have peak and off-peak seasons. Year-round peak revenue would be ideal, but Korea's four distinct seasons create inevitable high and low periods.
So what's the actual split between peak and off-peak — and month by month?
Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned operator, understanding these benchmarks can sharpen your operating strategy.
Here's the monthly revenue breakdown based on 2022 ONDA Pension Plus data.
Peak season is summer — July in particular
July — just before the main August vacation rush — drives the highest revenue of the year. The lowest? February. The gap between them is 4x.
After July, revenue steadily declines. December, January, and February — the core winter months — average just 30% of July's numbers.
May through August is everything
May to August accounts for more than half of annual revenue.
Post-peak (September–December) slightly outperforms pre-peak (January–April) by around 5%.
Renovate before peak season
If you had to pick one season to optimize for, make it summer.
There's a reason you see more pensions with outdoor pools than with fireplaces — summer is the target.
Start facility upgrades in January. Get ready for the peak season ahead. That's when the payoff happens.