Chinese Tourists Assess Seoul Accommodations One Level Lower Than Tokyo’s

Comparative Analysis Highlights Need for Quality Enhancements in Seoul’s Lodging Sector

A recent study indicates that Chinese tourists perceive accommodations in Seoul to be of lower quality compared to those in Tokyo. According to Yanolja Research’s latest brief, Comparative Analysis of Seoul and Tokyo Accommodation Experiences Based on Chinese Tourist Reviews, an examination of Trip.com reviews left by Chinese travelers revealed that the average rating for Seoul accommodations stood at 4.31, trailing Tokyo’s 4.48 by 0.17 points.

A detailed breakdown by accommodation level further underscores this disparity. Level 3 properties in Seoul received ratings comparable to Level 2 or below accommodations in Tokyo, while Seoul’s Level 4 lodgings were rated similarly to Tokyo’s Level 3 establishments. Likewise, Seoul’s Level 5 hotels exhibited ratings aligning more closely with Tokyo’s Level 4 properties. These findings highlight a structural gap in perceived service quality and suggest an urgent need for strategic interventions to enhance the global competitiveness of Seoul’s hospitality sector.

Average Rating Comparison (Points) of Seoul and Tokyo Accommodations

Critical Areas for Improvement: Facilities, Service, and Hygiene

Sentiment analysis of textual reviews identified facilities, service, and hygiene as the three primary areas generating negative feedback regarding Seoul accommodations. Key issues within the facilities category included inefficient temperature control, malfunctioning equipment, and limited room space. In the service domain, foreign tourists frequently cited language barriers, the absence of luggage storage services, and the unavailability of front desk personnel as critical shortcomings. The hygiene category registered repeated complaints concerning unclean bedding and suboptimal housekeeping standards.

To address these challenges, Yanolja Research recommends a systematic approach to facility maintenance and repair, the implementation of standardized multilingual communication protocols, and the integration of self-service check-in systems. Additionally, fundamental improvements in hygiene management—particularly concerning bedding cleanliness, stain removal, and mold prevention—are necessary to align Seoul’s hospitality offerings with international standards.

Enhancing Global Competitiveness Through Strategic Quality Enhancements

According to Yejin Ahn, Senior Researcher at Yanolja Research, “For Seoul to strengthen its position in the global tourism market, it is imperative to move beyond basic facility upgrades and adopt a customer-centric service framework that prioritizes personalized guest experiences.” She emphasized the necessity of a holistic quality enhancement strategy aimed at improving visitor satisfaction and fostering repeat visits.

These insights suggest that Seoul’s hospitality industry must take proactive measures to elevate overall accommodation standards and introduce differentiated services tailored to international tourists. By implementing these improvements, Seoul can enhance its global competitiveness and establish itself as a premier destination in the international tourism landscape.