Skip to main content

[Yanolja Research Brief] Vol.4 Comparative Analysis of Seoul and Tokyo Accommodation Experiences Based on Chinese Tourist Reviews

Key Insights on Seoul vs. Tokyo Accommodation Experiences

Discover highlights on how Seoul’s accommodations compare with Tokyo’s, based on real feedback from Chinese travelers. Here are the essential findings that shed light on what guests value most-and where improvements can make a big difference.


Overall Guest Satisfaction: Seoul Trails Behind Tokyo

  • Chinese travelers consistently rated accommodations in Seoul lower than those in Tokyo, across all property levels.
  • On a 5-point scale, Seoul’s average rating was 4.31, while Tokyo scored 4.48-a significant gap.
  • Seoul’s properties were often perceived as one level lower in quality compared to their Tokyo counterparts.


What Matters Most to Guests

Guest feedback focused on five main areas:

  • Hygiene: Cleanliness and sanitation standards
  • Price: Perceived value for money
  • Location: Proximity to attractions and transportation
  • Service: Staff friendliness and communication
  • Facilities: Room amenities and convenience



Sentiment Analysis: More Positives Needed for Seoul

  • Seoul’s reviews had a lower ratio of positive to negative comments compared to Tokyo.
  • The biggest gaps appeared in:
    • Facilities: Most urgent area for improvement, with more negative than positive feedback.
    • Service: Notable gap in satisfaction, especially around staff availability and communication.
    • Hygiene: Cleanliness issues were frequently mentioned, but also seen as a relatively easy fix.



Top Areas for Improvement

Facilities

  • Guests highlighted issues like small room sizes, inconvenient outlet locations, and maintenance problems (e.g., broken hairdryers, shared bathrooms).
  • Simple fixes-such as regular maintenance checks and better room design-can greatly enhance comfort.


Service

  • Communication barriers and lack of luggage storage were common complaints.
  • Providing clear instructions, multilingual support, and thoughtful services (like luggage storage) can boost satisfaction.


Hygiene

  • Cleanliness concerns included hair, stains, and odors.
  • Regular cleaning and attention to detail are essential, regardless of a property’s age.


Actionable Takeaways

  • Modernize and maintain facilities with the guest in mind.
  • Enhance staff training and provide multilingual support.
  • Commit to rigorous cleanliness standards.


For more detailed insights and practical recommendations, visit our official website. Discover how guest-centered improvements can elevate Seoul’s accommodation experience and drive long-term tourism growth!

Yanolja Research Brief Vol.4



We Want to Hear from You!

Have you stayed at a hotel or guesthouse in Seoul?

Share your own accommodation experiences in the comments below. Your stories can help fellow travelers and inspire positive changes!

Labels:
Location: Seoul, South Korea

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

📢Yanolja Research Giveaway🎉

📢Yanolja Research Giveaway🎉 We are Yanolja Research , Korea’s first private research institute dedicated to travel and tourism studies. We publish Insights (monthly) and the Quarterly Trends in Korea’s Lodging Industry , along with occasional Briefs and Research Reports . By following Yanolja Research on social media, you will be among the first to receive notice of new publications, as well as updates when summary posts or video features based on our reports are released. 📅 Event Period September 12, 2025 (Fri) – October 12, 2025 (Sun) KST 🏆 Winner Announcement Late October (winners will be notified individually) 📌 How to Join 1. Follow Yanolja Research across our social media channels  (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads, X, YouTube, Blogger). – The more channels you follow, the greater your chances of winning. 2. Post your quiz answer in the comments of the event post on each platform. 3. Complete the Google Form with the platforms you follow, your account ID, and the...
8 comments
Read more

[Yanolja Research Brief] Vol.5 Korea's Inbound and Outbound Tourism Performance in 2024

Korea’s Tourism Landscape in 2024: Key Highlights 2024 marked a dynamic year for Korea’s tourism industry, with both inbound and outbound travel showing strong signs of recovery. Explore the main trends shaping the sector and discover why now is a pivotal moment for Korea’s travel market. Inbound Tourism: Visitor Numbers Surge, Revenue Lags Visitor Recovery Nears Pre-Pandemic Levels Over 16.3 million foreign tourists visited Korea in 2024, reaching 93.5% of the 2019 record and rising 48.4% from the previous year. Asian travelers made up nearly 79% of all visitors, though full recovery from this region remains just out of reach. Diverse Growth Across Regions Arrivals from the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Oceania exceeded 2019 levels, while the Middle East saw a minor dip. Tourism Revenue Stagnates Despite the influx of visitors, tourism income reached only $16.45 billion-just 80% of the 2019 figure. Visitors are Flooding into Korea—But Where’s the Money? Outbound Travel: Koreans Travel...
Post a Comment
Read more

[Yanolja Research Q2 2025 Quarterly Trends in the Korea Lodging Industry] Luxury Hotels Down, Motels on the Rise?

Luxury Slips, Budget Stays Bounce Back According to Yanolja Research’s Q2 2025 Korea Lodging Industry Report, the domestic lodging market demonstrated a pronounced polarization. While the luxury segment recorded sharp declines , budget-friendly accommodations maintained resilience and even expanded their presence . So, what’s behind this contrast? Let’s take a closer look. Sharp Declines in Luxury Hotels and Resorts The luxury sector experienced significant contraction. In Q2 2025, five-star hotels reported a 23% decline in RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room) compared with Q2 2024, while resorts recorded a 19% drop. This downturn reflects two key dynamics: prolonged economic stagnation that has weakened consumer sentiment, and the resurgence of outbound travel , which has redirected demand away from domestic luxury accommodations. In other words, consumers who had previously spent on high-end domestic stays have shifted their spending overseas. Value Strikes Back: Motels and Pensions ...
Post a Comment
Read more