As a K-pop fan, it can be a struggle to maintain a good budget by hallyu standards. There's so many things to consider: albums, official merchandise (i.e. photocards), concerts in the Philippines—or fulfilling the dream of attending concerts and music shows held in our biases' home country, South Korea. But if there's a will, there's a way.
No, we're not talking about selling your organs on the black market. Booking.com, one of the largest online travel agencies, will soon offer the "Ultimate K-Pop Experience in Seoul." Priced at U.S. $25.07 (roughly P1,392), this bundle includes the stuff of any K-pop fan's dream.
Here's what you need to know about this South Korea tour package by Booking.com:
Booking.com's "Ultimate K-Pop Experience in Seoul" includes a flight for two to Seoul, local transportation, and a two-night stay at HYRSE—a trendy lifestyle hotel in the vibrant neighborhood of Hongdae. The accommodation inclusion is like no other as it's actually a two-night stay at the exclusive Executive Producer Suite. This Y2K-style room has a disco stage for dancing and karaoke-ing, and a colorful kitchen filled with Korean snacks and an instant ramen cooker.
This is where it gets interesting, K-pop fans. This package also includes front-row tickets and "VIP treatment" at M COUNTDOWN, which we're sure you know is where idols with recent comebacks perform live their new song. The package also covers a head-to-toe K-pop makeover at the hotel room's suite. This makeover will be done by professional hair and make-up artists who have previously worked with K-pop idols like IU, Lee Seung Gi, and members of Girls' Generation and Kep1er. And to make sure that you have keepsakes to take home, there will be a photoshoot for your photobook souvenir.
Booking.com's "Ultimate K-Pop Experience in Seoul" also includes a private dance lesson to really let you experience the idol life. YN Company will lead the dance lesson and they'll teach you the trendy K-pop choreographies. Fingers crossed it's the choreography of your ults!
If you're a DANITY (a fan of Kang Daniel) the "Ultimate K-Pop Experience" is actually a celebration of the artist's solo debut which happened four years ago, on July 25, 2019. As part of the package, you also get exclusive merchandise and fan treatment during your two-day stay.
How to secure Booking.com's "Ultimate K-pop Experience in Seoul":
The Ultimate K-Pop Experience in Seoul costs 33,000 won or P1,405. The travel dates for this Booking.com-exclusive package are from August 31 to September 2, 2023.
Ultimate K-Pop Experience in Seoul will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis via Booking.com on August 7, 10 a.m. (KST) or August 7, 9 a.m. (Philippine Standard time). So better manifest hard to secure a slot!
A few reminders and fine print, according to Booking.com:
- Guests staying must behave in a polite, appropriate, and respectful manner during their stay and cooperate with all the staff present on the premises for their own security. In the event a guest engages in behavior that (as determined by Booking.com or any other provider in its or their sole and absolute discretion) is inappropriate, threatening, illegal or that is intended to abuse, threaten or harass any other person, Booking.com reserves the right to terminate the experience early.
- Guests must be 18 years of age or older to check in and stay at the Ultimate K-pop Suite.
- Guests must show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in as well as their Booking.com confirmation email. The name on the ID must match the name used to make the booking.
- Guests are responsible for any and all travel documents required to enter South Korea.
- The Ultimate K-pop Suite accommodates two guests. Additional guests are not permitted, and any found present beyond the two guests will be asked to leave by security.
- The Ultimate K-pop Suite experience is a one-time promotion and will only be available for a limited amount of time on a first-come, first-served basis.
- KANGDANIEL will not be present during the Ultimate K-pop Suite experience.
- The itinerary for the Ultimate K-pop Suite experience on Booking.com is subject to changes at the discretion of Booking.com should any unforeseen circumstances arise.
- Items at the Ultimate K-pop Suite are not allowed to be taken away / taken home.
- Guests are liable for any damage caused during their stay and will be charged for damages.
- Booking.com assumes no responsibility or liability for lost, damaged, or stolen personal belongings.
- All accommodations and activities included in the Ultimate K-pop Suite experience on Booking.com are non-smoking.
- Guests are not allowed to bring alcohol or drugs to the premises. Anyone found violating the rules will be immediately asked to leave the premises.
- The Ultimate K-pop Suite experience on Booking.com is non-transferable, non-extendable, and non-exchangeable.
- Guests must keep noise to a minimum.
- Food and drinks supplied by Booking.com may contain gluten, dairy, and nuts.
- Guests are free to leave the premises to enjoy any other food, drinks, or activities.
- Booking.com cannot be held responsible if the facilities do not meet the guests' expectations.
- Transportation to and from the Ultimate K-pop Suite and itinerary activities will be provided. If you are traveling from outside of Seoul, Booking.com will contact you directly to coordinate flights. If you are traveling within Seoul, Booking.com will contact you to coordinate car service.
- Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
- A Booking.com representative will be available 24/7 for any issues or questions you may have.
- Bookers cannot be affiliated / employees of Booking.com.
- No pets, hen, or stag parties.
- All property rules must be agreed to and adhered to in the entirety of the promotional stay.
