Hotels in Korea Balance Robots for Routine Tasks and Humans for Hospitality
Creatrip Team
21 days ago
South Korean hotels are adopting digital tools like robots, AI, and kiosks at varying levels—some automate check-in and deliveries, while others keep face-to-face service as a core offering. Chains such as Lotte and Hanwha are deploying delivery and support robots for linen, dishes, and room item requests to reduce staff workload; global data shows hospitality robots are growing and many travelers prefer contactless check-in. Luxury properties like Four Seasons Seoul and The Shilla (조선호텔) prioritize human interaction and avoid guest-facing robots, keeping personalized services such as butlers in-person. Many hotels draw a clear line: standardized, repetitive tasks (e.g., delivering bottled water or towels) can be automated, while identity-defining hospitality and handling guest preferences or unexpected situations remain human responsibilities. Experts advise defining roles for technology and staff to enhance guest experience, warning that replacing people solely to cut costs may backfire. (towel = 수건)
