More Koreans to Skip Year-End Festivities

An increasing number of people plan to celebrate Christmas and New Year on their own, an online poll suggests.

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Employment portal Job Korea asked 3,004 people over 20 or over last month about their plan for year-end parties and found that 53.6 percent look forward to convivial festivities, down from last year's 59.8 percent. Some 25.6 percent said they have no plans yet, and a whopping 20.8 percent said they will not celebrate with anyone.

One salaried worker in his 40s said he used to attend six or seven year-end parties but has only three lined up this year. He admitted that one reason is new anti-bribery laws that cap gift-giving to influential people, so there are fewer occasions where get-togethers are necessary to grease the wheels.

Businesses are wise to the trend. Movie theater chain CGV has launched a Christmas package for singles that consists of a sole movie ticket, a bag of popcorn and a drink.

Hanwha Resort in Busan offers an exclusive singles package that includes a sauna ticket, breakfast buffet or cocktail while online shopping mall Auction plans special New Year's promotions targeting singles. "A customer survey shows that even families and couples want time to be alone", an Auction staffer said.