At 9 a.m. on May 10, a light green banner reading "Path to SK Telecom Forest Retreat" caught the eye along the road lined with trees at Hyangsusan in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. This sign pointed the way to the Forest Camp at Everland, which is typically closed to the public. Families, pulling luggage and holding their children's hands, walked with light steps as SK Telecom (SKT) opened its doors for the 'T Long-Term Customer Forest Retreat Day' for customers who have been with the company for over a decade.
The Forest Camp spans approximately 90,000 square meters (about 22 acres) in the Hyangsusan area of Yongin and is not usually accessible to the general public. SKT has partnered exclusively with Everland to grant long-term customers a full day at this expansive space. Participants enjoyed the area as if they had rented it out, with around 50 families attending without feeling crowded.
The weather was perfect for an outdoor event, with clear skies and a refreshing breeze. Upon entering, participants chose their spots on the grassy area set up with tents and umbrellas.
SKT provided coffee, various beverages, and snacks at the entrance, along with bubble-making tools for families with young children. Equipment for family activities, such as books and board games, was available for rent on-site, and activities like glider-making and frisbee-throwing captured the children's attention. Even those who arrived empty-handed found everything they needed at the event.
Children ran around on the grass, launching gliders into the air. The red foam gliders, emblazoned with the SK Telecom logo, soared against the blue sky. Parents laughed along with their children as they cheered. One participant remarked, "My child is busy playing with bubbles, throwing frisbees, and flying gliders without a moment's rest," smiling as they spoke.
At 10 a.m., the main forest retreat program began, divided into sessions for children and adults. Although participation was voluntary, nearly all attendees joined in. The morning session quickly filled up, and the reporter signed up for the 1 p.m. session.
Lunch consisted of a bento box filled with bulgogi, shrimp, fruits, and a variety of side dishes, providing ample portions. After the meal, participants followed a guide into the woods.
This area has been part of the land since the days of the former natural farm that preceded Everland. As they walked along paths lined with pine and oak trees, the guide explained the names and origins of the plants they encountered. The stories behind the plants made the hour-long walk engaging and enjoyable, and participants felt a sense of rejuvenation as they strolled through the dappled sunlight of the forest.
Stopping briefly in a clearing, participants picked up bamboo poles as instructed by the guide. They engaged in stretching exercises and simple cooperative games using the poles. The sight of everyone forming a circle to raise the bamboo poles together created a picturesque moment filled with laughter.
After the forest retreat walk, families returned to the grassy area for recreational activities. The host led light-hearted games, including quizzes with prizes for winners.
During a segment introducing the longest-tenured SKT customer, a woman who has been with the company for 29 years took the spotlight. When sharing her story, one participant took the microphone to express a desire to reconnect with her father, who had called to congratulate her on passing the police exam 15 years ago. This heartfelt moment brought tears to many eyes. The recreation session concluded after activities like children's dance time and an adult breath-holding game, lasting just over an hour.
Following the recreation, participants were given free time until the 4 p.m. departure. Many lounged on blankets, reading books or enjoying one last glider flight with their children. Satisfaction was evident on their faces.
One female customer attending with her husband and child said, "This is my first time attending, and I am very pleased and satisfied. I truly feel treated as a customer, and I am very grateful for this wonderful venue."
Now in its third year, the forest retreat operates in both spring and fall each year. This spring season, from May 3 to 18, a total of 1,800 participants were invited across six sessions. The competition rate soared from 130 to 1 in the first year to 636 to 1 this year. Everyone who attended expressed satisfaction with the experience.
SKT plans to expand its offerings for long-term customers, starting with the forest retreat, followed by gourmet events, amusement park invitations, and musical performances. The strategy aims to reward customers who have been with the company for a decade with experiences rather than discounts.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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