Can we expense glamping tents and decks in full right away, like regular camping gear?
Glamping tents, decks, and site-construction costs tend to be a sizeable upfront investment, so once the per-unit purchase exceeds KRW 1 million, it's more stable to classify it as a depreciable asset and expense it over its useful life. Even if you take deposits months ahead of peak season, revenue must be recognized at the time the camping or glamping stay actually takes place, and campsite operators should also confirm the campsite-business registration procedure under the Tourism Promotion Act ahead of time.
The Trickiest Part — Site Facility Depreciation and Peak-Season Deposits
You'll want to plan ahead for the tax issues specific to outdoor facilities and a strongly seasonal revenue structure
Manage Glamping Tents and Decks as Depreciable Assets
Glamping tents, decks, and site-construction costs represent a sizeable upfront investment, so it's more stable for tax purposes to expense them over their useful life rather than in full in the year of purchase.
Recognize Peak-Season Deposits at the Time of Actual Use
It's common to take deposits months ahead of peak season, but as a rule, revenue must be recognized at the time the camping or glamping stay actually takes place.
Income Structure Features of Camping & Glamping Sites
Key Expense Items
Must-Know for Camping & Glamping Sites
Split Site Facilities & Deposit Revenue by Category to Save on Taxes
From glamping tents to booking-platform fees, categorizing each item correctly is what cuts unnecessary tax
Long-Term Fixed Assets — Facilities Subject to Depreciation
Glamping facilities: glamping tents, decks
Site facilities: electrical/water hookups, barbecue areas
Once a per-unit purchase exceeds KRW 1 million, it's classified as a depreciable asset and must be expensed over its useful life.
Consumables — Immediate Expense
Cookware, bedding, butane gas canisters, and similar items are expensed in full at the time of purchase.
Personal-Service Costs — Cleaning & Maintenance Labor
Cleaning and maintenance staff require withholding-tax filing and submission of a payment statement regardless of hours worked.
Booking-Platform Fees
Camping booking-platform intermediary fees are a recurring monthly cost; record the full usage fee as revenue and the fee as a separate expense.
| Category | Typical Examples | Tax Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term fixed assets | Glamping tents/decks, electrical/water hookups | Depreciated once over KRW 1M |
| Consumables | Cookware, bedding, butane gas | Fully expensed immediately at purchase |
| Personal service | Cleaning/maintenance labor costs | Withholding filed, payment statement submitted |
| Booking platform | Camping booking-platform fees | Expensed immediately, total revenue recorded |