A city that epitomizes the modern metropolis on the ascend, catapulting to being a major player on the global stage due to the top electronics and automotive manufacturers that call it home, Seoul, South Korea is a study in success.
But while most international attendees probably associate the city’s success with its glamorous Gangnam District—a viral music video such as PSY’s Gangnam Style will do that, as would its standing of housing the city’s main convention center, the massive Coex—its northern neighbor Gangbuk (which roughly translates to “north of the river,” while Gangnam means “south of the river”) is enjoying some major meetings and hotel infrastructure coming on line.
“What I like about the additions is they represent a good mix to meet the varying needs of our ever-increasing visitors,” says Maureen O’Crowley, vice president of the Seoul Convention Bureau, stressing that the new hotels cater to a wide price range.
Following are three major additions that may just lure urban sophisticates north across the Han River, to the city’s traditional cultural heartland.
Four Points by Sheraton Seoul, Namsan
This May 1 opening marked the launch of the Four Points brand in South Korea. A familiar American midlevel brand, the Four Points by Sheraton offers a very central location a 10-minute walk from the main Seoul train station, and also offers reasonable pricing in a city that can command top-dollar room rates at some of its elite hotels. Its proximity to the main Seoul train station means that the property is only a little under 45 minutes from Incheon International Airport via the express train.
“It’s a well-known brand in a very central location near the Seoul train station, with moderate pricing,” O’Crowley says, adding that guests can also access the KTX high-speed train to all of the country’s major cities in the space of a few hours.
Highlights of the 342-room property include stunning city views from floors 20 through 30, a fitness center, an all-day restaurant, two small first-floor meeting spaces, a 1,500 square-foot seminar room on the 20th floor, and a business center. All of the rooms are equipped with high-speed Internet and feature a large work desk.
The Namsan District offers panoramic views of Seoul, with tourism highlights being the landmark N Seoul Tower, which at 775 feet is the highest point in the city, set on its iconic Mount Namsan; and Namsangol Hanok Village, a re-creation of a traditional Joseon-era village complete with a traditional Korean garden, a pavilion and dwellings ranging from royalty to commoners.
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Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
Set in a prime location in the Central Business District, this 25-story, 317-room upper-upscale property sits amongst the city’s major financial institutions, government offices, shopping areas and historic attractions.
“Despite its rapidly developing economy, supply of luxury hotels in Korea has been limited,” said Chris Hart, president of hotel operations, Asia Pacific at Four Seasons, in a statement announcing the project. “Recognizing the vast potential in this market, we have been exploring growth opportunities here for many years.”
Highlights of the property, scheduled to open in September, include seven high-concept restaurants and bars, a spa, a three-story fitness facility and eight function spaces, including an 8,000-square-foot grand ballroom and a 5,000-square-foot secondary ballroom.
The property also offers the services of a multilingual concierge team that can secure reservations and direct guests to the city’s top restaurants, attractions and shopping opportunities.
Restaurants include a marketplace experience, featuring cooking stations and a takeaway shop; an Italian restaurant and bar; a Chinese restaurant with eight private dining rooms and a tea bar; a Japanese concept restaurant; a speakeasy-style bar and cocktail lounge in partnership with Proof & Co.; a lobby bar; and a patisserie.
Its three-story fitness center offers traditional Korean saunas, three pools and seven treatment rooms, including two couple’s rooms and a spa suite.
KY Heritage Hotel
Opening June 24 with 215 rooms in the Dongdaemun district, the KY Heritage Hotel is situated near Dongdaemun’s shopping areas and is a one-minute walk from the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park subway station.
Highlights include a 24-hour business center, two conference rooms that can accommodate from 20 to 30 people, and a fitness center. All rooms feature free cable and Wi-Fi, and include an oversize desk. All-day dining is offered at Le Chef, and its Lounge & Bar is open in the evenings.
Known for its sprawling Dongdaemun Market, the Dongdaemun district offers both traditional markets and modern shopping centers, and is a must-see experience for visitors wanting to immerse themselves in an authentic Seoul street experience, teaming with locals and selling everything from silks and fabric to shoes, leather goods, electronics, toys and myriad Korean street food options.
