Hanwha has selected the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group as its hotel operating partner for the redevelopment project in the northern area of Seoul Station, which commenced construction in December last year.
Hanwha announced on the 4th that it signed a hotel operating contract with the Mandarin Oriental Group for the redevelopment project in the northern area of Seoul Station on the 3rd. Hanwha plans to open 'Mandarin Oriental Seoul,' consisting of 128 guest rooms and suites, by 2030.
The new hotel in the northern area of Seoul Station will offer a serene and cozy atmosphere, reminiscent of a private club, while providing excellent consolidation. The interior design is being handled by world-renowned architect André Fu.
The upper levels of the hotel will feature international dining and Korean and Chinese restaurants where guests can enjoy the culinary experiences of Mandarin Oriental while taking in views of downtown Seoul. A spa and wellness area across four floors will present unique experiences inspired by traditional Korean culture. Various amenities, including a swimming pool, fitness center, golf academy, exclusive outdoor terrace, and multipurpose banquet and meeting facilities, will also be established.
Mandarin Oriental operates 44 hotels and 12 residences worldwide, including locations in Hong Kong, Bangkok, New York, and Paris. This marks its first entry into the Korean market. Mandarin Oriental is said to have valued the geographical and cultural symbolism and future potential of Seoul Station, allowing for the introduction of its brand in Korea.
A representative from Hanwha's Seoul Station northern development SPC said, "The redevelopment of the northern area of Seoul Station is a landmark project that will enhance Seoul's urban competitiveness and brand value, changing the future of the city," and noted, "Collaboration with Mandarin Oriental will provide an opportunity to offer new experiences in the luxury hospitality sector."
Laurent Kleitman, CEO of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, said, "We are proud to enter Seoul, a dynamic cultural and economic hub," adding, "Mandarin Oriental will provide the services and designs that customers expect."
The redevelopment of the northern area of Seoul Station is an urban innovation project that goes beyond mere site development, reshaping the structure and function of downtown Seoul. It will be developed into five buildings with a total floor area of 340,000 square meters, spanning approximately 30,000 square meters in the Bongnae-dong 2 area of Jung-gu, with 6 basement levels and 39 above ground.
Seoul Station, a prominent transportation hub and historical symbol, will be reconfigured as the center of a new urban axis through this development, linking areas that had been severed by rail, such as Seosomun Park, Namsan, Namdaemun, and the City Hall area.
A world-class business and lifestyle complex will be realized, combining cutting-edge offices, high-end hotels, various conference facilities, trendy retail, and cultural arts spaces.