Park Hyatt Seoul Turns 20, Yet Remains Timeless As Ever

Luxury never screams at Park Hyatt Seoul. It only whispers.

It’s been 20 years since Park Hyatt Seoul made its debut as the second Park Hyatt property in Asia. In a country so lauded for its advancements in eternal beauty, perhaps it’s only natural that the hotel, too, has found its own way to defy the test of time. This is a property that will remain freshly captivating even in decades to come, and the key to its enduring appeal lies in more than just its design.

Situated in Gangnam—Seoul’s beacon of luxury—the hotel stands out for its 24-storey glass tower that glistens amidst the cityscape. Upon arrival at Incheon Airport, you may opt for the hotel’s private limousines or take advantage of the hotel’s exclusive air taxi services for the utmost discretion.   

The views from the hotel as the sun sets.

At Park Hyatt Seoul, a butler is on hand to guide you to the 24th-floor sky lobby—a floating haven that buffers the city’s pulse below without compromising its panoramic view. Here, you will not find gilded chandeliers or grand palatial entrances. Despite the property’s striking façade, its interiors give way to a quieter form of luxury. Under the direction of Super Potato, a Japanese design studio, elemental materials, such as stone, wood, and water, are utilised to cultivate a calming, Zen-like retreat.

The Lounge of Park Hyatt Seoul is located on the highest floor of the property.

The air taxi arrival is merely a glimpse of the hotel’s meticulously orchestrated privacy. Each floor is limited to a maximum of only 10 rooms, an experience so intimate you may rarely encounter another guest. The rooms are spacious, with open-plan layouts that feel like a private residence rather than a hotel suite. Oak details and soft ambient lighting provide a soothing atmosphere, while floor-to-ceiling windows blur the line between the peaceful sanctuary and the vibrant cityscape beyond. Take in the beautiful view from the comfort of your stone-clad bathroom, complete with Park Hyatt’s signature Le Labo amenities and a deep bathing tub for a meditative soak. For an alternative view, the onsen-inspired space also comes with a built-in television.

Just last year, the Presidential and Diplomatic Suites underwent a fresh renovation, blending Park Hyatt Seoul’s timeless design with subtle touches that embrace its traditional cultural heritage, like the lattice-patterned sliding doors that draw inspiration from hanok architecture. Enhancements were made to even the smallest detail. The installation of steam showers and natural granite bathtubs, for example, offers guests a deeply restorative experience, while Bang & Olufsen speakers and Dyson hairdryers add an extra layer of luxury to the room’s features. The perfect final detail is a dedicated wine cellar, offering a wide selection for guests to savour at any moment.

For the ultimate relaxation, make your escape to the Park Club on the 23rd floor, which features a pool, fitness centre, spa, and sauna. When you’re in Gangnam—a district known for its beauty services—expect the spa treatments here to offer beyond simple body massages. Facial care, such as the Rose Brightening Facial, is the ideal recovery from jet lag, or indulge in a traditional South Korean body scrub, a centuries-old ritual that stimulates circulation and restores the skin’s radiance.

An indoor pool that overlooks the city.

In the morning, Cornerstone—the hotel’s flagship restaurant—serves a variation of international offerings and South Korean specialties for guests to enjoy before transforming into an Italian restaurant by night. In celebration of Park Hyatt Seoul’s 20th anniversary, Cornerstone welcomed chef Guido Paternello, executive chef of Park Hyatt Milan, to deliver the finest flavours of Italy to Seoul. The six-course menu drew inspiration from classic Italian recipes and is elevated with chef Paternello’s signature Mediterranean flair. The star of the night was the beef carpaccio, a reinterpretation of the traditional Milanese beef tartare, topped with 30-month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano for a punch of umami.

Just nearby the Park Hyatt Seoul is the Hyundai Department Store and Starfield COEX Mall, where the iconic Starfield Library stands. After a day well spent there, return to The Lounge for a delectable afternoon tea infused with South Korean influences. Teas harvested from South Korea’s landscapes are served with dagwa—artisanal tea snacks such as dasik (pressed cookies) and yakgwa (deep-fried honey cookies) offer a glimpse into South Korea’s tea ceremonies.

Skip the busy bars downtown and cap off the night at Timber House, a speakeasy beneath the hotel. As you descend underground, the mood changes. Dim lighting and vinyl records set the mood by the entrance. Inside, mixology meets live music. Calling the Timber House a bar would be an understatement, because it offers much more, serving Japanese bites and even a full sushi omakase course, with fresh seasonal catches daily to complement the evening’s libations.

Although Seoul has an abundance of hidden gems, at the Park Hyatt Seoul, some of the city’s best-kept secrets are found exactly where you stay.

Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

The Park Hyatt experience will soon debut in Malaysia, with the opening of Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur. Although each Park Hyatt is unique, guests will find a similar sky lobby experience as the hotel is located in Merdeka 118—the second-tallest building in the world. The views are magnificent from every corner of the hotel.

Wellness is quite literally taken to new heights here. At level 99, guests can unwind in a vitality pool, steam room, halotherapy, and pamper themselves at the only spa in Southeast Asia to offer circadian treatments. Apart from its wellness offerings, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur also boasts a range of exciting dining options. Among its biggest highlights is Cacao—a bar with a chocolate-inspired theme. With a vision to shift the culinary scene in Malaysia, the hotel will introduce expanded plant-based dishes and sustainably sourced seafood on its menus.

Bookings for the Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur are now available via their website.

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