Rendering of The Plaza’s remodeling. Photo courtesy of Hanwha Hotels & Resorts
The Plaza in Seoul’s Sogong-dong district will suspend operations in September and begin a full renovation early next year, a roughly three-year project. Hanwha Hotels & Resorts aims to reduce the share of standard rooms while expanding high-end suites and business facilities, reinventing the property as a top-tier luxury hotel representing downtown Seoul.
Hanwha Hotels & Resorts said on the 19th that it will carry out the large-scale renovation to mark the 50th anniversary of The Plaza’s opening. The hotel will close on September 30, begin construction in early 2027 and target completion in 2029. It marks the first full overhaul since a 2010 renovation, 16 years ago.
The biggest change involves the guest rooms. The current lineup, centered on deluxe rooms, will be reworked to raise the share of high-end suites. Targeting demand from global executives and business travelers, the hotel will add workspaces within rooms and expand its club lounge to accommodate both meetings and rest.
The hotel will also strengthen its dining offerings. It plans to bring in overseas fine-dining restaurants, including Michelin-starred venues, and to broaden the hotel’s culinary content by linking them with existing dining facilities. It is also pursuing membership in The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), a global alliance of independent luxury hotels whose members include the Ritz Paris.
The hotel’s exterior will remain unchanged. Hanwha plans to preserve the identity of the building, which has shaped the landscape around Seoul Plaza and Deoksugung Palace since it opened in 1976, while completely redesigning the interior spaces and services.
Rendering of The Plaza’s rooftop garden. Photo courtesy of Hanwha Hotels & Resorts
The rooftop garden will be opened to the public, not just hotel guests. The company plans to install a dedicated elevator on the building’s exterior that runs directly to the rooftop and to open the rooftop garden to city residents. The rooftop will feature viewing areas and a rooftop cafe offering views of Seoul City Hall, Gwanghwamun, Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Deoksugung Palace area.
The renovation is part of Hanwha’s integrated development of the Sogong District 1, 2 and 3 areas. The project will redevelop District 1, where The Plaza sits; District 2, home to the Hanwha Building; and District 3, home to the Hanwha Finance Plaza.
Hanwha Group has recently been expanding a premiumization strategy across its hotel, resort and retail businesses. It is strengthening the offerings of ANTO, a premium resort near Bukhansan, while also pursuing the rebuilding of the Galleria luxury hall in Seoul’s Apgujeong area. The renovation of The Plaza extends this reshaping of its high-end businesses.