Sheraton Jeju Hotel has held its official opening ceremony and begun full operations on the island.
The hotel hosted its grand opening ceremony Monday, drawing about 200 guests that included Jung Gap-yoon, chairman of the Korea Teachers' Credit Union, along with Marriott International representatives, local dignitaries and tourism industry officials.
The event began with a hotel tour for key attendees, followed by the opening ceremony, a dinner and an after-party. Guests explored the hotel's main facilities — including guest rooms, a 100-meter infinity pool and a club lounge — to experience the spaces and services of the newly opened property.
"I sincerely congratulate Sheraton Jeju Hotel on its opening as it embarks on a fresh start after a full renovation since its original launch in 2003," Jung said. "I hope Sheraton Jeju Hotel will grow into a space that moves its customers and earns the trust of the local community, creating new value together with the Korea Teachers' Credit Union."
The opening also draws attention as a rebranding case that combines more than two decades of hotel operating experience with a global brand. The property originally opened in 2003 as Ramada Plaza Jeju and operated for 21 years before closing. Starting in January 2025, it underwent a full renovation over roughly a year and eight months before relaunching under Marriott International's Sheraton brand.
Particularly notable is the hotel's location in Tapdong, Jeju, which offers easy access to Jeju International Airport, Jeju Port and the city center. That positioning allows it to attract not only leisure travelers but also business, banquet and MICE — meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions — demand. Whether the hotel can carve out a market position as an urban premium property, distinct from the resort-style luxury hotels that dominate the island, will be a key test.
Sheraton Jeju features 402 guest rooms in total, along with the 100-meter infinity pool and a club lounge. It is the first Marriott International-affiliated brand hotel to open in Jeju.
The hotel plans to use the grand opening as a springboard to ramp up services targeting both domestic and international tourists, with the goal of establishing itself as a global hotel representing Jeju.
realbighead@heraldcorp.com
