Josun Palace to add dining, spa and lounge facilities

Westin Josun Seoul, Busan to undergo facility renewals

An exterior view of the Westin Josun Seoul [Josun Hotels & Resorts]
An exterior view of the Westin Josun Seoul [Josun Hotels & Resorts]

Josun Hotels & Resorts announced Monday that it will open new hotels in Jongno-gu and Yeosu next year as part of a broader portfolio expansion. The company plans to build a network of 14 hotels by 2030, with Cheongna and Andong among its key bases.

Marking its 112th anniversary, the company has moved to accelerate the opening of new hotels under management contracts. In the first half of next year, it will add its 10th and 11th properties in Jongno-gu, Seoul, and Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, respectively, by rebranding existing hotel properties.

To support the expansion, Josun Hotels & Resorts formed a consortium with Shinsegae Property Investment Management to pursue asset acquisition and development. Through a project real estate investment trust structure, the company separated asset ownership from operations to stabilize its business model.

The new Seoul property in Jongno will take over from the 232-room, four-star Orakai Daehangno Hotel. Its location near major tourism and cultural landmarks — including Insadong, Gwanghwamun Square and Bukchon Hanok Village — makes it well-suited to capture tourist demand.

In Yeosu, the company has completed preparations to rebrand the 427-room Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Yeosu Hotel following its acquisition. The move marks Josun Hotels & Resorts' first entry into the Honam region.

Beyond opening new hotels, the company plans to sharpen its competitive edge through investment in its existing flagship properties. It will upgrade key facilities — including guest rooms, dining, wellness, wedding and banquet spaces — at its five-star hotels: Josun Palace and the Westin Josun Seoul and Busan.

At Josun Palace in Gangnam, Seoul, the company has established a dedicated "Guest Experience" team to serve the foreign guests who account for more than 80 percent of its clientele. In the first half of next year, it will convert part of the hotel to create 1,254 square meters of new amenity space, adding a spa, a high-end Japanese restaurant and a business lounge.

The Westin Josun Seoul has unveiled a newly renovated suite category, the 90-square-meter Premium Executive Suite. To appeal to international guests, the hotel has also enhanced its experiential offerings, including cocktail recipe content featuring premium Korean spirits and teas.

The Westin Josun Busan completed a roughly three-year renovation of its Grand Ballroom wedding and banquet venue. The ballroom's ceiling height was raised to accommodate up to 500 guests, and its eave-line details and blue-tile aesthetics were reinterpreted in a contemporary style. A new circulation path connecting the Grand Ballroom to the outdoor wedding space was also added.

"2027 will be a turning point as we move into a new phase of growth," said Choi Hoon-hak, chief executive of Josun Hotels & Resorts. "We will strengthen the customer experience at our key hotels to raise our competitiveness."

An exterior view of the entrance to Josun Palace Seoul Gangnam [Josun Hotels & Resorts]
An exterior view of the entrance to Josun Palace Seoul Gangnam [Josun Hotels & Resorts]

spa@heraldcorp.com