After Almost 20 Years, Park Hyatt Seoul Remains One Of Gangnam’s Best Places To Stay

16.05.2024 - 11:49 / forbes.com

On my twenty-plus trips to Seoul, I generally steered clear of Gangnam, the district south of the Han River immortalized by the South Korean rapper PSY’s 2012 smash hit “Gangnam Style.” Something, however, shifted in me while planning my recent spring jaunt. Gangbuk, the district north of the Han River—where I’d typically plant myself—started feeling a touch too familiar. Plus: how could I judge a place I hadn’t actually spent quality time in?

To that end, I decided to dedicate a couple of days (and nights) to the beating heart of Gangnam, Gangnam-gu. Despite having 185 hotels to choose from according to Tripadvisor, I set my sights on Park Hyatt Seoul. Because if there was a hotel that epitomized the famous neighborhood’s glamour, this was it.

Even before my taxi scooted up to the main entrance one balmy April night, the hotel’s facade caught my eyes. The first hospitality project taken on by the renowned Japanese design firm Super Potato, the glassy and boxy, yet understated building stood out against Gangnam’s neon-bright skyline.

I soon discovered this mindset of quiet luxury touches on every aspect of the hotel. The check-in process, which happens upon zipping up in an elevator to the 24th floor lobby decorated with original Korean art and granite, is efficient and gracious. After hopping off yet another elevator to my room—the setup is a bit confusing, but doesn’t take long to figure out—I was mesmerized by the corridors. Glossed over in most hotels, these channeled gallery vibes by honoring traditional Korean craftsmanship with wood lattice panels, bojagi-print carpeting, and artifacts displayed behind glass.

Since just ten accommodations are allocated per floor, they all feel more like private hideaways than conventional hotel rooms. Minimalist with golden wood, low-slung furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling windows—which offer natural light during the day, and awe-inspiring city views come night—their biggest draw might be the spa-like bathrooms, where you can luxuriate in a deep tub with Le Labo’s Bergamote 22 products high above Gangnam’s animated streets.

Since wellness is on the tip of everyone’s lips, the Park Club—accessible only by annual members and hotel guests—is outfitted with Technogym equipment, Ocelas Spa, sauna and steam room, and an infinity pool. The facilities are thoughtfully open from early morning to late evening, making it easy to slot in a workout or some well-deserved pampering when convenient. Another perk? The Park Club loans out complimentary activewear, so you don’t have to worry about doing laundry on the road.

With three refined concepts, eating and drinking well come easily at Park Hyatt Seoul. Billed as an Italian eatery, Cornerstone also presents one of the most