Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has been appointed by Eleven D&C, one of Korea’s leading real estate developers, to manage Rosewood Seoul, a new-build ultra-luxury hotel in South Korea set to open in 2027.

Situated beside Yongsan Park in the heart of the city, the global hospitality brand’s flagship South Korean hotel will satisfy the needs of urban wellness enthusiasts with its 4,500sq m Asaya spa.

Asaya is Rosewood’s signature wellness concept focused on the intersections between physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. The Asaya brand was originally launched at Rosewood Phuket, Asaya and is founded on five pillars – Emotional Balance, Fitness and Nutrition, Physical Therapies, Skin Health and Community.

Rosewood says this upcoming expression of Asaya will be designed to incorporate offerings that speak to Korea’s cutting-edge approach and commitment to health and beauty.

The spa will have multiple treatment rooms, hydrotherapy and relaxation areas, an indoor pool, luxury locker rooms and saunas, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness centre and an indoor golfing facility.

Although K-Pop and K-Beauty have hit the mainstream, much of Korean culture is still under-represented, including Korean wellness, says native Leekyung Han who specialises in hospitality real estate and development projects.

Check out the most recent issue of Spa Business to hear more about why Korea has so much potential to take off as an exciting new destination for spas and wellness facilities.

Urban hospitality

The new Rosewood hotel will exist within The Parkside Seoul, a significant development occupying the former site of the United Nations Command.

Akin to Central Park in New York or Hyde Park in London, the hotel’s neighbouring Yongsan Park will serve as a new hub that stretches from the banks of the Han River to the foot of Namsan Mountain and includes noteworthy attractions such as the National Museum of Korea.

Led by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates – a prestigious American architecture firm that has guided several of Rosewood’s most prolific projects across Asia – Rosewood Seoul’s design will channel Rosewood’s guiding A Sense of Place philosophy.

This principle ensures that each property’s destination serves to inform the entirety of the guest experience. Inspired by Seoul’s famed architecture, known for its futuristic lines and eye-catching facades, the new hotel will blend seamlessly into the sleek and contemporary skyline of the city. Designed by interior design firm Space Copenhagen, Rosewood Seoul will feature approximately 250 rooms and suites, making it one of the largest hotels in the city.

The urban property will boast a selection of amenities curated to welcome both guests and locals, including seven restaurants, multi-purpose event space and Rosewood Explorers, the brand’s culturally inspired kids club concept.