Review / We review The Shilla hotel in Seoul, where Korean celebrities like the Song-Song couple go to get married
Named after one of Korea’s three ancient kingdoms, The Shilla became Seoul’s first luxury hotel when it opened in 1973, and it has maintained its premier position.
Named after one of Korea’s three ancient kingdoms, The Shilla became Seoul’s first luxury hotel when it opened in 1973, and it has maintained its premier position
Situated next to Jangchungdan Park behind the old city walls, the hotel has hosted weddings for some of Korea’s biggest stars: Moon Hee-Jun, Jun Ji-hyun, Jeon Do-yeon, Jang Dong-gun and Ko So-young.
While The Shilla has been the go-to destination for movie stars, titans of industry and statesmen for over 40 years, renowned hospitality designer Peter Remedios of Remedios Studio spearheaded a seven-month redesign in 2013 that resulted in a refreshed icon that towers over the other hotels in Seoul.
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On arrival in the hotel’s main lobby, I was greeted by an eye-popping crystal chandelier that runs the length of the sleek lobby’s vaulted ceiling. From there, Remedios has blended Korean tradition with contemporary internationalism for interiors that balance function with luxury, and modern amenities and technology with comfort.
Blond woods, creamy taupes, sliding rice paper screens and understated neutral wall coverings bring a coherent look to the 464 Western and Korean rooms and suites. The exceptions are the two-bedroom classical (plush carpeting, crystal chandeliers, Rococo furnishings) or contemporary French-style presidential suites.
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Rich dark woods, oversized leather seating and a central fireplace bring warmth to The Library, which offers guests everything from a range of fine whiskies and traditional high tea, and the Michelin-starred fine dining includes Chinese (Palsun), Japanese (Ariakee), French (Continental) and Korean (La Yeon).
From the 23rd storey Executive Lounge, Namsan and Seoul presented a breathtaking panoramic view from within a space designed to feel like a series of interconnected living rooms or relaxing salons.
Twenty floors down is the Guerlain spa, and the signature Urban Island swimming complex. Individuals, friends and families can while away entire days, pampering themselves with poolside bars, bistros and entertainment in the perfectly maintained 28 degrees temperature – throughout the year.
It is this impeccably designed hardware that attracts the glitterati. In addition to sophisticated rooms, top-flight dining and European spa services, it’s the service levels and commitment to privacy that made it famous; movie star weddings are common because of this and the hotel’s elegant one-stop convenience.
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The main building features the Dynasty Hall banquet facilities (and three smaller rooms), which can accommodate 700 guests for weddings and a creative wedding design crew able to fulfil requests ranging from understated simplicity to outré lavishness. Back in The Library, the Lounge’s five private VIP rooms are the perfect spot for tucked away meetings – or intimate nuptial celebrations. Among the Urban Island’s amenities are private, and romantic, couples cabanas ideal for newlyweds.
But the hotel is perhaps best known for its indoor and outdoor Joseon-era hanok, the Yeong Bin Gwan meeting space, which mixes Korean heritage with modernism in the independent outbuilding. The hanok’s two gardens and three banquet rooms provide the kind of unforgettable environment that all couples hope to find for their wedding day.
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Seoul’s first luxury hotel has been the go-to destination for movie stars, titans of industry and statesmen for over 40 years