 The main lobby of the State Room, a brand-new club, aims to meet the demand for a discreet, business-purpose meeting place. / Korea Times file |
By Kwaak Je-yup
Until now, membership-only clubs in Seoul have been family-oriented. Now a new establishment wants to change that, looking to pioneer a “business social membership club” in the city.
The State Room, located at the State Tower in Hoehyeon-dong and billed as Seoul’s first gentlemen’s club for business purposes, is now accepting membership applications. It aims to attract foreign and domestic business guests seeking a discreet, separate space for business meetings.
Its strategic and convenient location between Mt. Namsan Tunnel no. 3 and the downtown business district, across the street from the Shinsegae Main Store and adjacent to Myeong-dong, is its strongest asset.
Previously private social clubs for high society were limited at best, geared towards family activities. Seoul Club on Mt. Nam, founded in 1904 for expatriates by Emperor Gojong (1863-1907), last monarch of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1897), was practically the only setting for such purposes for more than a century. The 2010 entrant to the market, Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul, located a stone’s throw away from Seoul Club, has had mixed results, though it managed to sign up the city’s glitterati.
The list of services pushes the existing standard: the State Room offers private dining, a library, suit and shirt services, spa, a barbershop and even suites for members’ clients. Every piece of furniture was carefully selected, juxtaposing plush antique sofas reminiscent of those found in 19th-century English country houses with contemporary art works and interior design.
But the organizers say they can promise more. Through a partnership with the nearby five-star Chosun Hotel, the oldest in the country, the State Room guarantees the highest level of service, borrowing their concierge, butlers and chefs, among other employees. Further benefits at the hotel, like a 50 percent discount for accommodation, also apply. It also hopes to foster corporate social responsibility in members’ companies, cooperating with social service organizations.
Similar to Seoul Club, the State Room intends to enforce a certain foreign-domestic ratio, the exact details of which have yet to be released. In maintaining strict standards, membership is not tradable; one is only permitted to sell it back to the club so that the board can maintain a strict control over those belonging to the club.
This should not be a hindrance however, as the organizers behind this new downtown gentlemen’s club believe that the pie is big enough. The State Room will leave the family-oriented club to its competitors and instead excel solely at catering to the businessmen.
Due to open officially in the second half of the year, the club was previewed to much fanfare at the lavish State Tower opening on July 14.
Call 02-6020-5555 for more information.
