By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter
The Westin Chosun Seoul has upgraded its lower lobby and opened three new restaurants following a large-scale renovation, adding modernity to the hotel with a history of almost 100 years.
``We have tried to keep our traditional image and at the same time add modernity to the hotel through the massive renovation,'' said Jese Kim, executive assistant manager of food and beverages at the hotel.
The Westin Chosun Seoul opened in 1914 as the first Western-style hotel in the country and has since maintained its position as a market leader. But Kim said the renovation was a necessary move to win the fierce competition with other hotels.
The renovation was one of its largest scale projects, costing about 10 billion won over a five year preparatory period and four months of actual construction. Two internationally renowned designers, Adam Tihany and Babey Moulton, led the massive transformation with the basic concept of mixing the old with the new.
The result seems quite satisfying. They have stylish new restaurants ― the Chinese restaurant Hong Yuan, the buffet restaurant Aria and the European restaurant and bakery Vecchia e Nuovo.
The hotel has another Chinese restaurant, Ho Kyung Jeon, on the 20th floor, which offers guests a great city view as well as quality cuisine. But Kim said Hong Yuan has launched a totally different concept from Ho Kyung Jeon.
The main characteristic of Hong Yuan lies in its emphasis on a more intimate dining setting with 11 different private rooms suitable for various gatherings. The 216-seat Chinese restaurant's vivid red colors under soft lightening and traditional Chinese images matches well with the basic concept.
``In terms of cuisine, Hong Yuan specializes in Cantonese using fresh ingredients for seafood delicacies while Ho Kyung Jeon featured dishes from Beijing focusing on meats,'' Kim said. ``So it's not just a mere change of venue and decoration but is actually a new restaurant.''
Another new restaurant, Aria, features an interesting and original dining concept, dissimilar to other buffet restaurants. With 214 seats, it has open kitchens at 10 different food stations allowing guests to have fresh dishes made on the spot. Guests can enjoy some 200 dishes including grills, fresh sashimi, Chinese cuisine, Korean cuisine, roasts, pasta, stone baked pizzas, and curry dishes. In terms of interior, the restaurant emphasizes simplicity through its white marble and gray kitchenware in a modern and spacious venue.
Located in the open space off the lobby between Hong Yuan and Aria, Vecchia e Nuovo is a 38 seat modern European restaurant, which offers classic seasonal cuisine along with a range of exquisite home style sandwiches, fresh salads, pastries and homemade breads.
For more information, call (02) 771-0500.