By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
There are quite a few top-class hotels in Seoul, a city with a population of 11 million, but building a resort inside one is another story.
Banyan Tree, one of the world’s most prestigious resort franchises, is opening an “urban resort” at the foot of Mt. Nam in the city center. The grand opening will take place sometime in May but facilities such as the clubhouse and restaurants will open in advance.
Lee Young-il, president of the Korean investor Urban Oasis and hotelier of more than three decades, said he will combine his expertise and know-how in running the Banyan Tree Club and Spa Seoul. After a career at Hotel Shilla and Paradise Hotel Busan, Lee transferred to Urban Oasis in 2008 to become the “opening member” of the resort club.
He admitted that his current position is a new challenge, even for a veteran like him.
“The construction continued to be delayed. Rumors had it that we were to open in May last year, then December, then March and then May. ... There were rumors about our financial status and we had to calm the members and subcontractors. I also had to discuss with the general manager about a tons of thing from the slightest details. It was pretty stressful,” he said.
Unlike other Banyan Tree resorts, the one in Seoul will be operated with exclusive memberships ― sold at around 120 million won each.
Ordinary guests will have access to restaurants and 50 hotel rooms, but the spa, small golf course with a former PGA player providing tips, football class with former Korean squad captain Hong Myung-bo offering his insights and many other Banyan Tree signature services will be for members only.
“The Kid Zone has English teachers and childcare experts to take care of the
children while their mothers visit the spa and cafes, and their fathers play golf and sip a glass of wine,” he said.
According to Urban Oasis, top socialites and celebrities as well as business tycoons are among the members. Lee, who has much experience in dealing with domestic and international figures, said he was stunned to see the list.
This unique operation of Urban Oasis has drawn keen attention from the Banyan Tree headquarters, which has been seeking new business models for large cities, aside from sunny and tropical leisure towns. “I joked that they should be the one paying us royalties for this idea. They are planning to adopt the model in China and Japan,” he said.
“I sense that more people will be rushing off to see us and learn from us.”