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Daemyung's Park Hotel opens doors

A deluxe room of the Park Hotel / Courtesy of Daemyung Leisure IndustryBy Kang Seung-wooDaemyung Leisure Industry said Thursday it has opened a new hotel at the Vivaldi Park resort complex in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province. The Park Hotel, located at the opposite end to Ocean World, a huge water park, is the first independent brand hotel introduced at the resort complex, which also features a ski slope, an equestrian club, a golf course and other tourist attractions.The 10-floor establishment consists of 79 rooms along with a lounge and kids park.According to Daemyung, its design was focused on providing the best comfort to individuals during their stay, so it has only two types of room -- 63 superior rooms and 16 deluxe rooms. It is also appealing to guests in that every room offers one double bed and one single bed regardless of room type. Amenities are comprised of eco-friendly products by renowned hair and skincare brand Aveda and bedding is composed of light and soft duck-down covers for a sound sleep. On the terrace, guests can enjoy views of the water park and the ski slope; whil

Jul 26, 2018
Daemyung's Park Hotel opens doors

Lotte Hotel's Executive Tower to debut in September

The Royal Suite of Lotte Hotel Seoul's Executive Tower is the largest of its kind in Korea. / Courtesy of Lotte Hotels and ResortsOpening to write new chapter in luxury hotelsThe Lotte Hotel Seoul will reopen as the Executive Tower, Sept. 1, after a year-long renovation. The company started remodeling its building in July 2017, the second of its kind since its opening in August 1988 to offer a new standard in premium luxury hotels in the Gangbuk district like its sibling Signiel Seoul in Gangnam. In 2006, it went through its first renovation“We sincerely appreciate the patronage of our customers who have been waiting for Lotte Hotel Seoul's Executive Tower with love and support,” said Kim Jung-hwan, CEO of Lotte Hotels and Resorts.“We will be reborn as a hotel that will provide an experience exceeding expectations for all customers coming to Seoul, which is emerging as a new luxury travel destination.” Luxurious, differentiated rooms The number of rooms in the renovated Executive Tower has been adjusted from 373 to 278 - 225 deluxe rooms and 53 suites - not on

Jul 19, 2018
Lotte Hotel's Executive Tower to debut in September

Hotel Lobby

By Kang Seung-wooL'Escape opens on July 19The L'Escape Hotel opened its doors, Thursday, seeking to become the nation's first urban French-style boutique property.It is the first independent brand of Shinsegae Chosun Hotel that also runs the JW Marriott Seoul and the Westin Chosun.Located in central Seoul, right behind Shinsegae Department Store, the 25-story hotel consists of 204 rooms of 10 types, including 80 suites. Its exterior and interior was designed by renowned French architect Jacques Garcia, who tried to recreate the concept of the 19th century Paris aristocracy.The hotel is loaded with various food and beverage facilities, including the Chinese restaurant Palais de Chine, Cocktail bar Marque d'Amour and contemporary restaurant L'Amant Secret. Kim Bum-soo, better known as a food blogger, is being tapped as the general manager.Lotte opens new luxury hotel in Vladivostok The Lotte Hotel Vladivostok opened its doors, Thursday, becoming the fourth Lotte property in Russia after Moscow, St. Petersburg and Samara.Lotte acquired the previous Hyundai Hotel establishment in April t

Jul 19, 2018
Hotel Lobby

PHOTOS Visitors soak up the mud at Boryeong

A woman closes her eyes as she dives into a mud pool. YonhapBy Jung Da-minThe Boryeong Mud Festival in South Chungcheong Province, one of the country's most popular summer festivals, will run through July 22. The festival provides a variety of activities for visitors to roll and splash in mud. Visitors can also register for mud wrestling, football, marathon and other games (www.mudtour.co.kr, phone: 041-932-2900).A K-pop concert featuring Jessi, Rhythm Power 9Muses and Baechigi will entertain visitors at the closing ceremony on July 22. Last Saturday's opening ceremony K-pop concert featured Vixx LR, Dynamic Duo, Eddie Kim, Jang Jae-in, A.C.E and Cheetah.On Korea's west coast at Daecheon Beach, the festival draws more millions of visitors each year. Out of 5.68 million visitors last year, 628,000 were foreigners, according to the Boryeong city government.This year, the festival offers a 40 percent discount for foreign visitors on weekdays. The entrance fee for the regular experience zone is 12,000 won ($10.64) on weekdays and 14,000 won on weekends.Participants try to push others out

Jul 17, 2018
Visitors soak up the mud at Boryeong [PHOTOS]

PHOTOS Challenging sweltering summer with 'boknal' hotpot

Foreign students at the international summer school camp at Hansung University in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, enjoy ginseng chicken hotpot, known as "samgyetang," on July 16. The school prepared the dishes so the students could experience "boknal" food ― traditional Korean food that helps diners weather the hot summer. The food includes samgyetang, bosintang (dog meat stew), suyuk (boiled pork slices) and yukgyejang (spicy beef soup). Boknal food is most popular among Koreans on "boknal days" ― three days traditionally known as the hottest of the year. The lunar calendar days that change every year are "Chobok" (this year, July 17), "Jungbok" (July 27) and "Malbok" (Aug. 16). Korea Times photos by Choi Won-sukA student eats meat off a chicken bone from a bowl of samgyetang.Like Gil Salgado, right, a senior high school student from Joplin, Missouri, some students unfamiliar with chopsticks found various ways to eat the chicken, either the meat on a chopstick or simply grabbing it with bare hands from a boiling-hot bowl. Samgyetang can be served in an aluminum bowl or an earthen pot known

Jul 16, 2018
Challenging sweltering summer with 'boknal' hotpot [PHOTOS]

Hotel Lobby

By Kang Seung-wooJW Marriott promotes BLT Steak with wines The JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul has started the BLT Steak Night promotion.The package will be available only on Tuesdays and Fridays until Sept. 28.Its 89,000-won ($80) Tuesday edition features a Black Angus chuck roast, salad, its signature popovers and a glass of wine from France or Italy. Crepe souffle dessert is available for an additional 12,000 won. The Friday edition, at 148,000 won, includes chateaubriand, lobster Cobb salad and popovers, accompanied by a glass of French wine. An additional payment of 14,000 won enables guests to enjoy baked Alaska Flambe for dessert.For reservations and inquires, call at (02) 2276-3330. Conrad presents summer special buffet The Conrad Seoul's buffet restaurant, Zest, offers a refreshing summer menu, including octopus, abalone, eel and duck dishes. Plus, unlimited premium draft beers are available.The buffet is available every weekday evening, except Mondays, until Aug. 19.The special cuisine is divided into three sectors: Korean, Chinese and western, each of them prepared in

Jul 13, 2018
Hotel Lobby

JW Marriott Seoul to reopen next month

The JW Marriott Seoul will reopen on Aug. 20. / Courtesy of JW Marriott SeoulBy Kang Seung-wooThe JW Marriott Seoul is set to reopen on Aug. 20 after an eight-month renovation. The property closed for remodeling starting this year -- the first time since its opening in September 2000 -- under a joint project with Marriott International to bring the “genuine perfection of luxury” to Korea, and furthermore, Asia Pacific.To provide a luxury destination ensuring lavish accommodations, exceptionally fine dining and dynamic entertainment, world-renowned architects and interior designers participated in the renovation that has transformed the lobby, rooms, banquet halls and spa and fitness club into grand yet classy facilities.In particular, the remodeling has drastically upgraded in-house restaurants, including a steakhouse and an Italian restaurant as well as a Japanese eatery with a sushi bar, to serve haute cuisine by top chefs from all around the world.Plus, its Marquis Thermal Spa and Fitness Club will become a true wellness place in the hectic urban area. The facility, th

Jul 12, 2018
JW Marriott Seoul to reopen next month

Staycation packages luring holidaymakers

The Grand Hyatt Seoul's Grand Credit Summer Package allows guests to enjoy all the benefits of great hospitality, with a 50,000 won ($45) food and beverage credit valid at any of the hotel's restaurants. / Courtesy of Grand Hyatt SeoulBy Kang Seung-woo As more people are opting for relaxing staycations at local luxury hotels with the arrival of the holiday season, properties are keen on unveiling various promotions to attract more holidaymakers. They not only provide comfortable stays in spacious rooms, but also come up with fine dining, dynamic entertainment and even educational programs for children.The Sheraton Seoul D Cube City Hotel is offering the “Urban Summer Package” until Aug. 31. Amid the growing appetite for a full-service experience, the promotion includes convenient benefits such as complimentary access to its fitness center, indoor swimming pool and club lounge. The club lounge is specially designed for Club room and Suite guests to enjoy quality services such as express check-in and check-out, evening happy hour and continental breakfast.Guests receive spe

Jul 12, 2018
Staycation packages luring holidaymakers

Technology takes off: AI-powered robots help travelers at Incheon Int'l Airport

Two guide robots on a trial run at Incheon International Airport's Terminal 1, Wednesday. The airport will put 14 of the robots to work from July 21. / YonhapBy Park Si-soo Incheon International Airport has hired a new breed of helpers for travelers: robots.Fourteen artificial intelligence-powered robots will start roaming the bustling airport from July 21, guiding people who are lost and offering information on flight schedules, check-in procedures and other useful advice. Eight will work at Terminal 1 and six at Terminal 2.The robots, named Air Star, have advanced technologies, including self-driving, voice recognition and artificial intelligence. They interact with people through a touch screen, embedded microphone and barcode scanner. They can speak and offer information in four languages ― Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese ― and can visualize 14 emotions on their head screen. “We will continue to introduce high-end technologies to make the airport smarter,” airport CEO Chung Il-young said. The robots feature advanced technologies to help visitors. / YonhapThe rob

Jul 12, 2018
Technology takes off: AI-powered robots help travelers at Incheon Int'l Airport

Korea by scooter Anarchy in the DMZ

Parked at the side of the road on the way up to Cheorwon, Gangwon Province / Image by Jon DunbarBy Jon DunbarA new music festival was coming to Korea. And while the lineup for the first DMZ Peace Train Festival promised a great two days of live music, its remote location in Cheorwon County, Gangwon Province, only promised trouble.I figured the best way to get there and back was on my own. So I leapt on my trusty yellow steed and headed out on Sunday. My route would take me east of Seoul and then north, as I had a few stops I was interested in seeing along the way. Plus I had to avoid the toll roads, which forbid all two-wheeled vehicles. Navigation apps offered multiple routes, but I chose the one that seemed the most familiar to me, exiting Seoul past the Walkerhill Hotel. The Walkerhill gets its name from a U.S. Army general who died in a car crash during the 1950-53 Korean War, an ominous portent for the road ahead. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister Kim Yo-jong stayed here earlier this year, which is more the kind of foreshadowing I prefer. Downhill from the Walkerhill is t

Jul 9, 2018
[Korea by scooter] Anarchy in the DMZ
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