Sofitel opens hotel and serviced residence in Seoul

Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel & Serviced Residences opened in Seoul's Jamsil area on Sept. 30, becoming the world's first Sofitel-branded hotel and serviced residence complex. Courtesy of Sofitel Hotels & Resorts

By Jun Ji-hye

Sofitel Hotels & Resorts, part of the Accor Group, opened Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel & Serviced Residences recently in Jamsil, a vibrant area in Seoul, offering guests convenient access to shopping, entertainment and business districts.

The new property, which opened on Sept. 30, is the world's first Sofitel-branded hotel and serviced residence complex.

Sofitel Hotels & Resorts has long been a global ambassador of French hospitality, interior decor and authentic cuisine, sharing the brand's spirit of “Art de Vivre” (“art of living”) with guests.

The company said the histories and cultures of both South Korea and France have been integrated into the properties of Sofitel Ambassador Seoul.

“We're delighted to introduce modern French luxury hospitality in Seoul, one of the most-sought-after cities in the world. Sofitel Ambassador Seoul will cultivate an affluent blending of Korean and French luxury hospitality,” said Garth Simmons, Accor CEO of Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea.

“Sofitel offers modern French luxury with a sense of authenticity, familiarity and wellbeing, and I believe the newly unveiled Sofitel Ambassador Seoul will perfectly embody the vibrant Korean luxury, combining tradition and modernity with a touch of French chic.”

The property has 403 hotel rooms and 160 serviced residences overlooking Seokchon Lake, one of the area's most popular attractions during spring for beautiful cherry blossom trees.

A room inside the newly opened Seoul Hotel & Serviced Residences / Courtesy of Sofitel Hotels & Resorts

Club Millesime on the 32nd floor provides guests with luxury and bespoke services, including private check-in, breakfast, all-day snacks and evening cocktails.

The property has four restaurants and a rooftop bar, including the Fait Maison bistro where French cuisine is served.

Parisian lounge L'Espace provides Sofitel's signature afternoon tea service, while cafe Jardin d'Hiver offers exquisite baguettes and pastries. This cafe also boasts a chocolate room that serves up various gourmet chocolates and chocolate beverages.

At MIO, guests can discover modern Japanese gastronomy and enjoy omakase dining paired with craft sake.

Roof bar Latitude32 serves up stunning views from the 32nd floor along with a variety of cocktails. The bar is comprised of three zones ― a craft beer area, a wine lounge and a whiskey and cocktail space.

Sofitel Fitness includes a gym, a 25-meter indoor swimming pool, a kiddie pool and an outdoor whirlpool where visitors can take in views of Seokchon Lake.

The spa provides guests with personalized services offered in five treatment rooms, including two suites for couples.

There are three venues for business meetings, private events and weddings ― the 300-person Grand Ballroom Vendome, the 100-person Bastille Room and the smaller Concorde Room for more intimate gatherings.

The French art of living will also be showcased within the hotel's programs, including the candle ritual ceremony inspired by Paris's street lighting that occurs around sunset.

The property is connected to Jamsil Station on Seoul Metro lines 2 and 8, so guests can easily explore the city. There are many attractions around the property, including the 21-kilometer Songpa Trail that provides a natural healing space where one can stroll along four waterways flowing around Seoul's Songpa District.

Incheon International Airport is approximately an hour drive from the property.

“Our team's sincere service will provide a unique experience and precious memories to all guests,” said Cho Min-sook, general manager of Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel & Serviced Residences. “We want to welcome guests to a completely new French luxury experience.”

To commemorate the opening, the hotel released its first-ever package, “Bonjour Sofitel,” to offer an upgrade to a luxury lake room boasting stunning views of Seokchon Lake.

Package guests will receive a travel kit containing French bath amenities and products from Diptyque Paris, and access to the fitness center and swimming pool.