Seoul's 50-year-old Plaza Hotel to Close for 3-Year Renovation, Aiming for 7-Star Status

The Plaza Hotel, a 50-year-old landmark in Seoul's central Seoul Plaza, is set to undergo a significant renovation. The hotel will cease operations for about three years starting September 30 to transform into a "7-star high-end hotel."

Hanwha Hotels & Resorts announced the large-scale renovation on September 19, marking the first such overhaul in approximately 16 years since the previous one in 2010. The project aims to enhance the hotel's competitiveness and guest convenience.

The renovation plans include expanding luxury suites, creating premium business spaces, attracting world-class fine dining restaurants, strengthening cultural and artistic content, and increasing public resting areas. While the interior will be modernized, the hotel's exterior will retain its original design to honor its heritage.

Existing rooms, primarily deluxe, will be converted into high-end suites, each equipped with a workspace. The club lounge will also be elevated to cater to the needs of business travelers who frequently use meeting facilities.