Imagery courtesy of IHG Hotels & Resorts.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has swapped a planned upscale development for a luxury property in the South Korean city of Pyeongtaek.

The original plan for the project was to introduce another IHG brand, voco Hotels, in the form of voco Pyeongtaek. However, recognising the increasing demand for a luxury property with more extensive meeting space, restaurant and bars, InterContinental Pyeongtaek was born.

Brand debut

The 244-room site in the Gyeonggi Province city will form a key part of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts’ future expansion plans and long-term ambitions when it opens in 2025. It will mark the first appearance of the brand in the municipality.

The result of a partnership between IHG and Seraphim Development, the property will be located for the growing number of leisure visitors to the area, as well business travellers visiting the large number of major corporations in the vicinity, and guests of the nearby US military base, Camp Humphreys.

Korean quartet

The new property will be the fourth InterContinental hotel in Korea. Amenities will include a wide range of restaurants and bars, and rooftop pool with views of the surrounding areas, as well as ample meeting space for functions and events.

InterContinental Pyeongtaek will be integrated within the International Market Place mixed-use development, in close proximity to the Pyeongtaek Special Tourism Area and Naeri Cultural Park.

Reconsidered needs

Sae Youn Park, project director, Seraphim Development Group, commented: “Over the past two years the needs of Pyeongtaek have changed, so we have worked closely with the team at IHG Hotels & Resorts and city officials to reconsider the future needs of its residents and visitors. This led us to make the landmark decision to bring the world’s largest luxury hotel brand to Pyeongtaek.

“We have been able to redesign the development to fit the needs of a luxury hotel, and the City Planning Division has incorporated the enhanced requirements into the masterplan. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is the ideal brand for this project due to its exceptional reputation in Korea and around the world, and guests will be able to experience modern luxury, wonderful design, and a global flavour through the brand’s hallmarks.”

Adapting to the times

Serena Lim, vice president, development, South East Asia and Korea, IHG said: “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Seraphim Development to grow the InterContinental brand in Korea, which has a long tradition in the country. InterContinental Pyeongtaek will become our fourth InterContinental hotel in Korea, and joins a growing global portfolio that’s taking the brand to new and exciting destinations.

“For long term sustainable growth, it’s important we have the right brands in the right location with the right owner, and in bringing InterContinental to Pyeongtaek we’re showing how well we’re adapting with the times and looking ahead to deliver the right experience for travellers to this fast-growth tech-driven city.”

Related Articles