Hyatt Hotels Corporation recently announced that Andaz Seoul Gangnam has opened in the heart of the South Korean capital.
Hence, this marked the Andaz brand’s entry into the country.
So, here are five things you should know about the newly opened Andaz Seoul Gangnam:

1.Andaz Seoul Gangnam’s unique design
With direct access to Apgujeong metro station, Andaz Seoul Gangnam is designed to fuse traditional local culture and creative modern living.
The hotel concept’s inspiration is bojagi. It is a traditional Korean wrapping cloth used in significant ceremonies. Besides, according to traditional Korean folklore, it is a gift wrap to preserve good luck.
As for the brain behind the design, internationally renowned Dutch design firm Studio Piet Boon designed Andaz Seoul Gangnam. As guests move through the hotel’s light-filled interiors, unique layouts unfold to reveal unconventional corners and dynamic architectural angles that are layered with contemporary bojagi patterns cloaked in soothing muted shades and subtle textures.
All of the artworks in the hotel is created by artists either from Seoul or with a strong connection to the city. With this, the hotel will actively nurture local talent, offering a platform for emerging young artists.
Greeting guests at the entrance is Wish. It is an 8-foot-high (2.5 meter) bronze abstract of a mother with overlapping hands by Choi Jong-tae, a notable Korean contemporary artist.
While checking in, guests can admire Dialogue. It is an oil painting of frantic brushstrokes in cobalt blue by Oh Su-fan, who combines eastern calligraphy with western abstraction.
In A’+Z bar, there is an artwork by Lee Jung-woong called Brush. It is a strikingly hyper-realistic depiction of a Chinese calligraphy brush on Korean rice paper by Lee Jung-woong.
2.Guestrooms with spectacular view of Seoul
Andaz Seoul Gangnam houses 241 contemporary and stylish guestrooms. Plus, all of them are offering a bird’s-eye view of the bustling downtown district through floor-to-ceiling windows.
The striking diagonal walls inspired by the asymmetric angles of bojagi patchwork complement the fluid layout and clean-lined furniture which provide a floating illusion.
Guests looking to entertain may opt for one of two rooftop ‘hospitality suites’. These suites are spanning the entire seventeenth floor with private outdoor terraces overlooking Han River and the city.
As for the ultimate indulgence, the 1,755 square-foot (163-square-meter) Gangnam Penthouse Suite houses a vast entertainment terrace, a multifunctional living space with a bar and dining area.
Additionally, it can accommodate up to 20 people, a TV den with a theatre AV system.
The highlight must be its luxurious bathroom with a circular tub from which one can soak in the city views.
3.Well-assorted choices for drinking and dining
The hotel’s bars and restaurants are led by Executive Chef Hamish Neale and Sora Choi. She is the youngest Hyatt food and beverage director in Korea.
On Level 1, A’+Z serves as an all-day bar. This is where guests and passersby can drop in throughout the day.
Furthermore, freshly prepared savories, cakes and pastries are available for guests to either grab ‘n’ go or enjoy at the communal table or bar counter.
Then ascending the central staircase guests arrive at JOGAKBO, which means ‘traditional patchwork’ in Korean.
Here, it offers a sophisticated reinterpretation of Seoul’s immersive street and alleyway dining.
4.Rejuvenating wellness facilities
The Summer House features a 16-meter pool surrounded by a whirlpool and cold and warm baths, cabana-style niches and a seven meter LED screen showing immersive scenes of Seoul.
Guests can also relax in the infrared sauna, herbal bath, cool, warm and hot baths, marble-clad wet and dry saunas and ice fountains.
In the meantime, the spa offers only cutting-edge treatments. They are using products from premium K-beauty brand AmorePacific as well as Ling New York by facialist Ling Chan.
The 24-hour Fitness Center comes with the latest Life Fitness and Pilates equipment for energizing workouts.
Additionally, there is the Juice Bar serving fresh pressed drinks for patrons.
5. Andaz Seoul Gangnam’s collaborations with Korean brands
Andaz Seoul Gangnam has collaborated with several Korean brands to create an authentic local lifestyle experience for guests.
The art-inspired perfume brand Tamburins developed a signature fragrance for the hotel’s public areas. The brand is inspired by the nostalgic scent of mugwort rice cakes wrapped in bojagi, as well as an exquisite blend of amber, pine needles and sweet wormwood.
Meanwhile, local brand Hohodang will host a series of exclusive Andaz Salon events on bojagi wrapping.
