Hanok-style hotel courts international MICE clients with cultural touches, big event spaces

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Meeting room at Gyeongwonjae Ambassador Incheon Associated with Accor

SOUTH Korea’s largest hanok-inspired hotel by the Ambassador Group in the heart of Songdo’s Central Park in Incheon, is strengthening its efforts to reach international MICE clients with its unique blend of Korean tradition and Western hospitality.

Unlike most hanok accommodation facilities, this 30-room luxury property, which opened last May, offers traditional architecture and modern furniture including plush beds, flat screen TVs and high speed Internet. Some of the suites also offer a private sauna.

Explaining how this property transports serious meetings into a tranquil setting, Dahl Joe, general manager of Gyeongwonjae Ambassador Incheon Associated with AccorHotels, said: “Event delegates can experience the local cultural touches and appreciate its historical heritage (during their meetings), while accompanied by the gardens that provide beautiful scenic spots.”

Although the hotel offers limited rooms, Joe pointed out that the expansive meeting facilities will be able to lure clients for day meetings and dinners. The outdoor courtyard can sit up to 500 guests in a banquet setting, while the grand ballroom can accommodate 400 delegates in a theatre setting.

Highlighting the property’s unique selling point, Joe said: “Guests will be greeted with grandeur… creating (a setting for) dignified meetings and events and we are the first South Korean hotel to be modelled after the Goryeo dynasty.”

According to Joe, 30 per cent of current hotel guests are from the MICE segment, with majority from the domestic market. The top three international markets are China, Japan and the US. Nevertheless, Joe said the property is optimistic the international MICE clientele will rise with their increased marketing efforts and recent participation in trade shows like the Hanok Expo – Korean Traditional Housing Festival, the MICE Alliance and Korea MICE Expo.

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