A rendering showing a five-star hotel envisioned at the convention center of Jamsil Sports and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) multipurpose complex project in Seoul. Courtesy of Sono International
Sono International, Korea's leading hospitality firm, announced Thursday that it has been selected as the preferred operator of a new five-star hotel within the ambitious Jamsil Sports and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) Park development project. The selection was made by the Hanwha Consortium, the primary developer of the massive complex.
The project represents a significant milestone for Sono International, marking the first time the company will bring its flagship hotel and resort brand to the heart of Seoul. This move is part of a broader strategic shift as the company seeks to expand its presence into major urban centers.
The Jamsil development is set to transform approximately 350,000 square meters surrounding the Jamsil Sports Complex in Songpa District. The site will become a multifaceted hub integrating exhibition and convention facilities with sports complexes, waterfront leisure areas and high-end commercial spaces. As the operator of one of the project’s key anchor facilities, Sono International said it aims to cater to the specialized needs of international tourists and MICE visitors.
The planned hotel, expected to open in 2032 under the name Sono Calm Seoul Jamsil, will offer 288 guest rooms. Designed as a premium destination, it will feature diverse dining venues, banquet halls, a business center and a pool. To further integrate with the city's landscape, the facility will include a public observatory offering panoramic views of the Han River.
Sono International currently manages approximately 12,000 rooms across 21 locations in Korea, spanning water parks, golf courses and ski resorts. Since beginning overseas operations in Vietnam in 2019, the group has expanded into the United States, France and Japan.
By 2029, the company said it plans to bolster its global portfolio to 55 hotels and resorts — totaling roughly 16,000 rooms — by adding 12 new locations in regions like Thailand and Indonesia. The company also intends to leverage its airline affiliate to offer integrated travel experiences that combine aviation and luxury lodging.
"This selection recognizes our expertise in global hotel management," a company spokesperson said. "By successfully launching the Sono brand within this large-scale complex, we will continue to expand our management footprint and provide differentiated value to our guests."
This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
Source: Korea Times News
