Luxury Wellness Experience in a Five-Star Hanok
Hotel: Gyeongwonjae Ambassador

At first glance, Gyeongwonjae Ambassador may appear somewhat out of place: A classical hanok hotel nestled amidst a forest of cutting-edge skyscrapers. However, this juxtaposition aligns perfectly with its concept, “a walk through time on the Korean peninsula." This unique blend of tradition and modernity has earned Gyeongwonjae not only the distinction of being the first five-star hanok hotel in Korea but also the prestigious “Stars of Korean Tourism" award from the Korea Tourism Organization. Remarkably, it has achieved this claim despite lacking many contemporary hotel amenities such as swimming pools, saunas, and bars.

A stay at Gyeongwonjae offers a unique experience that can only be found in a hanok, a space that encapsulates Korean traditions. The single-story building, with its low eaves and absence of flamboyant dancheong (decorative coloring), exemplifies the aesthetic of unadorned humility that characterizes Korean culture. It harmoniously blends into the surrounding nature. Guests can partake in a traditional tea ceremony followed by a rejuvenating soak in a cypress bathtub filled with water infused with traditional Korean medicinal materials, clearing the mind of clutter and promoting natural healing.

Luxury Wellness with Masterful Touches

Gyeongwonjae’s hanok building may appear humble, but it is rich in substance. This is immediately evident upon encountering Gyeongwollu, the guesthouse, the first building one sees upon entering the hotel. Resembling the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gyeongwollu is inspired by the Muryangsujeon Hall of Buseoksa Temple, a prime example of Goryeo period architecture. It follows the jusimpo (column-top complex bracket) format of the Muryangsujeon Hall, with each baeheullim (entasis) pillar topped by a beak-shaped gongpo (bracket sets). The pillars themselves are capped by a paljak jibung (hip-and-gable roof) and supported by stone bases, akin to the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion. This architectural style seamlessly blends Goryeo and Joseon influences.

Gyeongwonjae’s elegance is the result of craftmanship by masters. The construction was led by Daemokjang (master of traditional wooden architecture) Choi Gi-yeong, the holder of Korea’s Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 74, who led restoration works on esteemed cultural heritage sites such as Changgyeonggung Palace, Namhansanseong Fortress, and Sudeoksa Temple. The roof was crafted by Korea’s only Beonwajang (master of traditional tile roofing), Lee Geun-bok. Traditional lacquering was done by Chiljang Kim Seong-ho, while Mokgongjang Ga Pung-guk, a master of traditional woodcraft, handled the traditional Korean windows and doors. Im Chung-hyu, a master craftsman of traditional furniture-making, created Gyeongwonjae’s furniture. With such masterful involvement, Gyeongwonjae’s reputation as one of the premier hanok hotels is well-deserved.

Gyeongwonjae’s relationship to traditions is not one of blind adherence. The hotel, for instance, offers four types of traditional tea alongside top-notch espresso machines in each room, and the cypress bathtubs in the bathrooms, while not strictly part of Korean tradition, add a touch of luxury. Guests can choose from bath salts made from traditional medicinal materials or Dead Sea salt, known for its benefits in alleviating joint pain and skin conditions. These elements collectively define the “luxury wellness" experience at the hotel.

Completing Wellness with Attentive Service

An unsung hero of the hotel’s acclaim is its Korean restaurant, “Sura". Sura offers a la carte menus such as bibimbap, galbi soup, and mushroom bulgogi, as well as Korean table d’hote menus featuring 7, 9, or 12 side dishes and the Surasang set, all crafted with regional and seasonal ingredients whenever possible. The food menu is complemented by a beverage menu featuring a wide selection of traditional Korean liquors, from Ganghwa turmeric makgeolli (unfiltered rice wine) and Dangjin fresh makgeolli to Munbaeju, Omegisul, Sogokju, Andong Soju, and Jindo Hongju.

Traditional weddings hosted at Yeongbinmadang, the hotel’s courtyard in front of Gyeongwollu, are part of Gyeongwonjae’s efforts to preserve traditional culture. Additionally, guests can enjoy hanbok experiences and traditional games. Wearing hanbok, eating hansik (Korean food), and playing traditional games in a hanok building crafted by masters of Korean artistry encapsulates the wellness vision pursued by Gyeongwonjae. This vision is further enhanced by walking trails that complement the hanok building and surrounding trees.

What truly completes Gyeongwonjae’s wellness experience is the attentive service offered to guests. Upon check-in, guests are personally escorted to their rooms, and throughout their stay, they benefit from a "happy call" service that prioritizes their needs. This personalized service builds a wealth of data about customers, paving the way for even more specialized products and services in the future. A testament to the effectiveness of the hotel’s service is the story of Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, who left a tip larger than the hotel fee after his stay.