Seamarq Gangneung – The Best Beach Hotel in South Korea
As I am a Global Supporter for Hyundai Hotels in 2017, I had the chance to stay at SEAMARQ Gangneung, one of the five locations of the 5-star hotel chain. Gangneung is one of Kora’s up-and-coming vacation destination and also the place where various competitions during the 2018 Winter Olympics will be held at.
HERE’S WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE TO STAY AT SEAMARQ GANGENUNG:
WHERE LUXURY BLENDS WITH NATURE
The location of SEAMARQ at Gyeongpo Beach was carefully chosen as it does not only lie at a premier beach in Gangwondo but also offers amazing sunrise views, the earliest on the Korean Peninsula. The hotel was designed by world-renowned architect Richard Meier whose goal was to allow the surrounding nature to be visible at all times from inside the hotel. He not only perfectly achieved this but also only uses premium organic brands throughout the entire hotel.
Location
SEAMARQ Hotel is located in Gangeung, Gangwondo Province, a premier location for winter sports. The province also holds the 2018 Winter Olympics with a number of sports facilities located near the hotel, including a skiing ground, a curling center and an ice rink for figure skating and ice hockey. SEAMARQ is located two and half hours from
FOCUS ON ECO-FRIENDLINESS AND SUSTAINABILITY
One of the things that impressed me the most during my stay at SEAMARQ was their efforts to run the hotel in the most environmentally friendly way possible. This started in the very beginning with architect Richard Meier using premium organic brands and materials to build and furnish the hotel. The efforts paid off when SEAMARQ earned the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certificate from the US Green Building Council. On top of that, SEAMARQ supports local brands using organic toiletries from actress Lee Young Ae’s Lyanature brand. The hotel takes it even further by growing its own vegetables and fruits in a garden in front of the hotel and using it in the kitchen to prepare meals for the guests.
Organic toiletries by Lee Young Ae
WELCOME TO SEAMARQ
As soon as you set foot into the building, you are not only greeted by smiling staff but also by a scent of ‘Golden Bamboo’ made from the local bamboo species. The entire east side of the lobby is made of glass allowing you to have a peak of the beautiful East Sea at all times. The massive hanging art piece immediately catches your eye. The ‘Golden Ribbon’ was created by German lighting designer Ingo Mauer and hangs majestically over a table made of 400-year old Japanese wood. As soon as I stepped into SEAMARQ, I knew that this was not going to be an ordinary hotel experience.
Hotel Lobby
400-year old wood from Japan made into an elegant long table in the lobby
The Rooms in Detail
The hotel features 150 rooms, 119 of which are Premium Deluxe Rooms, 30 Suite Rooms and 1 Traditional Korean House. Below, I will showcase three room types in detail.
Presidential Suite
The Presidential Suite takes up the entire top floor of the hotel with ocean views and mountain views. The 399m2 has two bedrooms with a Super-King Double bed and two single beds. A stunning balcony is surrounding the entire suite offering enough space for an outside BBQ and a jacuzzi. The inside is luxurious and minimalistic with art pieces and fine furniture.
Double/Twin Room
The double room is available with either ocean or mountain view. We were accommodated in a twin room with a view of the breathtaking ocean. The 46m2 room comes with a minibar, a full bathroom with tub, a seating area with TV and a cozy balcony.
Ho An Jae
I was quite surprised to find out that the modern SEAMARQ Hotel also has a traditional Korean house complex in front of the main hotel building. Literally translating to ‘Heaven of Butterflies’, Ho An Jae offers its guest the opportunity to travel back in time to the Joseon area and live like Yangbans (the Korean noblesse) with a modern twist. The complex consists of the Anchae (Inner House) with two guest rooms, the Sarangchae (detached house), Byeolchae (annex) and a meeting room for weddings and other events. Each of the spaces has its own courtyard.
Meeting Room
Hotel Facilities
SEAMARQ Gangneung is a wonderland for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The hotel offers a variety of first-class facilities you shouldn’t miss out on during your stay:
- Club Infinity: Outdoor Infinity Pool & Indoor Pool
- Thermal Suite: Spa treatments and sauna
- Library Lounge with Meeting Room
- Fitness Room
- Lounge & Restaurant
- Premier Beach Access
The Library features limited edition books and magazines
SEAMARQ Fitness Center
Sunset at the pool
Club Infinity
SEAMARQ Restaurant Dinner Buffet
Lobster Tail
Mandarin Tarts
Come and Visit SEAMARQ Gangneung!
My weekend at SEAMARQ was an absolute dream. From the ocean views and the infinity pool to the minimalistic design and welcoming staff – everything was perfect. The hotel is an architectural masterpiece, so much so that it was even featured on Travel+Leisure. Check out Gangneung and the SEAMARQ before the crowds are invading after the area becomes famous for the 2018 Winter Olympics.
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