The Plaza Seoul to undergo first full renovation in 50 years, targeting seven-star status

The Plaza Seoul, a landmark hotel in the heart of the capital, is marking its 50th anniversary with a sweeping renovation that will transform it into an ultra-luxury property. The project goes beyond upgrading aging facilities — it is tied to a broader mixed-use redevelopment initiative by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and is expected to consolidate Hanwha Group's high-end hospitality ambitions.

Hanwha Hotel announced the large-scale renovation to strengthen the hotel's competitiveness and improve the guest experience. Construction is planned to begin early next year and run for approximately three years — the first major overhaul since a 2010 renovation, roughly 16 years ago. The Plaza will cease operations on Sept. 30.

The renovation's core priorities are expanding top-tier guest rooms and creating premium business spaces, attracting world-class fine-dining restaurants, enhancing cultural and arts programming, and enlarging public rest areas. To honor the legacy built over half a century, the hotel's exterior will retain its original design.

The Sogong-dong neighborhood in Jung-gu where The Plaza stands has deep historical roots: during the Joseon Dynasty it served as a lodging ground for important foreign envoys and was regarded as an auspicious site in traditional geomancy. In the modern era it became a gathering place for artists, intellectuals and cultural figures to debate the issues of the day. The renovated Plaza aims to carry that legacy forward as a destination for senior government officials, global business leaders and other VIP guests.

The existing deluxe-category rooms will be converted into premium suites, each equipped with a dedicated workspace. Club lounge facilities will be expanded and upgraded to reflect the high meeting frequency typical of the hotel's clientele. On the food and beverage side, the hotel plans to attract Michelin-starred and other world-class fine-dining restaurants, building a culinary platform alongside the nearby The Plaza Dining. The hotel is also pursuing membership in The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), the world's largest luxury independent hotel collection, whose members include the Ritz Paris.

The new Plaza will also open its doors to the general public. A dedicated exterior elevator will be installed on the hotel's facade to give all visitors direct access to a rooftop garden, which will be developed as an observation deck offering views of Seoul City Hall, Gwanghwamun, Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung and Cheong Wa Dae.

The renovation is part of the integrated redevelopment of Sogong Districts 1, 2 and 3 in Seoul. The project covers The Plaza in District 1, Hanwha Building in District 2 and Hanwha Finance Plaza in District 3. All three structures are nearly 30 years old, and construction will proceed while retaining the existing structural frames.

A Hanwha Hotel official said the company has received building permits and that follow-up procedures, including a structural demolition review, are under way. "We plan to coordinate with local authorities and complete construction in 2029," the official said.

Ahead of the Sept. 30 closure, The Plaza is running a customer appreciation event called "Memories of THE PLAZA." Guests can submit photos and stories of their memories at the hotel through its official social media channels or in person by Aug. 31. Winners will be announced Sept. 4 and will receive a Plaza Suite stay for use in September and items from the hotel's private-brand P Collection line. The hotel is also holding a promotion offering discounts of up to 50 percent at Boulangerie The Plaza, Seven Square, Gstum and select guest rooms.

The renovation also aligns with Hanwha Group's high-end strategy for its Life Solutions division. Anto, a resort at the foot of Bukhansan, recently opened a poolside dining venue called Bueno Beach Club as part of its push into premium lifestyle content. Galleria's luxury department store, meanwhile, is pursuing a reconstruction project with architect Thomas Heatherwick to strengthen its VIP offerings.

"Marking our 50th anniversary, The Plaza will be reborn as a high-end hotel unlike anything it has been before," a Hanwha Hotel official said. "We are grateful for the support our customers have shown us over the years, and we look forward to welcoming them back with a space and service experience on an entirely different level."