The Plaza Hotel to relaunch as 7-star property after full renovation

Hanwha Hotel and Resorts announced Wednesday that it will fully renovate The Plaza hotel and relaunch it as a 7-star high-end property, marking the hotel's 50th anniversary.

Construction is set to begin in early 2027 and run for approximately three years — the first major renovation since 2010, about 16 years ago. The hotel will suspend operations Sept. 30 to prepare for the work.

The renovation will center on expanding luxury guest rooms, creating premium business spaces, attracting world-class fine-dining restaurants, strengthening cultural and arts programming, and enlarging public rest areas as part of the hotel's contribution to the surrounding community. The exterior will retain its original design to preserve the heritage built over half a century.

Through the overhaul, The Plaza aims to become a destination for top-tier global VIPs, including government officials and executives of multinational companies. The current deluxe-focused room configuration will give way to high-end suites, each equipped with a dedicated workspace. The club lounge will be significantly expanded to reflect the high meeting frequency typical of the hotel's target clientele.

The hotel plans to recruit Michelin-starred and other world-renowned fine-dining restaurants to sharply boost its food and beverage offerings. Together with the nearby The Plaza Dining complex, the additions are intended to establish a top-tier culinary platform.

Hanwha Hotel and Resorts is also pursuing membership in the Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), the world's largest luxury independent hotel association, whose members include the Ritz Paris.

The renovated Plaza will also open to the general public. A dedicated exterior elevator will carry visitors to a rooftop garden accessible to all. The garden will serve as an observation deck offering panoramic views of Seoul's historic landmarks, including Seoul City Hall, Gwanghwamun, Gyeongbokgung and Cheong Wa Dae.

The renovation is part of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's integrated redevelopment project for Sogong Districts 1, 2 and 3. The Plaza in District 1, Hanwha Building in District 2, and Hanwha Finance Plaza in District 3 will all be comprehensively refurbished. When development wraps up around 2029, the complex is expected to become a mixed-use urban hub combining hotel, office, cultural and commercial functions — and a new landmark for Seoul.

Hanwha Machinery and Service Holdings, the parent company of Hanwha Hotel and Resorts, continues to pursue a high-end strategy across its portfolio. Anto, a premium resort near Bukhansan, recently opened Bueno Beach Club, an upscale poolside dining venue. Galleria Department Store's luxury wing is also undergoing reconstruction led by internationally renowned architect Thomas Heatherwick.

"Marking the 50th anniversary, The Plaza will be reborn as a completely different kind of high-end hotel," a Hanwha Hotel and Resorts official said. "We will return with spaces and service on an entirely new level."