Quick answer: The Plaza, the hotel opposite Seoul City Hall, closed on 30 September 2026 for a full rebuild and plans to reopen in 2029, while Rosewood Seoul is due to open in 2027 beside Yongsan Park. Explera DMC Korea plans top-end groups in Seoul around both changes.
What happened to The Plaza?
The Plaza, owned by Hanwha Hotels and Resorts, suspended operations on 30 September 2026. Construction is due to start in early 2027, with a reopening targeted for 2029. The owner plans more suites, keeps the facade and intends to open a rooftop garden to the public.
For groups, it removes a top-end hotel within walking distance of City Hall, Deoksugung and Gwanghwamun until the rebuild ends.
What is Rosewood Seoul?
Rosewood Seoul is due to open in 2027 with about 250 rooms and suites, in The Parkside Seoul development beside Yongsan Park. The brand has not announced an exact opening date, so we treat it as a 2027 option to confirm, not a hotel to sell yet.
How we plan top-end groups meanwhile
- Choose the district first. Jongno, Myeongdong, Gangnam and Yongsan each change the coach times to the day's visits.
- Check suite counts. Incentive groups often need several suites; we confirm the number before quoting.
- Watch opening dates. We do not contract a new hotel until it has published its opening date and taken group bookings.
Planned with the agent
Explera DMC Korea plans incentive and VIP programmes in Seoul with hotels, transfers and guides confirmed together.
Send your dates, pax and requirements to b2b@explera.kr or WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090. Explera DMC Korea is IATA TIDS-registered (96215733) and an ASTA member (#900408341); our KTO and KATA registrations are in application.
Where this fits in our Korea programmes
The pages below carry the operational detail behind this briefing.
- Services: Group travel & GIT in Korea · Transportation & coaches in Korea · Guide services in Korea
- Destinations: Seoul · Busan · Jeju
Frequently asked questions
When did The Plaza in Seoul close?
It suspended operations on 30 September 2026 for a full rebuild, with a reopening targeted for 2029.
When does Rosewood Seoul open?
Rosewood says 2027, with about 250 rooms and suites beside Yongsan Park. No exact date has been announced.
Which areas suit top-end groups in Seoul now?
Jongno, Myeongdong, Gangnam and Yongsan all have top-end hotels; the right one depends on the programme and coach times.
Can Explera DMC Korea hold suites for an incentive group?
Yes. We confirm suite numbers and room mix with the hotel before quoting and build transfers around the stay.
