IHG has announced a landmark partnership to sign the first voco hotel in South Korea.

The new-build 280-room urban resort voco Pyeongtaek City will be the first upscale international hotel brand in Gyeonggi-do province when it welcomes guests in 2023.

“South Korea is an important market for IHG and a key focus of our expansion plans in South East Asia & Korea post-pandemic,” says Serena Lim, Vice President, Development, South East Asia and Korea. “With the global power of the IHG systems and enterprise delivered by a strong team on the ground, we look to grow in some wonderful city and resort locations across the country.

Lim continues: “We want to grow by working with community partners and it is important that we have the right brands in the right location with the right owner. It’s fantastic to be working with new partner Seraphim Development on this exciting opportunity to deliver the world-renowned voco experience for our guests. Contemporary brands really resonate in Korea so we think Korea is a perfect market for voco and our portfolio of luxury and lifestyle brands.”

The brand’s signature ‘voco Life’ concept will be featured strongly, with the hotel offering the city’s only rooftop pool with a 360-degree view of Godeok city and Ansung River. Facilities at voco Pyeongtaek City will also include a restaurant, lounge and bar, fitness centre and 1,300 square metres of meeting space.

The unique location of voco Pyeongtaek City provides a global experience to domestic and international travellers. Centrally located on the Korean Peninsula near a major sea port, voco Pyeongtaek City is easily accessible by sea, by express train and by car. Its integration within the mixed used development International Market Place and close proximity to the Pyeongtaek Special Tourism Area and Naeri Cultural Park ensures it is well positioned to welcome leisure guests and business travellers from the growing number of corporations located in the area and guests to the US military base Camp Humphreys.

“We are excited to sign our first partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts and leverage their strong industry experience to bring a fresh, new brand to South Korea,” comments Sae Youn Park, Project Director, Seraphim Development. “The voco brand offers a contemporary lifestyle experience that is warm and welcoming. Its distinctive hallmarks of attentive service, comfort, and leisure spaces for guests will bring our vision for this urban destination resort to life.”