Accor has unveiled a captivating boutique hotel in Seoul with the opening of Hotel Naru Seoul – MGallery Ambassador. Designed to highlight an array of unique stories, South Korea’s first hotel in the MGallery Hotel Collection celebrates a perfect harmony of contemporary Korean design with the iconic Han River.

The Mapo-gu district has been a centre for transportation and commerce since the Chosun dynasty and continues this role today. The vibrant district is located on the northern banks of the iconic Han River, in close proximity to Incheon International Airport and the central business district. Several universities, government buildings, office towers, cultural sites, green spaces, and local dining destinations are located here, ensuring a vibrant mix of character.

Named after the original name of the area, Maponaru, the 196-key Hotel Naru Seoul – MGallery Ambassador reflects the spirit of the neighbourhood through its design aesthetic and guest offerings. Artists, poets, and painters have been drawn to Maponaru’s charming nature for generations. The natural beauty and artful roots of Korean culture serves as inspiration for this captivating hotel. Featuring a modern exterior, shadow glass panels look out across the Seoul skyline connecting guests with the sweeping views of the river and allowing natural daylight to flow inside. Biophilic-inspired interiors create an intimate connection between guests and nature. The atmosphere is peaceful and calm. The Green Building certified hotel has been engineered to leave a minimal carbon footprint.

Before entering the hotel, art lovers can spend a moment admiring a giant sculpture, The Present of the Century, by local artist Jeonghwa Choi, which tells the inspiring stories of hope and love. Upon arriving in the natural-toned lobby on the 20th floor, guests are welcomed by another large cascading aluminium art installation, Airy Navigation, by the artist Haegyu Yang, reminiscent of Mapo’s history as a historic port location.

Every detail of the 196 guestrooms has been curated to create tranquillity while relaxing in the rooms. Natural materials, subtle colour tones of white and walnut, and comfortable rounded-edge furniture ensure an air of peacefulness. Bathroom dry amenities are made from nature-friendly materials.

The hotel offers five unique dining journeys. Overlooking the Han River, the chic French bistro Restaurant Voisin weaves the stories of the location into its design, with speciality dry-aged grills. Bar Voisin is a unique bar inspired by a traditional Asian pharmacy, where the mixologist is ready to prescribe the perfect herb-laced concoction. The Lounge & Deck is a serene spot to escape from the bustling city with locally harvested tea, handcrafted coffee, wine, and serene river views. The Pool Bar serves refreshing drinks and flavourful light bites by the infinity pool. The ground-floor café, Mapo Eight, will draw in residents, Han River runners, and visitors to enjoy its freshly baked pastries, freshly brewed coffee, and fresh juices.

The leisure facilities will nourish the soul and empower a balanced lifestyle. The hotel has two pools, an infinity pool with dramatic views and a 25-meter indoor swimming pool with floor to ceiling windows. The use of translucent and mirrored materials in the pool area harmonises water, light, and nature. The hotel also offers a natural feeling of meditative and healing ties in the fitness centre, and sauna.

The hotel’s second floor is dedicated to meetings and events, with flexible spaces to gather or celebrate. A large-sized media wall in the ballroom will make all the events even more memorable.

“We are proud to introduce the new boutique hotel concept to South Korea. Hotel Naru Seoul – MGallery Ambassador strives to deliver a memorable experience that is as unique as the neighbourhood itself,” says Simon Kim, General Manager of Hotel Naru Seoul – MGallery Ambassador. “Maponaru and the Han River have inspired many artists in the past. Today, I believe the hotel will also inspire our guests, as they will be surrounded by the iconic views, compelling design, and art pieces from local artists,”

For memorable discoveries, the Mapo Hangang-Gil trail road is suitable for running or bicycling along the Han River. Also conveniently located within a few minutes’ walk are the Mapo Food Culture Streets and Subway Station.

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