First property in South Korea for Autograph Collection with THE PLAZA

150 150 Daniel Fountain
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A contract signing has taken place between Marriott International and Hanwha Hotels & Resorts for the future management of THE PLAZA, located in South Korea, scheduled to begin in early 2016.Nestled amidst Korea’s historical district, Seoul’s 600-year history and rich culture is an essential part of THE PLAZA’s design aesthetic and has become a symbol of grandeur within the city.

Featuring nine banquet halls that can accommodate up to 600 guests, a Grand Ballroom for up to 450 guests and Xystum House on the hotel’s top floor, THE PLAZA is an ideal venue for both large-scale events and private functions.

THE PLAZA; exteriorTHE PLAZA; exteriorTHE PLAZA; guest room

“We are delighted that the partnership will bring together Autograph Collection and Marriott International’s strength in global marketing and sales with THE PLAZA’s local brand and heritage,” said Shim Kyung Seob, CEO of Hanwha Hotels & Resorts. “This is an important milestone as the hotel celebrates its 40th anniversary next year.”

Italian architect and designer, Guido Ciompi has been appointed to renovate the hotel ahead of its new branding under the Autograph Collection. The interior design and furniture within the 410 guest rooms will be modernised and offer a variety of schemes as well as incorporating enhanced technology such as a smart touchpad to control room temperature, lighting and other amenities in the room.

The Autograph Collection has become well-known for its culinary expertise and a new team of regional chefs will staff the restaurants and bars at THE PLAZA to offer an unforgettable experience. TAOYUEN is a Chinese restaurant featuring modern Shanghai-style cooking; MURASAKI, a Japanese restaurant that combines modern techniques with simple and casual Neoclassic Kaiseki; and TUSCANY, an Italian restaurant helmed by Michelin-star head chef Maurizio Ceccato.

Daniel Fountain / 23.09.2015

Editor, Hotel Designs

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Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

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