Inside Mondrian Seoul Itaewon, The Newest Lifestyle Hotel In South Korea’s Capital

Editor’s Observe: Although the group is rightfully nonetheless mourning the Itaewon tragedy of October 29, locations shouldn’t be outlined by an remoted incident. Greater than that, Koreans are remarkably resilient.

As a child who spent summers in Seoul, I used to be fascinated by Itaewon. I beloved scouring the neighborhood’s humble stalls for garments, and watching my mother take a look at her bargaining abilities. (Haggling is anticipated and the cultural norm.) Child-friendly road snacks like hotteok (crispy, chewy pancakes with a candy filling) beckoned with their irresistible aromas. And as a younger Korean-American who struggled talking even conversational Korean, the sights and sounds of off-duty soliders from the previous U.S. navy base Yongsan Garrison have been oddly comforting.

Clearly, so much has modified since then. Yongsan Garrison is gone, however changing it’s a extra strong and numerous presence of expats and worldwide vacationers. There’s additionally countless eating places, retailers, and nightlife welcoming individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life—which is why Itaewon has lengthy been a social hub for youth and the LGBT group. Now, the colourful neighborhood can also be dwelling to considered one of Korea’s buzziest way of life lodges, Mondrian Seoul Itaewon.

Opened in August 2020, the property provides a keep not like some other in South Korea’s capital metropolis. For starters, the design envisioned by acclaimed Singapore-based interiors agency Asylum is downright dazzling. As I entered the constructing after an exhausting 11-hour flight from Honolulu, I used to be greeted with Blind Spot, a gleaming and versatile day-to-night lounge that makes an unforgettable first impression with its hovering ceilings, outsized digital artwork canvas curated by Niio—the resort’s up to date artwork assortment represents ten creatives from everywhere in the world—and abundance of inviting seating.

Whereas my high-floor nook room skewed comfortable—there was no desk, or sufficient house to unfold out for Solar Salutations—I appreciated the mushy palette, sensible structure of every little thing just like the dreamy, low-slung mattress, and Malin+Goetz toiletries. One other perk? How quiet my lodging have been, which is appreciated after exploring a metropolis as hectic as Seoul. There’s additionally a complete health middle, golf simulator, sauna, and glowing indoor pool (a robust promoting level for Seoul lodges) if need to sustain your health and wellness routine on the highway.

Socializing over foods and drinks takes high billing on the Mondrian, as evidenced by the lineup of distinct eating places and bars. Standouts embody the all-day Cleo, a light-filled house turning out globetrotting flavors, from engaging Korean breakfast units of bulgogi, soup, and kimchi to Mediterranean kebabs and diverse mezze akin to hummus and muhammara. Although Blind Spot may be finest recognized for its whimsical truffles, the espresso program is equally noteworthy. (Even fundamental lattes are completed with intricate brand microfoam artwork.) Up on the roof, Privilege Bar merges unparalleled views of Seoul’s glittering cityscape with inventive cocktails just like the signature Solar & Moon, a citrusy concoction of pisco and roasted barley garnished with crackly moon-shaped sweet.

However consider it or not, among the finest components of staying right here is the basement arcade chock filled with hip companies. One afternoon, I scored Lobster Bar’s savory and spicy mussel spaghetti for lunch below $10. Afterwards, I handled myself to an elegant haircut by my proficient good friend Jin Park, the proprietor of Cloe Hair Salon. Between Arc N Ebook and Keek, I scooped up armfuls of considerate souvenirs. For a late-day, pre-dinner nibble, I grabbed a signature squishy-sweet corn bread from Taegeukdang, an offshoot of Seoul’s oldest bakery. Briefly? Mondrian Seoul Itaewon is a type of uncommon Seoul lodges the place staying in might be as a lot enjoyable (if no more) than going out.