Hotel Review: Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Gangnam
Josun Hotel, currently The Westin Josun Seoul, opened its doors in 1914. It was the first hotel in Korea, and since its establishment, the South Korean retail conglomerate Shinsegae Group strengthened the Josun Hotel brand and expanded it to its hospitality portfolio: Josun Hotels & Resorts. The collection includes select brands—like Grand Josun, L’Escape, and Gravity—and Josun Palace marks the fourth addition to the portfolio. As a Luxury Collection Hotel, it was lavishly designed by the architectural firm Humbert & Poyet of Monaco, representing the ultimate level of sophistication and opulence. My experience with the newest Josun Hotels & Resorts brand exceeded my expectations from every angle. Here is my review of Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Gangnam:
Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Gangnam is located at Teheran-ro, 231 Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
What Card(s) Should You Use to Book?
I earn tons of Marriott Bonvoy points by using my American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of two 85,000 free night awards when you spend $6,000 within your first 6 months of card membership. The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on dining and flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X on all other purchases. Paired with Marriott’s promotions and AMEX offers, it opens doors to endless points-earning opportunities.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card has great benefits that can substantially offset its annual fee.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card does come with a hefty $650 annual fee but offers tons of perks to significantly offset its costs. The card features the following benefits:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status
$25 monthly dining credit—$300 total in a year
$100 property credit when booked directly with Marriott and staying a minimum of two nights at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties
An 85,000-point Free Night Award
Access to Priority Pass lounges
25 Elite Night Credits for chasing Marriott Bonvoy status
Even if you don’t stay at Marriott properties often, this card is still a must-have, in my opinion. It’s a true example of a keeper card that offers benefits that outweigh the annual fee.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
If you are looking for a Marriott Bonvoy credit card with a low annual fee, consider the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first six months from account opening. On top of that, you can earn additional 50,000 bonus points by staying six eligible paid nights at Marriott Bonvoy hotels through January 31, 2024—totaling 125,000 bonus points. I personally value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents each, making the 125,000 points offer worth $1,000. The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card earns 6X points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases every year on dining, grocery stores, and gas stations, and 2X points on all other purchases.
Be aware that 15 elite night credits from the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card can’t be combined with 15 elite night credits from the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card.
The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card’s annual fee is $95, and it offers useful perks to offset the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits that will help you achieve a higher Marriott Bonvoy status
Please note that you can’t combine Elite Night Credits from two Marriott Bonvoy personal credit cards, but you can stack Elite Night Credits from one personal and one Marriott Bonvoy business card. Thus, if you own both AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant and Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, you would only earn 25 elite night credits.
If you’d like to apply for the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you!
The last Marriott Bonvoy credit card you could use would be the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you spend $5,000 within your first 3 months of card membership. Considering that the annual membership costs $125, you get paid to have the card! The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 4X points on dining, U.S. shipping purchases, U.S. wireless telephone services, and at U.S. gas stations. All other purchases earn 2X points.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card is the only Marriott business card on the market.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card’s annual fee is $125, and it offers valuable benefits to justify the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits, which can be combined with 15 Elite Night Credits from other personal Marriott Bonvoy credit cards
As you can see, the card’s benefits are less substantial than the ones from the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, but it is a great long-term keeper card due to its annual Free Night Award perk. Furthermore, it is absolutely necessary if you want to chase a higher Marriott Bonvoy status because it is the only Marriott business card that is on the market and will grant you an additional 15 Elite Night Credits. Lastly, even though it is a business credit card, it is very likely that you could get it approved. Check out my article on how to apply for a business credit card as a sole proprietor.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
Location
Josun Palace is located in Yeoksam-dong in the energetic Gangnam district and is sandwiched between Yeoksam and Seolleung stations, making it readily accessible to explore Seoul using the subway. The hotel is part of the Centerfield Mall which houses numerous restaurants, a spa, and even a golf academy. In addition, the hotel is close to Starfield COEX Mall, which has an extensive array of restaurants, stores, and even an aquarium. If you are looking for a peaceful park with Korean history, visit Seolleung and Jeongneung; these are royal burial grounds from the Josun dynasty and are registered UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Lobby & Check-In Review
The hotel's main entrance is located on the B1 level (Welcome Reception), and you will recognize the entrance as soon as you arrive because you will see a row of luxury cars like Bentley and Rolls-Royce parked outside.
Josun Palace's entrance was adorned with festive Christmas decorations, creating a joyful and welcoming atmosphere.
The Welcome Reception space was beautifully decorated with Christmas trees, and there was even a photo spot with a big stuffed lion with a Santa hat on.
The lion mascot is a common sight at Josun Palace, reflecting its significance as one of the symbols featured in the hotel’s emblem.
Even though the Welcome Reception floor was for dropping off luggage and coordinating valet parking, you could sense that the hotel didn’t neglect the area.
The photo spot next to festive Christmas trees was a popular spot among tourists.
Gorgeous black marble flooring and artwork that resembled Roman/Greek sculptures indicated that the Josun Palace brand would be something special.
The artwork within the hotel seamlessly complemented the grandeur associated with Josun Palace.
I dropped off my luggage and headed up to the 25th floor (Grand Reception) to check in officially. As soon as I exited the elevator, I noticed a pleasant scent in the lobby.
The hallway leading to the front desk was pleasantly scented using the hotel’s signature fragrance.
Similar to the Edition brand’s collaboration with Le Labo, Josun Palace also has a signature scent called ‘Lasting Impression.’ Although I wasn’t sure whether the hotel or another perfumer produced the scent, it instantly created an affluent atmosphere in the lobby. Since it was still a few days after Christmas, the lobby was full of Christmas decorations, with a Christmas tree greeting us as we walked in.
Guests were encouraged to take home memories by purchasing scented candles and the mascot plush toy available at the hotel.
The Grand Reception floor was a private, guest-exclusive area open daily from 7 AM to 10 PM. Though there were no complimentary alcoholic beverages available, the hotel offered cookies and coffee from 12 PM to 6 PM.
The Grand Reception floor offered complimentary cookies and non-alcoholic beverages in the afternoon.
The lobby was absolutely gorgeous; elaborative ceiling and wall designs felt familiar yet refreshing. With plenty of comfortable lounge seats and tables, guests could comfortably spread out. Moreover, the entire wall was made of floor-to-ceiling windows, creating panoramic views of Seoul.
The grand reception floor featured a wall entirely made of floor-to-ceiling windows, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Seoul.
We checked in after waiting for a few minutes, and unfortunately, my Suite Night Award request was denied. However, the front desk representative was able to upgrade me to a corner room on the hotel's highest floor. Due to the high occupancy rate around the holidays, it was the best room the hotel could give me free of charge. The front desk representative explained to me their wellness club hours, dining options, and other amenities in great detail. I was slightly disappointed that I couldn’t experience a suite but happily went up to the 35th floor, where our room was located.
Bedroom Review
Since my room wasn’t a suite, there wasn’t a separate living area, but the corner room had plenty of space. The king-sized bed was very comfortable and outfitted with luxury linen by Frette.
The corner bedroom at Josun Palace was spacious and elegantly designed.
The wall against the headboard was minimally textured without artwork and had two light bars serving as mood lights. Each bedside had a gorgeous marble nightstand with a universal outlet and a wireless charging pad built into it.
I could wirelessly charge my cell phone while enjoying music through the Bose speaker.
Of course, it still offered USB-C and other USB ports to charge devices traditionally. A master control panel for curtains and lights was available on each side of the bed, making it readily accessible.
The tablet and master switch afforded me control over virtually everything.
Thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, the bedroom received lots of natural light, and I could again enjoy sweeping views of Seoul. To the right, I could see the Lotte World Tower, which is a 123-story skyscraper and currently ranks as the tallest building in South Korea.
The Lotte World Tower is a must-visit shopping and dining attraction in Seoul.
To the left, I could see the Namsan Tower, which functions as an observatory and a broadcasting center.
The N Tower is the second highest point in Seoul after the Lotte World Tower.
Josun Palace was up to date with providing guests with high-tech gadgets in the room. For example, a wireless Bose speaker was available so that you could play your own music, and you could use a tablet in the room to order amenities or request in-room dining service. Needless to say, the TV had smart TV functionalities and it was seamlessly built into the wall. I was initially concerned with viewing angles, but I could tilt the TV slightly to optimize the view.
The wall-mounted smart TV could be slightly tilted to adjust ideal viewing angles.
A work desk was situated in the corner of the room with aesthetic wall lights. The desk was relatively narrow, but the concave wall around the desk created a more engaging workspace. The mini bar was one of my favorites in the bedroom. At first, it seemed like a big closet, but it was a fully stocked minibar with various mixology gadgets such as a mixing glass, cocktail shaker, strainer, etc.
Josun Palace's minibar was impeccably equipped with high-end crystal glassware and top-shelf spirits.
Crystal whiskey and highball glasses were emblematic of the hotel’s extravagant identity, and the liquors in the minibar were all high-quality spirits like Camus Cognac XO or The Botanist Gin. As a mixology enthusiast, I appreciated that the hotel included a recipe card for a drink called J.P. Tea Tonic, which is made using Earl Grey-infused gin and Thomas Henry Tonic. The instructions were in English and Korean, and the step-by-step guide was easy to follow. The minibar had a Nespresso Venturo machine for coffee, and you could use an electric kettle to brew tea with Steven Smith Teamaker tea bags. There was crystal glassware for champagne and wine lovers, and the mini-fridge towards the bottom of the fridge was loaded with wine and mixers.
Should you require mixers for the minibar, the mini-fridge offers an array of choices, including tonic water and ginger beer.
The fridge wasn’t sensor-activated, so I stored my water bottles in it. Across from the bed was a light green chaise lounge with a white marble frame. It was essentially the size of a twin bed and big enough for me to nap. I didn’t anticipate it to be comfortable, but it exceeded my expectations.
Sumptuous materials such as marble were frequently employed to capture the opulent aesthetics of the hotel.
A round white marble table matched the aesthetics of the chaise lounge, and the Josun Palace concierge team provided me with a selection of gourmet chocolate, along with a kind thank you note. The chocolates were delicious and made me smile whenever I had one during my stay.
The delectable gourmet chocolates served as delightful welcome amenities, perfectly complementing afternoon coffee.
The highlight of the bedroom was its high-tech collaboration with Samsung. The bedroom had a Bespoke Cube Air Purifier that looked sleek and purified the air in the room. It operated very quietly, and I wasn’t sure if it was on at first.
The bedroom air was quietly purified by the Samsung Bespoke Cube Air Purifier.
Another high-tech appliance was in the walk-in closet, which sat between the bedroom and the bathroom. The walk-in closet had ample space to store all of my belongings and had drawers to keep my clothes organized.
The walk-in closet was equipped with motion-activated lighting, enhancing convenience for guests.
A Bespoke AirDresser was incorporated into the wall, and it could sanitize, steam, deodorize, and dry clothes. It was pretty easy to control, though you can’t put many clothes in at once. The AirDresser was particularly handy for us because we had Korean barbecue for dinner. Our winter jackets smelled like grilled meat and smoke, but after a 40-minute session of drying, steaming, and cleaning in the Bespoke AirDresser, the jackets felt brand new without any odor or wrinkles.
The Samsung Bespoke AirDresser stood out as one of the most impressive in-room amenities I've experienced.
The bedroom was impressive, to say the least. Even though it was carpeted overall, it was evident that the hotel used the highest-grade materials in the room and integrated masterful craftsmanship everywhere possible. The details in the room accentuated its upscale character, and from meaningful ambient lighting to clean silhouettes of the ceiling design, the bedroom illustrated that Josun Palace was one of the most exquisite Marriott hotels in Seoul.
Bathroom Review
My corner room featured a half bathroom by the room entrance and a master bathroom. The half bathroom was gorgeously finished with marble walls and flooring and featured a toilet with a bidet and a petite single-sink vanity.
Soft lighting in the guest bathroom was achieved through accent lighting along the mirror.
The bathroom door was heavy and isolated noise from both inside and outside perfectly. The clean aesthetics and premium materials in the half bathroom made me excited about the master bathroom, which was connected to the bedroom and the walk-in closet.
Both the guest and master bathrooms were equipped with bidets that could be controlled via a remote.
The master bathroom was even grander than the guest bathroom; ambient lighting of the ceiling molding and premier finishes highlighted its luxurious setting. Again, marble was the primary material used in the space, as the double sink vanity was made of brown-gray marble.
The luxurious setting in the master bathroom was accentuated by ambient lighting along the ceiling molding and premium finishes.
The mirror stretched the entire wall length, and because it was heated, I didn’t deal with a steamy bathroom mirror after a bath. The column light fixture on each end of the vanity adequately brightened the room, and the vanity kit had everything you would need, including dental and shaving kits. The design of the vanity kit was delightful as little boxes created Josun Hotel’s crest, symbolizing the brand’s motto and value in nobility, legacy, and heritage.
The Phoenix represents immortality and the rebirth of the legacy and glory of the Josun Hotel, and the Lion symbolizes nobility and the customer’s elevated standards and authority.
The entire vanity kit was replenished at night when the hotel performed turndown service. While it wasn’t necessary, it meant you could truly use up consumables in the kit. The master bathroom had a spacious walk-in shower and a separate soaking tub with an alluring waterfall faucet. The water coming out of the tub faucet was serene to look at, and the hotel even provided bath salts to elevate the bathing experience.
The water flowing from the waterfall faucet of the tub was truly captivating to look at.
The minimalistic walk-in shower came with a gold-accented rainfall showerhead and a handheld option, and as expected, the walls and flooring were all in gorgeous marble.
Josun Palace has recently transitioned from providing travel-sized toiletries to communal-style options, aiming to minimize plastic waste.
Josun Palace recently updated toiletries from travel-sized to communal style to reduce plastic waste, and I was thrilled to see Byredo products. The scent was Le Chemin, which was exclusively created for Marriott’s Luxury Collection brand.
Byredo is one of my favorite fragrance brands for its creative and delightful scents.
It had captivating fragrances with notes of tangerine, Calabrian bergamot, violet flowers, and cypress. I first encountered Byredo in Sweden when I stayed at Nobis Hotel Stockholm, and I have been a loyal fan of the brand for its brilliant approach to perfumery. The only downside of the overall bathroom experience was that one of the sinks in the master bathroom didn’t drain properly.
The drainage in one of the sinks in the master bathroom was not functioning properly.
Given that Josun Palace was a high-end property, I was slightly disappointed. However, I didn’t raise a flag at the front desk because my stay was brief. In general, I was impressed with the aesthetic design of the bathrooms, and the hotel didn’t hold back in expressing its opulent brand identity by only using premium materials and products.
Afternoon Tea Review—1914 Lounge & Bar
After exploring the room, we went to the 24th floor for afternoon tea at 1914 Lounge & Bar.
In the summer, 1914 Lounge & Bar sells popular Bingsu made with Shine Muscat grapes.
The lounge was open from 10 AM to 12 AM on Sunday to Wednesday and extended the service by one hour from Thursday to Saturday, closing at 1 AM.
For enthusiasts of premium whiskey or creative cocktails, I strongly suggest paying a visit to 1914 Lounge & Bar.
The art-deco-styled lounge was glamorous, and a grand piano was situated in the middle of the venue for late-night live jazz.
1914 Lounge & Bar will enhance your nightcap experience with the backdrop of jazz music.
While the lounge served drinks and food, we were there for afternoon tea, which was only available between 1 PM and 6 PM. I had reserved it weeks in advance, costing about 80 USD per person.
For the afternoon tea experience, it is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance.
Pro tip—I highly recommend asking for a window seat so that you can enjoy incredible views of Seoul. I booked the window seat, and the view was phenomenal.
As there are limited window seats available, be sure to specify your preference when making a reservation.
The experience began with choosing one of the flavored water from lemon, blood orange, or pompelmo. They ended up being flavored soda by San Pellegrino, which was sugary but refreshing. We selected Earl Grey tea (Lord Bergamot) and fruity green tea (Maldives) for our tea choices.
The tea was steeped at an ideal temperature, and the tea set used was designed by Vera Wang.
The tea was aromatic and paired well with savory and sweet items, served on a three-tier stand. When the food came out, the waiter placed a piece of dry ice on the bottom of the stand and poured water on it, creating a cloud-like presentation to mimic a dining experience above the sky.
The three-tier afternoon tea stand was particularly appealing for those with a sweet tooth.
The first plate featured savory items such as cheese and plain scones, egg sandwiches, and cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches.
The cheese scone was my favorite due to its tangy and robust cheddar cheese flavor.
They all tasted as imagined, but the sweets were different, which made up the rest of the stand. The middle plate had vanilla and green tea eclairs, mascarpone roll, peach mousse, strawberry tart, and chocolate ganache.
The green tea eclair offered a delicately sweet flavor, and the peach mousse harmoniously complemented the fruity notes of my green tea.
Each item was masterfully created and paired well with the tea. The top plate had more pâtisseries, including yuzu and rose macarons, raspberry heart mousse, blueberry tart, and mini cream cheese cone. I adored the detailed and inventive presentation of each item. For instance, on the blueberry tart, instead of another blueberry, there was a blueberry-flavored micro-macaron.
The restaurant playfully reimagined the classic 'ice cream' cone, presenting it as a creative chocolate-dipped treat.
The chocolate-dipped ‘ice cream’ cone was filled with edible sugar pearls, and anything with fruits was naturally sweet from using ripe fruits in season—particularly the strawberries. 1914 Lounge & Bar used fine china from Vera Wang, matching the lounge's upscale atmosphere.
Aside from the tardy service, the afternoon tea at 1914 Lounge & Bar was worth the experience.
However, the service was extremely slow. While I felt terrible for doing it, I had to wave my hands a few times, and by the end of the experience, I eventually walked up to the receptionist to pay on the spot due to the challenges of getting the staff’s attention. Nevertheless, when I did get the wait staff’s attention, the service was exceptional. I recommend the afternoon tea experience for anyone in the area or staying at Josun Palace, but this is not for you if you are in a hurry.
Gym Review
The gym was located on the 26th floor and was open daily, 24/7. It reminded me of the gym at the Austin Proper Hotel, with birch wood flooring and state-of-the-art TechnoGym equipment.
The gym at Josun Palace ranked among the finest fitness facilities I've ever visited.
A row of TechnoGym treadmills and other cardio equipment faced floor-to-the-ceiling windows so that you could enjoy the open skylines of Seoul.
Situated on the 26th floor of the hotel, the gym boasted a stunning view of Seoul.
There were all types of cardio machines, including elliptical, stationary bike, StairMaster machine, etc. With multiple hydration stations with chilled towels, you can refresh yourself after an intense workout.
After a rigorous workout, you can rejuvenate yourself at various hydration stations equipped with chilled towels.
If you were impressed by the cardio section, hold your breath until you see the weightlifting space. Again, it was decked out with TechnoGym products and had a fully loaded squat rack with safety bars, a Smith machine, and a flat bench.
The weightlifting area in the gym was equipped with the latest state-of-the-art equipment.
They all used Olympic bars, and other free weights, such as straight bars, curl bars, and dumbbells, were neatly organized for guests to tackle other strength exercises.
The hotel staff consistently maintained cleanliness by frequently tidying up the area.
To top it off, an all-in-one machine was also available, making the gym one of the best hotel gyms I had encountered in Korea.
Due to the abundance of options, I seldom found myself waiting for a workout machine to become available.
Similar to the cardio equipment, more strength equipment was lined facing the windows. They were all by TechnoGym, and the best part about them was that they were so technologically advanced. For instance, when I used the lat machine, it counted my total sets and repetitions.
These advanced strength exercise machines could track and count sets for you, allowing you to concentrate solely on your workout.
Moreover, it had a rest timer built into it, allowing me to push myself without relying on a phone timer. It was engaging and motivating even though I was working out by myself. You can make appointments at the front desk if you want to take personal training or pilates classes. The pilates room was spacious and featured the latest gear.
Pilates is one of the hottest workouts in South Korea these days, especially among women.
The gym had two personal training rooms; the first room was dedicated to barre and bodyweight exercises, and the second was designed for weightlifting. Naturally, I gravitated towards the weightlifting room, which was drenched with natural lights thanks to tall windows.
The private weightlifting rooms provided some of the most gorgeous views of Gangnam.
Not only could I enjoy panoramic views of Seoul, but it also had another full squat rack with safety bars and even TechnoGym’s Kinesis machine.
Kinesis is basically an all-in-one machine that promotes natural muscle training movements.
Both rooms were equipped with a Dyson air purifier to provide clean air during exercise, and personal training rooms were open for guests as long as there were no personal training classes.
Guests are required to make reservations at the front desk to take personal training classes.
Needless to say, the gym at Josun Palace was one of the best gyms I’ve been to. From cleanliness to technology, there was nothing that the gym lacked, and whether you are a beginner or an advanced weightlifter, anyone would appreciate Josun Palace’s gym.
Pool Review
Josun Palace had an indoor swimming pool on the 26th floor, adjacent to the spa. In order to use either facility, you would need to sign a waiver and check in with the receptionist.
While the spa required payment, access to the swimming pool was complimentary.
The spa costs 40 USD per person and is separated by gender. We didn’t use the spa and only opted for the pool. After receiving a locker ley, I went into the men’s locker room to get changed.
The locker room was relatively compact, and you had the option to utilize the extractor for a quick drying of your swimsuit.
The locker room was small but featured two individual shower booths and had toiletries by Penhaligon’s—a luxury British perfume brand with a rich history.
Penhaligon's was designated as the Royal Barber and Perfumer to the Royal Court during the reign of Queen Victoria.
I wasn’t surprised to find Dyson air purifiers to ensure the space stays hygienic. After taking a shower, I head to the swimming pool with high expectations.
Dyson air purifiers were commonly found in various shared spaces, including the male locker room.
As imagined, the swimming pool was strikingly beautiful. An array of modern lantern-like light fixtures reflected on the water, and there was ambient lighting inside the pool to illuminate steps and walls.
The indoor infinity pool at Josun Palace was one of the favorite hotel swimming pools I’ve visited.
In addition, the ceiling was reflective, and not only did it feel like there were more light fixtures, but you could also be aware of your surroundings when you were doing backstroke.
I adored the way the lights shimmered and danced on the water.
Since almost all Korean swimming pools require people to wear swim caps, you could rent one for free with the lifeguard on duty.
Wearing a swim cap in the pool was mandatory, and guests could borrow one free of charge from the on-duty lifeguard.
There were also chilled water bottles, so make sure you stay hydrated as you exercise. The pool had reclinable sunbeds and a handful of rentable cabanas. I don’t know how much it was, but it could be a nice splurge if you are on a staycation.
Cabanas were available for rental, but I appreciated the ones at The Westin Josun Seoul for their expansive layout.
As with most Josun Palace facilities, the indoor pool had floor-to-the-ceiling windows, offering a sweeping view of Seoul. The pool was gently heated Olympic length at 50 meters, and aside from the general area, there was an adults-only lane for lapping.
Tall glass ceilings adorned the walls of the pool area, offering splendid views.
The warm pool was only 0.7 m (2.3 ft) deep, but you could sit on the lowest level and submerge your entire body. It was very relaxing and calming, and I liked the large square footage of the pool because you could social distance from each other.
While lacking a hydrotherapy function, the water was perfectly warm and provided a soothing experience for my body.
Although there was no jet function with the warm pool, I actually preferred not having it to take in its serene atmosphere. The pool was definitely worth it, and I suggest visiting right after breakfast in the morning because it does get crowded after 10 AM.
Breakfast Review—Constans
Breakfast was served from 7 AM to 10 AM at Constans, located on the 24th floor of the hotel. It was complimentary for my fiancé and me with my Titanium Elite status, but should you wish to enter without Platinum Elite status or higher, you will need to pay 55 USD per adult. Constans was open for lunch and dinner as well, but I suggest visiting other hotel restaurants like Eatanic Garden. We checked in with the restaurant receptionist and received metal number tags for our table, which you can use to place cook-to-order dishes like udon noodles or omelets. Constans was ornamented similarly to the 1914 Lounge & Bar with more conservative design elements. Tall ceilings, contemporary chandeliers, and black and white marble flooring matched the hotel’s overall top-end brand identity. Luckily, it wasn’t all bells and whistles because the food was delicious. There were two different seating areas.
Constans gets significantly croded during peak hours, so I recommend visiting when it opens at 7 AM.
The first area was closer to the entrance and less hectic, given that the space only served light breakfast items such as cereal, fruits, and freshly squeezed juice.
For a quieter dining experience, opt for a seating arrangement closer to the fruit section.
The main area was more popular among guests since you wouldn’t have to walk back and forth with food. The breakfast buffet at Constans was the best hotel breakfast I had in Korea, extensively featuring Chinese, Japanese, American, Korean, and European cuisines.
The breakfast buffet at Constans showcased an extensive array of Chinese, Japanese, American, Korean, and European cuisines.
I started with Chinese dishes; there were five different kinds of handmade dumplings, and they were all steamy and juicy, as if I was dining at Din Tai Fung.
It was heavenly to start my morning with some handmade soup dumplings.
Being a crab lover, crab fried rice was slightly dry, but mapo tofu melted right in my mouth with residual heat from Sichuan peppercorn. Then, I moved on to various Korean and American dishes. Some of the notable banchans (Korean side dishes) were braised beef with quail eggs (jangjorim), fermented pollack roe (myeongranjeot), sauteed anchovies, and spinach (namul).
The buffet provided a diverse selection of high-quality banchans not commonly found in typical breakfast buffets at Korean hotels.
The kimchi was fermented just the right amount, and grilled short rib patties (Tteok-Galbi) were moist with mildly smoky notes.
Grilled short rib patties (Tteok-Galbi) were my childhood favorite side dish growing up.
There were classic American breakfast fares like bacon, pancakes, and grilled sausage, but there were unconventional items like frittata and potato gratin.
There were some unique American breakfast items like potato gratin and frittata.
The restaurant had regular scrambled eggs, but I recommend ordering fried eggs or an omelet if you can wait a few minutes. One of the best dishes at the buffet was French toast.
The highlight of the buffet was this French toast; its thick center was deliciously moist and eggy.
It was eggy and fluffy, and I could confidently say that it was the most delicious French toast I’ve ever had in my life. I topped mine off with maple syrup and whipped cream, and I was blown away by how the kitchen revolutionized such a simple dish.
Constans offered an exceptional culinary experience, and every dollar spent on the food was well worth it.
The salad bar only carried fresh vegetables, but the antipasto was more interesting. Among various types of salads, seafood salad with calamari and shrimp and duck salad with smoked duck breast were tasty highlights.
As part of the antipasto, the restaurant offered a range of salads, among them the one featuring smoked duck breast.
The buffet had a variety of cold cuts and cheeses, and I was thrilled to discover mortadella and jamón on the menu, as they are my favorite cuts.
I thoroughly enjoyed savoring mortadella and jamón—both of which rank among my favorite cold cuts.
I paired them with freshly baked in-house sourdough, and while I could keep going, I saved some room for udon. You can order either wonton noodle soup or fried tofu udon at the live noodle station, and I ordered udon.
Diners had the option to select either wonton noodle soup or fried tofu udon and personalize their dish with a variety of toppings.
It only took a few seconds to come out, and its deep bonito-based broth warmed up my body instantly.
I opted for the fried tofu udon and delighted in its rich bonito-based broth and satisfyingly chewy noodles.
For my final stop, I had a cup of cappuccino and sweet pastries for dessert. Though there were only three types of pastries, each item was decadent. The raisin Danish had creamy custard in the center that complemented the golden raisins, and the chocolate pastry had lush ganache.
While the pastry selection wasn't as extensive as other food stations, everything was delectable, particularly the strawberry eclair.
My favorite was the fruit Danish that resembled an éclair. Strawberries in Korea are naturally very sweet, making the éclair a sumptuous treat.
The savory bread station didn’t disappoint and complemented fresh cuts of jamón.
As you can see, I ate a lot for breakfast. Nonetheless, I couldn’t review all the dishes because of how extensive the buffet was. I was a little skeptical of the high price point of the buffet, but I can definitely vouch for its quality and assure you that it was very much worth it. The buffet does get crowded during peak hours, especially on weekends, so I suggest getting up early for breakfast. Overall, the breakfast buffet at Constans was one of the best hotel breakfasts I had in Seoul, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for quality food and attentive service.
Lunch Review—Eatanic Garden
After rejuvenating at the pool, we headed to one of the hotel’s restaurants—Eatanic Garden—for lunch. It is located on the 36th floor, and lunch was served between 12 PM and 2:30 PM from Tuesday to Sunday. Eatanic Garden specializes in Korean fine dining and earned one Michelin star in 2022. Due to its popularity, I highly recommend making a reservation as soon as the portal opens. The restaurant was absolutely gorgeous; white circular tables and gold-accented dividers created a layer of privacy among guests. When I reserved our table, I asked for a table near the windows because you can also enjoy an open view of Seoul. From start to finish, we were served 11 dishes using traditional Korean ingredients such as fresh ginseng, plum tree blossom, dudeok root, black truffle, jeju tangerine, and many more.
The presentation at Eatanic Garden was charming and awakened my senses.
In addition, the restaurant did a phenomenal job of storytelling each piece by providing a paper card with an illustration of the dish on one side and a descriptive, cultural summary of the dish on the other side.
Paper cards featuring detailed descriptions in both Korean and English provided additional insight into the artistry behind each expertly crafted dish.
Of course, you could take all of the cards back home, which became meaningful souvenirs on their own. Some of my favorite dishes were jujeonburi, dudeok root, seolyamyukjuk, and mother-of-pearl box. Jujeonburi roughly translates to ‘small snacks for pleasure',’ and these are light dishes you could snack on at night, often paired with soju or beer.
Eatanic Garden successfully reinterpreted common snacks like jujeonburi.
Eatanic Garden re-translated ordinary flavor profiles of kelp, dried white fish, and pare seaweed that every Korean should be familiar with. Dudeok root is one of my favorite Korean native root vegetables.
Dudeok root reaches the peak of its delectable flavor when harvested in winter, boasting a delightful combination of subtle bitterness and sweet herbal notes.
I didn’t like it when I was young, but when its slightly herbal and bitter taste is paired with sweet and spicy Korean gochujang glaze, it transforms into a mouthwatering and nutritious dish. Eatanic Garden nailed on the dish, and I appreciate the kitchen using a native Korean ingredient in a fine dining setting.
The concept of Korean fine dining might not be widely unfamiliar, especially among Koreans, but it offers fresh perspectives on familiar dishes.
Seolyamyukjuk translates to ‘grilled meat on a snowy night’, which is the origin of bulgogi. When Korean ancestors savored grilling meat on a cold winter night, the original bulgogi was quite different from what we know these days. The meat was tender and full of umami, and there were snowflake-shaped pickled radishes to represent wintery nights in Korea.
The original bulgogi that we all know and love these days looked quite different in the past.
The mother-of-pearl box was the final dish with one of the best presentations in the entire course. Our waitress brought out a stunning mother-of-pearl lacquer box, which was engraved with butterfly patterns, symbolizing fulfillment and peony patterns, symbolizing wealth and glory.
The mother-of-pearl dessert box stood out as my absolute favorite presentation.
In each drawer where jewels are stored, the restaurant filled it with sweet desserts with Korean twists. The presentation alone was noteworthy, and we relished every bite with an aromatic cup of americano.
I highly recommend Eatanic Garden to anyone visiting Seoul for its fantastic service and food.
Aside from delicious offerings, the restaurant provided impeccable service during lunch. Our waitress was attentive and always treated us with a smile. When we were ready to leave the restaurant, she personally walked us over to the elevator, and we couldn’t be more satisfied with her hospitality. I highly recommend Eatanic Garden to anyone, especially Koreans who haven’t had Korean fine dining. I bet it will awaken your senses, and you will appreciate seeing traditional Korean dishes from a much more interesting angle.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
My corner room was full of luxurious details and high-tech amenities. I adored the contemporary design of the room that embodied traditional Korean beauty at the same time. With the Samsung Bespoke Cube Air Purifier, I could rest assured that the air was clean during my stay. The Samsung Bespoke AirDresser came in handy to refresh my clothes after I returned from dining outside, and the opulent bathroom provided a much-needed relaxing environment after a long day in Seoul.
The gym was one of the best hotel gyms I’ve ever visited. It had state-of-the-art equipment for any type of workout, particularly for weightlifting. Thanks to its tranquil ambiance, the indoor pool was the perfect place to unwind and reinvigorate.
The breakfast at Constans is expensive if you don’t have high Marriott Bonvoy elite status, but I think it’s worth every penny. For a premium Michelin-starred dining experience, check out Eatanic Garden. I loved how the restaurant unfolded Korean fine dining by marrying traditional Korean ingredients with meaningful storytelling.
Negatives
I don’t have any negative factors to report. However, because Josun Palace is a very popular hotel, if you want a picture-perfect lodging experience with preferred dining and spa experiences, you would need to plan ahead and make appropriate reservations to get everything aligned. I can assure you the reward is worth your time and effort!
Summary
Josun Palace was my first hotel under Marriott’s Luxury Collection Hotel brand, and it successfully revived the glorious heritage of the Josun Hotel brand. Josun Palace was the epitome of luxury; the hotel utilized premium materials anywhere you could land your eyes on and harmoniously integrated art-deco style with traditional Korean design language. The room was furnished with various advanced technologies to enhance your lodging experience. Amenities, especially the indoor swimming pool and the gym, were top-notch, as the facilities were equipped with the latest gadgets and panoramic views of Seoul. From a culinary and gastronomic standpoint, Josun Palace knocked it out of the park with an extensive and delicious breakfast buffet at Constans and a phenomenal fine dining experience at one Michelin-starred restaurant, Eatanic Garden. Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Gangnam, was an outstanding property that uniquely retranslated its legacy brand with opulence, and I very much recommend the hotel to anyone looking for sumptuous hospitality in Seoul, South Korea.
