IFC Seoul sign agreement with Conrad. Monday, 9th November 2009 Source : IFC Seoul

Opening in 2011, Conrad Seoul will set new standards in luxury hotel accommodation in the heart of Yeouido Business District.

IFC Seoul today announced that it has signed an agreement with Hilton Worldwide to manage Korea’s newest and most spectacular luxury hotel. Setting a new benchmark in luxury hotel accommodation in Seoul, the Conrad Seoul will be located in the acclaimed International Financial Centre Seoul (“IFC”), and is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2011.

In addition to the 446-room hotel, IFC Seoul will comprise, upon completion, three office towers, a cineplex and a luxury retail mall (IFC Mall), as well as extensive dining and leisure areas, public access to green spaces and a direct connection to the Seoul subway transportation system.

With a strong focus on luxury and fashion, IFC Seoul will occupy a prime location in the heart of Seoul’s financial centre, the Yeouido Business District, which is home to the Korea Exchange and is often referred to as the “Korean Wall Street.”

“The Conrad Seoul will be a stunning addition to our growing portfolio of Conrad Hotels and to our expanding footprint in Korea, and we are delighted that AIG Global Real Estate has chosen to work with Hilton Worldwide,” said Martin Rinck, President – Asia Pacific Hilton Worldwide. “We believe that the Conrad’s contemporary luxury will be a natural fit for the sophisticated and design-led IFC Seoul, and we are confident that the hotel will become a fitting landmark among guests and members of the business community in this world class and high-tech city.”

William F. Freeman III, Managing Director of AIG Global Real Estate, commented, “We are excited to introduce the Conrad Seoul as a core part of our new mixed-use development. With the cooperation of Conrad Hotels, one of the most luxurious brands in the hotel industry, IFC Seoul will be the preeminent retail, business, and hospitality destination in the city for local residents, business travellers and guests.”

Overlooking the Han River and nestled among the headquarters of Korean enterprises and multinationals, the Conrad Seoul will offer guests an oasis of respite from the city’s bustle, with sweeping views of the city skyline, a swimming pool, health club, luxury spa, and three innovatively designed restaurants, a lobby lounge and bar.

In addition, more than 3,100 square meters of meeting space will ensure that guests can stay connected and meet in comfort, supported by state-of-the-art technology and meeting facilities. Two ballrooms with 2,100 square meters of space will enable large-scale conferences as well as high-end wedding banquets and social gatherings.

“The new Conrad Seoul will seamlessly bring together life, business and pleasure for our guests, who will experience the personalized service and attention to business detail Conrad is known for across the world,” noted John Vanderslice, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Luxury & Lifestyle Brands, Hilton Worldwide.

The IFC Seoul project is one of the first large-scale real estate developments in Korea to be led by an international consortium. The project, which was officially launched in 2005, is a key component in the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s plan to rejuvenate the Yeouido area and to position the area as a regional financial center, creating employment opportunities and enriching the quality of life for local residents.

The signing ceremony will be officiated by William F Freeman III, Managing Director of AIG Global Real Estate and Martin Rinck, President - Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide at the SIFIC 2009 welcome dinner on the evening of November 5.