Hilton Worldwide is introducing its Hilton brand in Busan, South Korea's second largest city and top trading port following a signing of a new management agreement with Emerson Pacific Scheduled to open in 2016, the 306-room Hilton Busan will be part of the East Busan Tourism Complex, one of 10 major development projects in Busan.
Rob Palleschi, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts said, "Following the tremendous success of our hotels in Seoul, Gyeongju and Namhae, we are delighted to fly another Hilton Hotels & Resorts flag in South Korea in a location as attractive as Busan. With more than 550 hotels across six continents, we continue to build upon our legacy as the world's leading hotel brand by developing products and services to meet the needs of tomorrow's savvy global travelers."
"The introduction of our flagship Hilton property to Busan marks our commitment to continue our expansion in South Korea," said Andrew Clough, senior vice president of development, Middle East & Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide. "Busan, South Korea's second metropolis after Seoul, is a key destination for leisure and business, and we are thrilled to be the first leading global hospitality company that is part of the landmark East Busan Tourism Complex project. As the first Hilton Worldwide hotel in Busan, we are confident Hilton Busan will bring considerable awareness to Hilton Worldwide's many offerings and showcases our strengths in helping the city's future development".
Set on the coastline in the East of Busan, Hilton Busan will offer superb panoramic views of the Korea Straits. Situated within the East Busan Tourism Complex development, the hotel's immediate vicinity will become a prime address for various residences, a golf course, a theme park and numerous other tourist attractions. Hilton Busan is well served by major roadways, and as a result, it enjoys excellent accessibility to all areas of Busan and is approximately 8 kilometers away from the city center.
The 10-story Hilton Busan will span over 75,000 square meters and offer 306 guest rooms and suites with a spacious minimum room size of 56 square meters. The hotel will have an all-day dining restaurant and a bar. Hilton Busan will also have meeting facilities including a ballroom, Executive Floors, an outdoor pool, spa, health club, business center and onsite parking facility.
Busan, located on the southeastern tip of the Korean peninsula, is the primary port in Korea and the world's fifth largest container port. Its geographical location also boasts a coastline featuring superb beaches, as well as scenic cliffs and mountains that provide spectacular views, and hot springs. Busan today is fast gaining recognition as a world class city destination due to its natural endowments and rich cultural heritage. Since the city embarked on Busan Metropolitan City MICE Industry Comprehensive Promotion Plan[i] in March 2012, Busan is also becoming renowned as an international convention destination.
"Today's announcement represents our second partnership with Hilton Worldwide and combines the expertise of a truly global, award-winning hospitality company with strong local market expertise," said Joong-Myung Lee, president, Emerson Pacific, Inc. which also owns Hilton Namhae Golf and Spa Resort. "Busan, in particular, is one of the most beautiful cities and the site where the hotel will be located is rare and remarkable as the hotel will have a private beach right in front of its premise. I strongly believe that Hilton Busan will be an iconic hotel in Busan and South Korea."
Hilton Busan will become the brand's fifth property in South Korea when it opens in 2016, joining Hilton Namhae Golf & Spa Resort, Hilton Gyeongju, Grand Hilton Seoul and Millennium Hilton Seoul. The new hotel will add to the portfolio of five Hilton Worldwide hotels currently operating in South Korea, including Conrad Seoul.
