TORONTO — The Korea Tourism Organization’s ‘Luxury Korea’ destination lunch seminar at JOEY Eaton Centre in Toronto showcased the country’s growing appeal as a high-end travel destination.

Travel advisors and industry guests heard about Korea’s blend of luxury hospitality, cultural heritage, wellness experiences and contemporary art, with presentations focusing on upscale accommodations and immersive travel experiences across Seoul, Busan, Jeju Island and Incheon. Presenters included the KTO’s Toronto office’s Hillary Nguyen, Marketing Manager, and Lainey Lee, Marketing Coordinator.

Among the featured properties, The Silla Seoul was described as one of Korea’s flagship luxury hotels, and a longtime favourite for international visitors. The hotel’s outdoor pool overlooks Seoul’s iconic Namsan Tower, making a dip here one of the city’s signature experiences.

For travellers seeking a more traditional stay, there’s Rakkojae Seoul, an intimate hanok-style property located in Seoul’s Bukchon neighbourhood. The boutique hotel offers guests a private and authentic Korean cultural experience through traditional architecture and hospitality.

In Busan, Paradise Hotel Busan was showcased as one of the city’s leading beachfront luxury resorts, known for its ocean views, premium spa facilities and resort-style atmosphere.

The seminar also spotlighted emerging luxury destinations beyond Seoul. Jeju Island can be an ideal retreat for travellers seeking rest and relaxation, and Podo Hotel, a remote luxury property, is known far and wide by fans of PINX golf club.

Meanwhile demand for Incheon, less than an hour outside of Seoul, is on the rise thanks to INSPIRE, a newly developed resort complex featuring luxury accommodation, shopping, a casino and large-scale K-pop concert events.

In addition to hospitality offerings, the event emphasized Korea’s vibrant arts and cultural scene. Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul has its famed Secret Garden, while the Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a modern creative hub featuring art installations, fashion programming and popular night markets.

Further south, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Busan is famous for its exterior living art installation, ‘Vertical Garden’, by French botanist and artist Patrick Blanc, as well as for its extensive collection of modern works.

See VisitKorea.or.kr for more information.

Lead image caption: The KTO’s Toronto office’s Hillary Nguyen, Marketing Manager, and Lainey Lee, Marketing Coordinator (photo credit Michelle Zimmer