Key summary — short answer: Josun Hotels & Resorts (조선호텔앤리조트) plans to add Jongno (Orakai Daehakro, 232 rooms) and Yeosu (Ramada Plaza Yeosu, 427 rooms) as brand conversions, targeting opening in the first half of 2027. If you want "urban culture/first-time-in-Seoul," choose Jongno; if you want "coastal views and Yeosu sightseeing (nightscapes, islands)," choose Yeosu. When booking, check brand-conversion and construction schedules (facilities/services may change) and pick flexible rates and refund policies.
What is confirmed - According to reports on November 2, 2026, Josun Hotels & Resorts announced plans to add its 10th and 11th properties, targeting opening in the first half of 2027, in Seoul’s Jongno district and in Yeosu. The Jongno property is the existing Orakai Daehakro Hotel (about 232 rooms, reported as roughly four-star), and the Yeosu property is the Ramada Plaza Yeosu (about 427 rooms). These assets were acquired in a consortium with Shinsegae Property Investment Management (신세계프라퍼티투자운용).
How this changes things for travelers (Jongno vs Yeosu comparison) The table below compares the two locations focusing on trip type, key advantages, transport/access, and booking checkpoints.
| Item | Jongno (Orakai Daehakro → Josun brand conversion) | Yeosu (Ramada Plaza → Josun operation) |
|---|---|---|
| Reported rooms & grade | About 232 rooms, previously a four-star level (per reports) | About 427 rooms, large resort-style room mix (per reports) |
| Trip types suited | First-time Seoul visitors, traditional culture (Insadong, Changdeokgung, Jongmyo), walkable sightseeing | Coastal views, nightscapes, island sightseeing (e.g., Odongdo), leisure, family stays |
| Accessibility (city transport) | Central urban location with convenient subway/bus access — good for moving around the city | Access mainly by intercity bus, KTX (Yeosu Station), or car — local transport and itinerary planning needed |
| Advantages | Efficient walking routes for city sightseeing and cultural experiences | Larger room count and resort-style facilities better for groups, families, and leisure stays |
| Booking considerations | Brand conversion and renovation schedules could alter some facilities/services | Phased brand conversion possible (some facilities may not be ready at opening) — verify at booking |
| Recommended traveler profile | 1–3 night travelers focused on Seoul culture/shopping; international tourists | Travelers staying 1+ nights for leisure/island trips, families/groups, events (weddings/banquets) |
Booking checklist (practical guide) - Confirm opening date: Reports say the company is targeting the first half of 2027 (January–June 2027), but schedules can change due to brand conversion or construction—verify the opening/operational status with the hotel or official booking channels before you book. - Rate conditions: Opening promotions or limited facility/meal inclusions may vary during brand conversion. Choose rates with flexible cancellation/change policies. - Facility checks: Verify whether key amenities—spa, banquet halls, restaurants—will be fully operational at opening. Reports indicate some facilities (for example, additions seen with other Josun properties like extra spas or omakase restaurants) may be introduced in phases. - Timing strategy: New-brand launches can attract demand in peak seasons (cherry blossom/fall foliage/weekends in Seoul; summer in Yeosu). If your dates are fixed, secure a reservation early.
Who this is for and what trade-offs are being explained - Audience: 1) Travelers prioritizing Seoul city and cultural sightseeing on a first visit, 2) families/groups/leisure travelers planning a visit to the southern coast (Yeosu), 3) people who prioritize booking flexibility while a brand/facility transition is underway. - Trade-off: "urban accessibility (Jongno) vs. coastal/resort facilities (Yeosu)" — Jongno offers efficient city sightseeing but smaller room capacity and limited event capacity. Yeosu offers larger room inventory and resort-style facilities suitable for groups and leisure, but requires more on-the-ground transport planning. - Factors that can change recommendations: opening delays, phased facility openings during brand conversion (e.g., restaurants/spa opening later), and changing pricing policies.
Practical recommendation (one sentence) If your trip focus is "Seoul city culture," prioritize Jongno (Orakai Daehakro → Josun brand conversion); if it is "coastal/island sightseeing and leisure," prioritize Yeosu (Ramada Plaza → Josun operation), and in all cases confirm brand-conversion status and refund/facility policies before booking.
(Source summary: reporting by Chosun Biz, Herald Business, and Seoul Economic Daily in 2026; reports state the company’s target opening (first half of 2027), room counts, and the consortium with Shinsegae Property Investment Management.)