Key summary — direct answer: Josun Palace will begin construction in December 2026 to convert part of the 27th-floor guest room level into private spa and business lounge space. This will reduce room supply for Gangnam premium rooms and could push average rates higher. If your trip prioritizes business meetings, privacy, or wellness, confirm room availability and lounge access before and after the work, book early, or consider alternative hotels.
What is changing (verified facts) - Josun Palace plans to start renovation work on the 26th-floor wellness club and the 27th-floor guest room level in December 2026 and to unveil the new facilities in the first half of 2027. The renovation will convert part of the existing rooms on the 27th floor into a business lounge and private spa totaling roughly 1,250~1,256㎡ (about 380 pyeong). - According to the hotel’s official notice, some facilities such as the fitness center will be operated in temporary replacement spaces during the construction period (2026-12-01 ~ 2027-01; dates may change depending on progress). Confirm operation status before booking.
Practical points travelers should check before booking 1. Questions to ask the hotel before you book - Is the room I plan to book on the affected floor (including the 27th)? Will construction cause noise or service changes? - Are executive lounge, suites, or spa access included and available; what benefits (breakfast/lounge access) are included? - Are fitness, pool, and spa operating normally? Where are any temporary replacement facilities located and what are their hours? - What are the cancellation and modification policies if my stay is affected by construction (refunds, date changes)?
2. When to book which room — decision rules
- If business meetings or private lounge access are central: prefer the hotel’s premium rooms or suites (confirm lounge inclusion) or book after construction completes (after first half of 2027). For short business trips, reserve early before construction begins to secure lounge-included rates.
- If wellness (spa/pool) is the priority: the remodel is intended to strengthen wellness facilities, but some services will be in temporary operation during construction. If you need immediate wellness access, avoid the construction period or check spa options at nearby hotels (e.g., Westin Josun, InterContinental).
- If sightseeing and value are the priority: central tourist districts like Jongno, Myeong-dong, and Hongdae typically offer better value and transport convenience. Gangnam (Teheran-ro) is business-focused, and reduced room numbers could raise peak-season rates.
Gangnam (Josun Palace) vs downtown (Jongno/Myeong-dong) — practical comparison table | Decision factor | Josun Palace / Gangnam (Teheran-ro) | Jongno·Myeong-dong·Jung-gu (tourist core) | |---|---:|---| | Main advantages | Top-tier service, private lounges, business conveniences (corporate clientele) | Tourist access, better value per night, easy subway transfers | | Construction impact (2026-12 ~ 2027 H1) | Reduced room supply for premium rooms; possible rate increases and partial temporary operation of some facilities | Generally unaffected (good alternative options) | | Business convenience | Directly strong (Teheran-ro corporate cluster, on-site meeting options) | May require travel time for meetings (taxi/subway) | | Tourist mobility | Requires transfers to reach tourist sites (subway or taxi) | Walkable or short subway trips to major attractions | | Recommended for | High-paying business travelers, VIPs, private meetings, wellness seekers | Sightseeing travelers, budget-conscious guests, families |
Booking checklist (phrases to use by phone or email) - "Is the room I’m booking on the 27th floor (or otherwise affected by construction)? Will there be noise or service changes due to the work?" - "Does the rate include executive lounge/suite access? If lounge access is restricted by construction, what alternative benefits are provided?" - "Are the fitness/pool/spa operating normally? Please confirm temporary operation periods and replacement locations." - "Can I receive written confirmation of cancellation/modification terms (refunds and fees) if my reservation is affected by construction?"
Reasons to change this recommendation (uncertainties / monitor points) - If the construction schedule is accelerated or extended: disruption during the renovation period could be worse than currently expected, and an alternative hotel would be advisable. - If the hotel formally announces post-renovation private lounge and spa operation details (for example, lounge-included rates or membership access), business and wellness demand may justify booking after the remodel is complete.
Practical tips (summary) - For short business trips before construction (before Dec 2026): book early to secure lounge-included benefits. During construction (2026-12 ~ 2027 H1): expect tighter room availability and potential rate increases; secure flexible cancellation terms. - For sightseeing-focused trips, consider alternatives in Jongno or Myeong-dong for better value and transport access. - Get written confirmation from the hotel about room floor, lounge access, and fitness operation by text or email to reduce disputes.
Note: This guide is based on the hotel’s official notices and press reports. Construction timing and impact may change depending on the hotel’s guidance and contractor schedules; confirm official information with the hotel before booking.