Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is stepping up its expansion in South Korea, with the opening of its first managed hotel in the country and two new development signings. Wyndham’s first managed hotel in the country opened with the debut of the 529-room Wyndham Goseong Gangwon, located about 200km or two hours by road from the capital city of Seoul.
Wyndham’s expansion comes as South Korea’s tourism sector continues to rebound, supported by resilient domestic travel and a steady recovery in international arrivals. According to the Korea Tourism Organization, the country recorded 15.82 million visitors between January and October 2025, a 15.2% increase from the previous year. Industry executives expect international demand to continue improving into 2025, supporting increased investment in branded accommodation across urban and resort markets.
The 529-room, ocean-view Wyndham Goseong Gangwon is designed to serve leisure travellers, families, and MICE groups. This five-star hotel provides serenity and privacy steps from the warm golden sands and clear waters of Bongpo Beach. Guests can enjoy stunning vistas from the cliffside Cheongganjeong Pavilion, hike through Korea’s most famous mountain range at Seoraksan National Park and visit the DMZ Museum and Unification Observatory near the North Korean border.
The non-smoking guest rooms or suites boast soothing ocean views and a private balcony. This modern, non-smoking retreat also offers state-of-the-art wellness facilities like an infinity pool overlooking the beach, hot tub and fitness centre.
Korean and Western cuisines are offered at the all-day restaurant, Ananas as well as gourmet burgers and other American favourites being served at The Burger Club. Guests can also unwind with handcrafted cocktails and tasty snacks while admiring awe-inspiring views from the rooftop poolside bar, The Edge.
Two new developments signed up
Two new development projects have also been signed — Howard Johnson by Wyndham Seoul, expected to open in 2028, and Wyndham Busan, slated for 2030 — reflecting a strategic shift toward deeper operational involvement and a broader national footprint spanning both resort and urban markets.
Over the past two years, Wyndham have expanded our footprint in South Korea through introducing new brands and opening new hotels, including the introduction of Wyndham Grand in 2023 and Trademark Collection by Wyndham in 2024.
These additions build on an existing portfolio of approximately 30 hotels with more than 9,200 rooms nationwide, spanning brands such as Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Ramada Plaza, Ramada, Ramada Encore, Ramada Hotel & Suites, Wyndham Grand, and Trademark Collection.
The company’s growth strategy in South Korea is supported by the Wyndham Advantage platform, which combines marketing, distribution, and technology resources. Since 2018, Wyndham has invested approximately $375 million in technology, providing owners with access to property management systems and a global loyalty base of around 121 million Wyndham Rewards members.
