Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas: A 5-star retreat in the heart of Gangnam

You heard about that famous library with ceiling-reaching bookshelves in Seoul? Yes, the one with the massive, tower-like bookcases, which has now become a veritable magnet for tourists, book lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike. Known to the locals as Byeolmadang Library (more commonly known to us as Starfield Library), it is hands-down one of the most Instagrammable spots in Seoul with its impressive 13-metre high bookshelves lined with 70,000 books across two floors.  

Well, the Grand Intercontinental Parnas Seoul is right next to this architectural eye candy. You can access it from the lobby of the hotel, or through Coex Mall - which also happens to be the largest underground shopping centre in Asia.  And the mall also has a massive aquarium with over 40,000 sea creatures. That’s just one huge perk (scroll below to find out more perks) choosing the Grand Intercontinental Parnas Seoul as your hotel stay in Seoul. 

Undisputedly one of the best hotels in Seoul, the Grand Intercontinental Parnas Seoul is a no-brainer choice if you’re looking for top-notch accommodation in South Korea’s capital city. Over the years, travellers have been flocking to this property, attracted by the hotel’s understated elegance, traditional Korean charm and excellent service.  

The hotel has a great location in one of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in Seoul. The best dressed and the jetset fill the bustling streets and... guess what? It’s also where most of the Korean celebrities live. Who knows you may just spot Rain or Kim Ji-Won buying groceries or enjoying a cuppa? One can dream I guess...

For the uninitiated, the real estate in Gangnam South Korea is three times the price of South Korea’s average, and the residents are some of the wealthiest in the country. I  guess that’s why it’s often referred to as “The Beverly Hills of Korea”.

So expect an influx of wealth in this area from designer luxury boutiques to fine dining restaurants. And if you’re looking for a little nip and tuck or non-invasive facial treatments, Gangnam is a great location for some of the highly-ranked plastic surgery and aesthetic clinics in Seoul.  

It’s also a spot for those travelling on business, thanks to Seoul Parnas’ location in the Korea World Trade Centre complex, along with the COEX convention and exhibition centre and Coex City Airport Terminal (more on that later).

The rooms

Regular hotel rooms in Seoul are tiny so I was pleasantly surprised that the standard rooms in the Intercontinental Parnas are larger than most in the city at an average size of 430 square feet. The large energy-efficient windows also maximises the views of the vibrant city below. The rooms feature luxurious Jo Malone toiletries, while corner suites and above stock bathrooms with Hermès products. Fancy!

There are 550 rooms and suites available at this property, with the top-floor units collecting our preference for obvious reasons - some rooms have bonus mountain views so be sure to request for a scenic room if you’re on the higher floors. 

The food

You’re in Seoul and there’s lots to eat but if you would like to indulge in some fine dining, this is the hotel. 

There are two upscale restaurants serving gourmet cuisine from around the world. Wei Lou is a sophisticated Chinese restaurant on the hotel’s 34th floor so you will have a splendid view of the cityscape. And when we say posh, we’re talking elegant furnishings inspired from the Qing and Ming dynasties. 

Food-wise, the highly-regarded Chinese chef comes from one of Beijing’s acclaimed restaurant Quanjude. Word on the street is that Wei Lou offers the best Beijing duck in Seoul!

Love some Japanese cuisine? The newly renovated Hakone restaurant located on the first floor prides itself on authentic Japanese cuisine - from fresh sashimi to noodle dishes, the hotel’s multi award-winning Japanese restaurant is certainly not to be missed.  

The neighbourhood

The Intercontinental Parnas is situated in Gangnam which literally means “south of the river”. This district in South Korea’s capital lies along the banks of the Han, which also happens to be the fourth longest river in Korea.

I started my first day in Gangnam, with a slow walk around the Han River and a picnic (it wasn’t too cold) at the nearby Yeouido Hangang Park. The weather was perfect. It was a cool spring day, and under the azure sky I ate my tteokbokki (which I bought from one of the nearby stalls) and just hung out with a good book.

Besides the COEX Mall and the Starfield library, the hotel is also attached to Parnas Mall, and you can easily take a stroll through independent boutiques at nearby Cheongdam-Dong - Seoul’s fashion district. If you want to check out the K-Pop Road, walk maybe 30 minutes or so, or just hop onto a taxi - it’s pretty near! 

For the adventure-ridden folks and children, there is Lotte World and Lotte World Tower which is just a short five-minute drive away.

Editor’s tips 

Besides, the amazing shopping and close proximity to the many popular spots in Seoul, one of the top perks of staying at the Intercontinental Parnas is the ease of public transportation: Samseong Station is 3 minutes and Bongeunsa Station is just 10 minutes away.

And in Seoul, one of the most efficient and budget friendly ways for airport transfer is by airport shuttle. Which is another reason why this hotel is super convenient! It is connected to Coex City Airport Terminal which provides a non-stop limousine bus services travelling to and from Incheon International Airport on a daily basis.  

Now that’s definitely a plus point for any traveller!