South Korea’s Hidden Coastal Gem For Sophisticated Getaways
White-sand beaches, pine-lined shores, and contemporary luxury await at South Korea’s Shilla Monogram Gangneung.
A serene coastal escape is quietly reshaping South Korea’s luxury travel map. Just a two-hour train journey from Seoul, Gangneung—a city long adored for its pristine beaches and cultural heritage—now hosts the newly opened Shilla Monogram Gangneung, the latest offering from the esteemed Shilla Hotels & Resorts. The resort promises a restorative retreat with sweeping ocean vistas, understated elegance, and a lifestyle-driven hospitality experience designed to appeal to discerning travellers seeking both comfort and culture.
Gangneung’s charms extend beyond its white sands. Visitors can sample regional specialties like Chodang sundubu, tofu made with seawater, explore the UNESCO-recognised Danoje Festival, and trace the legacy of the Confucian scholar Yulgok Yi I. More recently, the city has captured global attention as the backdrop for popular K-dramas and K-pop videos, giving it a contemporary cultural resonance that complements its historic roots. With the convenience of a short train ride from Seoul, Gangneung is fast becoming a strategic choice for travellers craving a blend of natural beauty and urban accessibility.
Timeless Interiors
The interiors of Shilla Monogram Gangneung, envisioned by Studio Whynought of New York, epitomise restrained luxury. The design leans on a soothing palette of whites and beiges, with clean-lined furnishings and modern finishes throughout. The property features 315 hotel rooms, 90 per cent of which overlook the ocean, alongside 602 residential units, creating a harmonious mix of private and hotel-style living.
Art and design enthusiasts will appreciate the subtle nods to Gangneung’s landscapes. From Peter Gentenaar’s diaphanous cloudlike installation to the Shilla Monogram Fine Wish Tree, where guests leave handwritten notes, the resort integrates creativity with contemplation. Public spaces, from the airy lobby to the ocean-facing lounges, invite moments of pause. At the same time, expansive windows frame the pine-tree-dotted coastline, reinforcing a deep connection to the city’s natural surroundings.
Gastronomy & Leisure
Culinary experiences at Shilla Monogram Gangneung mirror the resort’s commitment to luxury and versatility. Dining M, the all-day restaurant, serves an elegant buffet featuring Korean and continental dishes for breakfast and dinner. Lunch offers à la carte and set menus designed for leisurely dining. Overlooking the water, Bar M provides a sophisticated retreat for afternoon refreshments and sunset cocktails, with signature offerings like Apple Mango Bingsoo, a nod to the famed Shilla Seoul.
Beyond dining, the resort caters to both relaxation and recreation. The subterranean spa, clad in neutral stone, exudes a tranquil, cave-like ambience, while Little Monogram, a dedicated children’s space with playful installations and a ball pit, ensures families feel equally pampered. Guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a virtual golf studio, and a seasonal beach club with loungers and alfresco dining. Meanwhile, Gangneung itself offers leisurely exploration, particularly for coffee aficionados, who can meander along the city’s charming Coffee Street at Anmok Beach.
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Expanding Horizons
Shilla Monogram Gangneung is the second property under the brand, following the 2020 debut of Shilla Monogram Danang in Vietnam. Shilla Hotels & Resorts, founded in 1973, now manages 21 properties in Korea and one in Vietnam under its three distinct brands: The Shilla, Shilla Monogram, and Shilla Stay. With the success of its coastal ventures, the company is setting its sights on expansion into China, signalling an ambitious new chapter for Asia-focused luxury hospitality.
For those seeking a South Korean getaway combining cultural depth, coastal charm, and sophisticated leisure, Shilla Monogram Gangneung is an elegant and immersive destination. Here, guests are invited to slow down, embrace the rhythms of the sea, and enjoy the understated luxuries of a lifestyle resort thoughtfully attuned to both environment and experience.