The Shilla’s iconic Dynasty Hall, a grand ballroom accommodating up to 700 guests, skyrocketed in popularity after Kim Yu-na’s nuptials. (Photo: a screenshot from Kim Yuna’s Instagram account)
SEOUL, Apr. 29 (Korea Bizwire) – When it comes to tying the knot in spectacular fashion, Seoul’s five-star hotels have become the epitome of extravagant nuptial celebrations for South Korea’s elite.
From lush floral arrangements to opulent ballrooms bathed in verdant hues, these venues provide a backdrop worthy of a queen’s pristine white dress – an experience exemplified by former figure skating champion Kim Yu-na’s lavish 2022 wedding at the Shilla Hotel’s Dynasty Hall.
The Shilla has long been a sought-after destination for celebrity weddings, hosting ceremonies for power couples like actors Jang Dong-gun and Go So-young, entertainers Yoo Jae-suk and Na Kyung Eun, and the former head of Doosan Magazine Park Seo-won, among others from the nation’s privileged echelons.
For countless prospective brides, these luxurious venues represent a fairytale setting they have long envisioned.
For a 300-guest wedding at one of Seoul’s premier hotels, industry estimates suggest a minimum cost of 80 to 90 million won with floral decorations and catering comprising over 80% of expenses.
Prices can soar much higher when opting for fresh flower arrangements and elaborate menu additions. Some hotels, like the Shilla, offer limitless floral possibilities tailored to couples’ desires, potentially driving costs into the hundreds of millions of won.
The Shilla’s iconic Dynasty Hall, a grand ballroom accommodating up to 700 guests, skyrocketed in popularity after Kim Yu-na’s nuptials.
The Yeongbingwan, an outdoor venue with a 200 to 300 guest capacity, offers a picturesque setting for alfresco weddings.
While rental fees start at 22 million won, catering packages range from 160,000 to 300,000 won per person, and basic floral decor averages 40 million won – quickly escalating depending on the options chosen.
At the centrally located Lotte Hotel Seoul, relatively lower entry costs include catering from 165,000 to 300,000 won per person and floral arrangements starting in the mid-10 million won range.
Nearby, the Westin Chosun Seoul’s minimum catering fee is 160,000 won, with an average floral expenditure exceeding 20 million won.
As the wedding industry recovers from COVID-19′s impacts, rising costs for ingredients, labor, and utilities have driven slight price hikes, while hotels renovating venues have also impacted rates.
Moreover, many establishments now offer once-complimentary services as add-ons, creating disparities between initial and final quotes.
Despite the steep prices, demand for Seoul’s luxury hotel weddings remains fervent, with most venues reporting over 80% booking rates – many already fully booked for 2024′s peak spring and fall seasons.
Industry insiders have noted a surge in interest in five-star hotel weddings post-COVID, blurring the lines between peak and off-peak periods as demand continues to rise.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
