[Asia Economy Reporter Onyu Lim] Hanwha Construction announced on the 20th that the premium residence hotel ‘Cassia Sokcho,’ constructed by Hanwha Construction and developed by Maston No.88 Sokcho PFV, will officially begin sales this month.
This residence hotel will be built in Daepo-dong 937 area, Sokcho, Gangwon Province, with a total floor area of 120,560㎡, a height of 99m, consisting of 2 basement floors to 26 above-ground floors, and a total of 717 rooms. All rooms offer ocean views, and the rooms range from 31 to 128㎡ (exclusive area) with various types from A to S, providing a wide selection for customers.
Sokcho, where the complex is located, is considered a representative marine tourism city in Korea. It boasts a natural environment blessed with the East Sea and Seoraksan Mountain, and is suitable for enjoying various leisure sports such as surfing, yachting, as well as nearby golf courses including Yeongnangho CC, Delpino CC, and Pine Ridge CC.
Accessibility is also excellent. Since the opening of the Seoul-Yangyang Expressway in 2017, accessibility has improved, and with the scheduled opening of the East-West High-Speed Railway in 2026, travel time from Seoul to Sokcho will be reduced to about 70 minutes.
Cassia Sokcho is the first domestic application of the ‘Cassia’ residence brand by the Banyan Tree Group. In particular, the Banyan Tree Group, which operates 47 hotels and resorts in 24 countries worldwide, will manage the property, allowing guests to enjoy top-tier services and amenities of a global hotel & resort chain.
The hotel’s exterior design enhances sculptural beauty, inspired by books, created by architect Kim Chan-jung, who was selected as one of the 20 next-generation architects attracting global attention. The infinity pool, which offers an unobstructed ocean view, includes a sandy beach area to give the feeling of a private beach. A Cassia representative explained, "The rooftop space on the upper floors will be developed as a hip place where guests can enjoy the romance and leisure of the East Sea with a modern sensibility and sophisticated interior."
Other facilities include a 400-seat banquet hall suitable for international conferences and business events, a luxury spa and sauna utilizing 1,000m deep underground mineral water, indoor and kids pools, fitness center, and restaurants scattered throughout. A library lounge by the world-renowned art book publisher ‘Assouline’ is also planned.
Guests can also enjoy the high-quality services and benefits of the Banyan Tree Group. Cassia Sokcho contract holders will be the first in Korea to join the ‘Sanctuary Club.’ When booking Banyan Tree, Angsana, Cassia, and Laguna hotels and resorts overseas within the Sanctuary Club network, they can receive discounts on the ‘best available rates,’ as well as discounts on spa facilities and restaurant charges within the hotels. Golf fees are also discounted at resorts in Phuket, Bintan, and Langkawi.
Benefits also include the ability to use owned accommodation vouchers overseas. The exchange program, available only to owners of Banyan Tree, Angsana, Cassia, and Laguna, allows owners to deposit up to 15 days out of their 30 annual usage days into the exchange pool and use them to book other hotels or resorts within the Banyan Tree Group participating in the exchange program.
Meanwhile, Cassia Sokcho operates under an ownership system with individual registration. Contract holders can use the property for 30 days per year (7 days during peak season, 7 days on weekends and holidays, and 16 weekdays) by prior reservation at their preferred time. The remaining 335 days are managed by the Banyan Tree Group, and the profits are distributed to the owners.
The Cassia Sokcho currently on sale this month operates a VIP lounge by prior reservation at Designer Building, 85-4 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
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