[Report] "Even Trump and Xi Jinping Would Be Captivated by Korean Beauty"... 'Sono Calm Gyeongju' Takes Center Stage as APEC Venue

A Preview of Sono Calm Gyeongju Opening on September 26
Transformed After a Year-Long Renovation into a Showcase of Korean Aesthetics
From Traditional Wooden Verandas to Gongginori Sets in Every Room
Silla Culture and Art Embodied in the Premier PRS Suite

Sono International, part of Daemyung Sono Group, will officially open the fully renovated Sono Calm Gyeongju on September 26. Originally launched in April 2006 as the four-star resort ‘Sono Belle Gyeongju,’ the property has been upgraded and rebranded as ‘Sono Calm Gyeongju’ following a 170 billion won investment. Located just 1 kilometer from the Gyeongju HwaBaeK Convention Center, the venue for the ‘2025 APEC Summit’ scheduled for October 31, it is expected to serve as accommodation for international leaders and businesspeople attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) event.

Front aerial view of Sono Calm Gyeongju. Provided by Sono International

Sono Calm Gyeongju incorporates distinctly Korean elements. Drawing inspiration from Gyeongju’s rich historical background as the ancient capital of Silla, with landmarks such as Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and Cheomseongdae Observatory, the hotel emphasizes traditional Korean aesthetics. Staff uniforms are modeled after the traditional Korean jeogori, and the hotel’s facilities feature traditional Korean patterns. Jung Jonghun, Executive Director of the Hotel & Resort Division for Eastern Korea at Sono International, explained, “We made efforts to incorporate Korean elements into the guest rooms, staff uniforms, and facilities, while also ensuring that these features were implemented in a balanced and restrained manner.”

The guest rooms further amplify the traditional Korean atmosphere. Sono Calm Gyeongju offers a total of 418 rooms, ranging from 42.5 square meters (about 13 pyeong) to 569 square meters (about 172 pyeong), accommodating groups of four to six guests. The Deluxe Suite, which accommodates three to four people, features a traditional heated floor (ondol) and a wooden veranda (toetmaru). Welcome gifts include a tea set, tea, and a traditional Gongginori set, highlighting Korean heritage. The overall interior uses calming turquoise and black monotones, and the lighting in each room can be finely adjusted with a circular switch. Executive Director Jung stated, “The slogan of Sono Calm Gyeongju is ‘A journey to find myself in tranquility and relaxation,’ aiming to provide a space of quintessential Korean beauty and comfort. The rooms are designed to allow guests to adjust the lighting for a perfect rest.”

Sono Calm Gyeongju 'Deluxe Suite' Interior. Photo by Jae Hyun Park

Amenities provided in the Sono Calm Gyeongju guest room. Tea set and Gongginori set. Photo by Jae Hyun Park

Of particular note, the PRS (Presidential Suite), which will host VIPs during the APEC Summit, is the largest of its kind in Korea at 569 square meters (172 pyeong) with a ceiling height of 4 meters. Priced at 20 million won based on the official property value, only one such suite exists, and it is not available for public booking. The suite includes a bedroom, meeting room, private fitness area, and exclusive kitchen facilities. The living and lounge areas are equipped with a traditional ondol system, and works by both domestic and international artists, including moon jars, are on display. There is also a connecting room for use by accompanying staff. Executive Director Jung commented, “We have expressed the mystique of Silla’s culture and art through design, and the private quarters are crafted to exude the dignified atmosphere of a royal residence.”

A variety of facilities are available for guests seeking tranquility. The ‘Wellness Pool and Spa’ uses mildly alkaline hot spring water drawn from 680 meters underground, and offers both indoor and outdoor pools year-round. The indoor pool features a dome-shaped ‘Secret Pool’ for deep relaxation and immersion, as well as a ‘Rain Pool’ where guests can enjoy cascading water from the ceiling. The expansive outdoor pool is inspired by Silla-era palace gardens, with curved lines that follow the flow of water. Premium cabanas are available for rent at 200,000 won, and the sauna includes private powder rooms for individual use at a fee of 30,000 won, enhancing convenience for guests.

Sonocam Gyeongju 'Wellness Pool and Spa' outdoor pool view. Photo by JaeHyun Park

Additional amenities are designed for comfortable relaxation. The book caf? ‘Seojae’ offers more than 500 books and 60 seats, allowing guests to borrow books free of charge. A late-night bookshop service is also available for leisurely reading. The bakery caf? ‘Orot’ provides panoramic views of Bomun Lake through floor-to-ceiling windows, while the ‘Lobby Lounge’ offers a selection of traditional teas. Executive Director Jung explained, “Through the renovation, we transformed the property from a typical resort into a hotel-style business with a Korean flair. In particular, the book caf? ‘Seojae’ has been introduced as a core feature that drives Sono Calm.”

There are six food and beverage outlets that showcase local specialties. The grill restaurant ‘Siggaek’ on the first floor operates as a bar from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., serving regionally inspired drinks such as ‘Wolji Moonlight Highball,’ ‘Gyeongju Barley Highball,’ and ‘Silla Sunset Cocktail.’ In addition, the caf? ‘Orot’ and the Lobby Lounge offer unique local products, including Golden Barley Brew made with Gyeongju barley, specialty teas like ‘Gyeongju Barley Coffee’ and ‘Wolji Moonlight,’ as well as desserts such as the moon-shaped ‘Wolmyeong Cake’ and ‘Gyeongjubong Financier.’ A Sono Calm Gyeongju representative stated, “We plan to offer a variety of menu items that utilize Gyeongju’s local specialties and unique characteristics. Guests can also enjoy the signature breakfast ‘Slow Morning Set’ through room dining service.”

Menus prepared at Sono Calm Gyeongju's food and beverage outlets. Highlighting Gyeongju's unique features with items like Gyeongju Barley Highball and Gyeongju Barley Coffee. Photo by Park Jaehyun

Sono Calm Gyeongju has prepared to deliver the highest level of service ahead of the APEC Summit. Executive Director Jung noted, “We began preparations for APEC a year in advance and plan to select veteran staff from our 20 locations nationwide to serve VIP guests. We have implemented a dedicated security system for VIPs, curated in-room amenities with international guests in mind, and assigned multilingual staff to ensure smooth communication.”

Looking ahead, Sono International plans to continue renovating its properties, including Sol Beach Yangyang. Senior Managing Director Son Seonwon explained, “We currently operate five locations in New York, Washington, Hawaii, Paris, and Haiphong, Vietnam, as well as two golf courses in Guam. We are planning further renovations, including at Sol Beach Yangyang.”