Park Hyatt Busan

Lots of things are coming and going in Busan. Strategically located at the tip of the Korean peninsula, the city is one of the world’s busiest seaports. It’s a fact you’ll never forget when staying at the Park Hyatt Busan. Located within the cluster of gleaming skyscrapers of Haeundae district, near the marina, the dramatic sculptural design of the hotel was inspired by the image of a billowing ship’s sail. The curvilinear 33-floor structure is fronted almost entirely in glass, allowing gaping views over the water and nearby Gwangan Bridge.

Befitting the bold architecture, the Park Hyatt’s interiors are sleek and contemporary, with a more opulent look in the public spaces. The top three floors are devoted to dining venues, including the formal Dining Room and the laid-back Lounge and Living Room. Guest rooms and suites, in contrast, have a pared-down aesthetic that borders on minimalist: natural wood, huge floor-to-ceiling windows, polished granite bathrooms with rain showers. Even the most standard rooms are larger than you’d expect — reportedly the largest in the city — and feature luxurious extras like separate seating areas and a flat-screen TV above the bath. Perhaps it’s because the place caters to longer residential-style stays, presumably for hotshot businessmen managing their affairs at the nearby port.

There are more glittering vistas available from the treatment tables at the Lumi Spa, and from the treadmills in the fitness center, from the glass-enclosed 20-meter lap pool, and, of course, from the rooftop swimming pool. Ultimately, the views are the thing here: while lying in bed in the morning, you’ll be staring at an expansive vision of boats bobbing in the harbor. Simple design, space, and a few indulgent amenities, plus striking views over the water — this is what the Park Hyatt looks like in South Korea’s other metropolis.