World-class chefs at JW Marriott Hotel Seoul


JW Marriott Hotel Seoul will be hosting the Grand Gala Dinner, a collaboration among seven international star chefs, at 7 p.m. on May 28. The chefs are in Korea for this year’s Culinary Art event, a 12-day event running from May 18-30 at the JW Marriott. Professor Han Bok-jin, a master chef of traditional Korean cuisine, will begin the Grand Gala Dinner with a selection of appetizers made with premium ingredients such bamboo shoots and mullet roe. The second course will be prepared by Artur Martinez, executive chef of Capritx in Barcelona. The third course will be created by Ivan Li, the Chinese chef of the Family Li Imperial Cuisine in Tokyo. Chefs Takagi Kazuo, Cuong Trinh, Shaun Hergatt, and Andres Lara will also present their dishes. The dinner is priced at 320,000 won per person. For inquiries, call (02) 6282-6771.

Summer in the city at Renaissance Seoul Hotel


Renaissance Seoul Hotel is offering the “Summer Package” from June 1 to Aug. 31 for those seeking a relaxing summer vacation in the city. The “Shiny Summer Package,” priced at 180,000 won, includes a one-night stay in a deluxe room. The “Sunny Summer Package,” priced at 230,000 won, offers a one-night stay and complimentary breakfast for two at Cafe Elysee, Megabox theater movie tickets for two, and free in-room Internet. A 15 percent discount at the hotel’s beer garden and a 25 percent discount for Cafe Elysee’s dinner buffet will also be provided. The “Summer Dining Package,” priced at 250,000 won, includes all of the above, a complimentary “bingsu” Korean summer dessert at the hotel’s Trevi Lounge and a special giveaway. For inquiries, call (02) 2222-8500.

Luminous skin at Park Hyatt Busan


Park Hyatt Busan‘s Lumi Spa is offering the “Bright Body Package” in welcome of the summer season. The package will provide a full-body program targeted at weight loss and skin rejuvenation, and feature a body-slimming massage and facial mask with spirulina. A blue-green algae that has gained worldwide popularity as a superfood, spirulina is rich in nutrients such as amino acids, proteins and vitamins A and E that provide firmness and vigor to the skin. A body-wrapping treatment and gel mask will be provided as well, alongside programs to alleviate muscle pain and optimize hormonal balance. The massage program lasts 90 minutes and is available in June and July. It is priced at 198,000 won on Mondays to Thursdays and at 220,000 won on Fridays to Sundays. For inquiries, call (051) 990-1440.

Early summer getaway at Hilton Namhae Golf and Spa Resort


Hilton Namhae Golf and Spa Resort is offering the “Early Summer Package” for those planning a cooler, less-crowded early getaway for the summer season. The all-inclusive package includes a one-night stay in a suite room, breakfast buffet and a dinner set. Also provided are a 60-minute spa program featuring a milk bath, foot bath, exfoliation and massage for the discounted price of 99,000 won, and a gift set of basic skin care, face mask and body wash items from organic cosmetics brand Suavis. Visitors will also be able to enjoy the hotel’s diverse facilities, which include a swimming pool, spa, jjimjilbang (Korean spa), book cafe and kids’ activity center, making for a perfect family retreat. The promotion lasts from June 1 to July 16. In June, weekday prices are 340,000 won for two and 519,000 won for four. For inquiries, call (055) 860-0555.

Poolside barbecue at Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul


The Oasis Restaurant located next to Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul’s outdoor swimming pool is opening its poolside summer barbecue buffet on May 15. The barbecue will offer beef sirloin, skirt steak, pork belly, lamb, jumbo shrimp, clams and scallops roasted on a grill. Mediterranean appetizers, salads, sandwiches and soup, along with hot Korean dishes, fruit and dessert will also be available. Diners can enjoy the dinner buffet on Mondays to Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and the lunch buffet on Sundays and holidays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. After June 7, however, only the dinner buffet will be available. Prices are 95,000 won for adults and 65,000 won for children under 12. For an additional 29,000 won, unlimited draft beer or house wine will be provided. Reservations are mandatory. For inquiries, call (02) 2250-8236, 8230.