Oakwood Premier Coex Center, the leading serviced residence in Seoul, has embarked on a renovation project to offer a more guest-friendly experience 11 years after its opening.

The 20 billion won ($18 million) renovation, which started in March, is transforming the classical interior of its 280 residences into a more chic and modern design that allows international travelers to stay comfortably in style. It is expected to be completed by October 2015. 

Oakwood Premier Coex Center has undergone the first stage of the renovation, completing 64 residences ― including the Studio Deluxe, One-bedroom Deluxe and Two-bedroom Deluxe ― without closing services. The renovation work will be undertaken floor by floor to minimize inconvenience to long-term guests. By April 2014, renovation of half of all residences will be completed.

“As one of the market leaders in serviced residence, Oakwood is constantly looking at ways to improve its offerings and enhance residents’ experience,” said Y.S. Park, general manager of Oakwood Premier Coex Center Seoul.

“We do not just provide a serviced apartment. We listen to our residents and believe that by doing so wonderful memories can be created through their stays with us.”

Each residence will be refitted with veneer wood flooring rather than allergy-inducing carpet, as well as dark wood furnishings, accented with clean seek lines and a muted color palette of cream, brown and light gold. A spacious living area has also been created by reducing the size of the kitchen or bathroom.

The rates after the renovation are 385,000 won ($357) for Studio Deluxe (47 square meters), 520,000 won for One-bedroom Deluxe (96 square meters) and 560,000 won for Two-bedroom Deluxe (114 square meters).

Oakwood Premier Coex Center’s other facilities such as the Residents’ Lounge, banquet halls, business center with meeting facilities and computer workstations are in full operation as they are not subject to the renovation.

Oakwood Premier Coex Center is located south of the Hangang River in Samseong-dong, one of the city’s most vibrant and fastest-growing commercial and financial centers. The 27-story serviced residence is located near City Air Terminal, Coex Convention Center, Coex Mall, Korea World Trade Center and Hyundai Department Store.

By Lee Woo-young (wylee@heraldcorp.com)