Sheraton has opened its first hotel in Jeju, South Korea, the country’s largest island and one of its leading travel destinations. The 402-key hotel has four F&B outlets and overlooks Jeju City’s Tapdong waterfront. It is Sheraton’s second property in South Korea. The first was the Sheraton Grand Incheon Hotel, which opened in 2009.
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Discover Jeju — South Korea’s Largest Island
Jeju is South Korea’s southern island province, known for its volcanic scenery, beautiful beaches, and relaxed pace.
A short flight from Seoul, the island has long been one of the country’s leading travel destinations, attracting visitors with its dramatic landscapes, mild climate, and easy access to outdoor activities.
Jeju’s combination of coastal views, rural charm, and protected natural areas gives it a distinct character compared with mainland Korea, making it a popular getaway for both domestic and international travelers.
For more information on Jeju Island, see: Jeju Korea 101
The Back Story
The property opened as the Ramada Plaza Jeju Hotel in 2003, developed and owned by the Korea Teachers’ Credit Union (KTCU).
At the time, it was positioned as an upscale, four‑star waterfront hotel aimed at both leisure travelers and business groups visiting Jeju City.
With 400 rooms, multiple restaurants, a ballroom, and a full suite of leisure facilities — including an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, sauna, and several meeting rooms — it quickly became one of Jeju City’s primary full‑service hotels.
For more than two decades, the hotel operated under a Ramada franchise agreement, managed through the union’s hospitality subsidiary. Its location on the Tapdong waterfront made it a popular choice for domestic travelers, conferences, and corporate events, and it remained a fixture in Jeju’s hotel landscape throughout the 2000s and 2010s.
The Transition
In early 2025, KTCU ended its Ramada franchise and closed the property for a full renovation, undertaking a near two‑year overhaul of guest rooms, public spaces, and facilities.
During the renovation, the union signed a new agreement with Marriott International to bring the hotel under the Sheraton brand. The property now reopens as Sheraton Jeju, marking Sheraton’s first hotel in Jeju City and the brand’s second hotel in South Korea.
The property’s redesign was led by Gansam Architects, the same firm that originally designed the hotel in 1994.
Selected by the Korea Teachers’ Credit Union to oversee the renovation, Gansam reinterpreted the building’s original atrium‑hotel concept while shifting the hotel’s spatial experience toward the ocean.
Their work responds to major changes along the Tapdong waterfront, including the construction of a 1.1‑kilometer breakwater, and introduces new features such as an ocean‑facing lobby, redesigned public spaces, and a 100‑meter infinity pool.
Hotel Lobby — Sheraton Jeju
The lobby at Sheraton Jeju has been redesigned as an open, multi‑use space that serves as the hotel’s central gathering point.
The layout is bright and spacious, with seating arranged to accommodate guests who want to meet, work, or take a break between activities. A large communal table anchors the room, providing a practical spot for casual conversations or laptop work.
The lobby also includes a small Studio that can be used for informal meetings, along with soundproof booths offering privacy for phone calls or focused work. The overall design blends residential comfort with functional elements suited to business and leisure travelers.
Accommodation — Sheraton Jeju
Sheraton Jeju has 402 keys with views of the ocean, harbor, or city. The interior design uses natural materials, warm tones, and clean lines that complement the island’s landscape.
Most rooms come with twin or king‑size beds, and the hotel offers Ondol rooms featuring Korean‑style underfloor heating and floor seating. Family rooms are available for guests traveling with children.
Suite categories include the Harbor Suite, which overlooks the marina, and the Golden Suite, which faces the open sea. The Presidential Suite, a 147‑square‑meter retreat, occupies the top floor.
Most rooms come with twin or king‑size beds, and the hotel offers Ondol rooms featuring Korean‑style underfloor heating and floor seating. Family rooms are available for guests traveling with children.
Suite categories include the Harbor Suite, which overlooks the marina, and the Golden Suite, which faces the open sea. The Presidential Suite, a 147‑square‑meter retreat, occupies the top floor.
Food and Beverage — Sheraton Jeju
Sheraton Jeju has four food and beverage outlets. Each one has a different menu and a different vibe.
Daily Social — this is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, It showcases seasonal ingredients and local Jeju flavors. There are live cooking stations. It opens for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
&More — this is the hotel’s lounge. It serves beverages and light bites.
28g — located at the hotel’s entrance, the hotel’s bakery serves artisanal baked goods and gourmet desserts, which are prepared fresh daily.
Pool Bar — the pool bar is located next to the swimming pools, serving drinks and casual poolside snacks.
Sheraton Club — this is the hotel’s executive lounge, open exclusively to Marriott Bonvoy Elite members and guests staying in rooms with club access. It serves breakfast, evening bites, and beverages,
Facilities — Sheraton Jeju
Sheraton Jeju has a full range of leisure and wellness facilities. Included are two swimming pools.
The outdoor 100‑meter infinity pool overlooks the Tapdong coastline and is open year‑round. The indoor pool is for laps. There is also a fully equipped Fitness Center provides cardio machines, strength‑training equipment, and space for stretching.
For events, the hotel features a grand ballroom that accommodates up to 1,500 guests, equipped with a 700‑inch LED screen and advanced audiovisual systems suitable for international conferences, corporate gatherings, and exhibitions. Additional venues include wedding spaces with sea views and flexible banquet rooms.
The hotel’s location near Jeju International Airport makes it convenient for guests flying in for meetings or celebrations.
VIP Sound Bites — Sheraton Jeju
Duke Nam, Regional Vice President, South Korea, Vietnam & Philippines, Marriott International, says:
“The opening of Sheraton Jeju marks an important milestone as we bring one of Marriott International’s most global brands to one of Korea’s most beloved island destinations. With Sheraton’s focus on intuitive design, experiences and spaces that foster connection, the hotel will emerge as a new social hub in Jeju, welcoming international travelers and the local community alike.”
Jinseok Ha, General Manager of Sheraton Jeju Hotel, says:
“The opening of Sheraton Jeju sets a new standard of hospitality on the island. True to Sheraton’s role as The World’s Gathering Place, every space has been thoughtfully designed to bring people together, from travelers exploring Jeju to local residents connecting with their community. ”
Location — Sheraton Jeju
Sheraton Jeju Hotel — 66 Tapdong-ro, Jeju City, South Korea
Sheraton Jeju is located on the Tapdong waterfront in Jeju City, about 3 kilometers from Jeju International Airport, with a travel time of 10 to 15 minutes by car depending on traffic. The hotel sits just north of the city’s downtown district, placing guests within a short drive of restaurants, shops, and the harbor area.
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