Why Did Banyan Tree Choose Gijang? Launching Korea's First Flagship Membership Resort with Ocean and Horizon Views

Value of Nature, Privacy, and Wellness as Resort Essentials


Selected for Yeonhwari by Meeting the 'Osiria' Master Plan

Global luxury resort brand Banyan Tree is launching its first flagship membership resort in Korea at Yeonhwa Beach in Gijang, Busan. While this marks the brand's second entry into Korea following "Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul" in Jangchung-dong, Seoul, "Banyan Tree Busan Haeundae" is the first to be introduced in the form of a large-scale membership condominium.

This project features Banyan Tree, the highest-tier brand within the Banyan Group. The Banyan Group operates 12 brands, including Angsana and Cassia. The Yeonhwa Beach project in Gijang reportedly attracted the brand by meeting the master plan, location criteria, design standards, and wellness-focused requirements of the Osiria Tourism Complex.

Major renovations are currently underway, with the opening scheduled for November 2026. All guest rooms are designed to offer views of the East Sea and the horizon, promising to satisfy travelers longing for ocean scenery. According to the developer, each room will have a private standalone pool, providing a restful environment separated from the outside spaces.

Oceanfront Grand Ballroom at Banyan Tree Busan Haeundae.

Banyan Tree’s brand identity is centered around its dining and spa facilities. Michelin-starred Thai fine-dining restaurant "Saffron" and rooftop restaurant "Vertigo" will be introduced in Korea for the first time. The Banyan Tree Spa will be operated by specialists trained at headquarters, offering wellness services that include yoga and meditation programs.

Additional facilities will include an infinity pool, sky thalassotherapy pool, sauna, fitness center, golf range, and a kids’ area called Rangers Club. There will also be an oceanfront Grand Ballroom with sea views and an outdoor chapel wedding venue.

A representative from Lupentis explained, "The operating model is a membership condominium, and members participate through a co-ownership system where their share in each room is registered." Members are guaranteed a certain number of nights per year and no additional annual fees are required. They will also benefit from a global network, granting access to 115 Banyan Group hotels and resorts in 29 countries worldwide.

Industry observers see this project as more than just an accommodation facility; it is regarded as a full-scale realization of the Banyan Tree brand philosophy in Korea, centered on nature, privacy, and wellness. The selection of Gijang Yeonhwa Beach as the location aligns with this concept.

The Busan Gijang project pursues a distinct form from the traditional hotel-style Banyan Tree, drawing attention as a potential new model for the domestic luxury resort market.

Banyan Tree Busan Haeundae.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.