Men-only social clubs, which were originally started by upper-class men in 18th century Britain, have spread around the world. Such establishments have made their way from the streets of London to locations in the United States and even nearby Shanghai and Hong Kong. But Seoul has not had a similar type of club - until now.
Korea’s first men-only club, the State Room, which is set to begin operation in October, has everything a well-heeled gentleman may crave: a cigar bar, pool hall, anti-aging spa, library, barber shop, tailor shop, library, DVD room, private dining hall and medical clinic. The space is adorned with fancy installations and pricey artwork.
“The State Room is a top-notch private social club for a limited number of members, including corporate executives working at companies inside the office building and selected VIPs,” said Lee Chae-hyun, a manager at the Spring, the building’s PR agency.
Those feeling left out may want to think again. The annual membership fee is estimated to be a jaw-dropping 30 million won ($28,520). But thanks to the hefty cost, members can enjoy free or discounted access to all of the services offered at the club. A foot massage at the anti-aging spa, for example, costs a mere 5,000 won. In addition, members are given points upon registration that can be used toward cigars such as Pierre, Cohiba and La Habana. When the points are used up, the cigars can be purchased at discount prices.
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The State Room, located on the 26th floor of State Tower Namsan, a new office building in Seoul, at left, will be Korea’s first men-only club when it opens in October. The exclusive club will house facilities such as a barber shop, top, and medical clinic, right. Provided by The Spring |
The State Room is located on the 26th floor of State Tower Namsan, a new premium office building. The tower is likely to be taken up by financial firms - investment banks operating on a project basis, for instance - that intend to rent one or multiple floors on a monthly basis. It was founded and is operated by Shinhan BNP Paribas Asset Management and the Westin Chosun Seoul, both of which anticipated demand for office space with quality concierge service.
The Westin Chosun Seoul is owned by Shinsegae Group, whose vice chairman, Chung Yong-jin, is a nephew of Lee Kun-hee, chairman of Samsung Electronics. Given the Westin Chosun’s affiliation with Samsung Group, the club’s tailor shop, Bespoke, is run by Lansmere, a premium brand affiliated with Samsung’s fashion arm, Cheil Industries. The cosmetics used at the spa and barbershop are also from Cheil.
State Tower Namsan stands on the right side of the intersection after exiting Namsan Tunnel No. 3 in central Seoul, boasting proximity to City Hall and the Bank of Korea.
By Seo Ji-eun [spring@joongang.co.kr]
< 기사 해석 >
젠틀맨만을 위한 VIP클럽 생긴다
내달 준공 서울 스테이트타워 조선호텔, 10월부터 정식 운영 국내 최초로 호텔이 운영하는 남성전용 VIP클럽이 생긴다. 웨스틴조선호텔은 7월 준공 예정인 서울 회현동 스테이트타워 남산 꼭대기층(26층)에 젠틀맨 멤버십클럽 ‘더스테이트룸(The State Room)’을 연다. 스테이트타워에 입주한 고객사의 계약 면적에 따라 대표 및 고위 임원진에게 회원 자격이 주어지고, 그 외 VIP들은 입회비를 내고 가입하는 방식이다. 입회비 액수는 미정이다.
더스테이트룸은 각 기업의 최고경영자(CEO)와 임원들이 비즈니스 미팅을 위해 프라이버시가 보호되는 장소를 필요로 한다는 점에 착안해 만들어졌다. 영국과 유럽·일본에서 들여온 수제 가구로 꾸며 영국 귀족 남성 전용 클럽의 분위기를 냈다. 서재·미팅룸·다이닝 살롱·프라이빗 다이닝룸·시가 바 같은 비즈니스를 위한 공간을 갖추고 있다. 휴식과 재충전을 위한 공간도 있다. 남성 전용 스파, 고급 이발소, 헤어트리트먼트 센터, 영화 감상실, 게임룸과 웨스틴조선호텔 재단사가 직접 맞춤 양복을 맞춰주는 양복점, 해외에서 온 바이어들이 잠깐 여독을 풀 스위트룸 등이다. 7~10월 시범 운영을 거쳐 10월 정식 오픈한다.
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