Paradise City Resort: THE Hot Spot Near Incheon International Airport

Recently, I had the privilege of heading out to Paradise City Resort in Incheon, a luxury hotel and resort here in Korea, to write an article for Forbes Travel Guide. I was blown away by the new art and entertainment resort near Incheon International Airport.

I had actually gone out to the stunning resort last year but didn’t even go inside. You might ask how, but at the time I was just there to check out some of the amazing architecture… which I’ll get to in a bit.

After finally going in to the stunning five-star resort not far from Seoul, Korea, now a few times, I can honestly say this place is a must see, or must experience really. The Paradise City Resort is both family friendly and caters to the couples looking for some romance too.

If you’re going to have one staycation in Korea or stay just ONE place, make it this five star luxury resort in Incheon, Korea. You WILL NOT be sorry. This is absolutely the best place to stay near the Incheon International Airport too.

Find out all you need to know about Paradise City Resort in Incheon, Korea:

• A Brief Overview Of This Massive Resort
• Paradise City Resort
  • Artwork
  • The Rooms
  • Breakfast
  • Swimming Pools
  • Kid Zone
• Art Paradiso
• The Plaza
• Paradise Art Space
• Wonderbox
• Cimer
• Chroma
• The Architecture

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)

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A Brief Overview Of This Massive Resort

The entire resort is stylish and chic and various decor aesthetics blend into a harmonious mixture that inspires creativity. A stay here is relaxing but really gets the creative juices flowing as well.

This luxury resort also gave off all kinds of European vibes. I didn’t feel like I was in Korea at all which was really interesting. You do NOT have to book a room to take advantage of all of the entertainment perks, but you’ll want to by the time I get through telling you all about it.

This is definitely the nicest place to stay near the Incheon International Airport. Stay here before you depart and take all of the pics and then take even more at the Instagrammable spots in Incheon International Airport before you go. You’re SNS pages will be blowing up!

There are a few different areas to the resort so I’ll give a brief overview of each here and if you want more info on any one part click on the link to find that section because this is long. There’s so much to see and do so read it all to get in the know or skip ahead to find what you really want to know.

Paradise City Resort – The main resort has three wings with 711 guest rooms, a pool, kid zone, and spa. Get all of the info on the resort, amazing swimming pools, kid zone, and breakfast. Staycation spot? Yes. Best place to stay near Incheon International Airport? Yes!

Art Paradiso – This wing of rooms is off of the plaza and features 58 chic rooms that are ONLY for the couples. NO KIDS ALLOWED. Romantic getaway in mind? Stay here!

The Plaza – This huge space features budget friendly spots to get a bite as well as the Paradise Art Space, a FREE art museum for guests, and access to Duty Free shops and features the amazing architecture that photographers need to see.

Entertainment Galore! From Paradise Art Space, the free museum for guests and members to Wonderbox, Chroma, and Cimer, there is something for everyone and everyone will want to do something. Don’t miss all of the entertainment that the resort offers not only for guests, but for visitors too!

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Paradise City Resort

Artwork

One of the major highlights of the hotel is the 3,000 piece curated collection of artworks that are exhibited throughout the hotel. Enter the lobby and you’re welcomed by Damien Hirst’s Golden Legend. If you walk further in to the central hub of the hotel, you’ll find the must-see Great Gigantic Pumpkin but Yayoi Kusama.

Take a wander down the corridor and you can see Alessandro Mendini’s Paradise Proust. And these are just the tip of the iceberg. When you check in, be sure to ask for the art tour course maps to see as much as you can. Yes, you really do need a map to see all of the artworks on display.

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The Rooms

The resort itself has three wings and the rooms are much more spacious than most you’ll find in Seoul. A highlight for us was the freestanding tub in the huge bathroom which also had a shower stall and a toilet room but then there is ANOTHER toilet room across the hall. If that isn’t family friendly, I don’t know what is. Two loos in one room? I’ll take it.

There is no bad view from the rooms either. Since the resort is near the airport there are a lot of airplanes departing and landing. It’s not noisy at all, but absolutely provides something fun to look out the windows for. There are also views out over the Art Garden and other architectural spots of the resort.The resort doesn’t skimp when it comes to the amenities in the room.

For our family friendly room, there was Penhaligon’s products for adults and kid friendly items as well. The mini-fridge is stocked and unlike a lot of places these days, everything inside is included in the stay, so have at it! Interested? Book Your Stay Here!

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Breakfast

The stay also included breakfast at On The Plate. Honestly, my husband and I don’t tend to be buffet fans but Jae-oo commented that this was definitely in his top three best buffets he has ever been to. If you were to walk around the room, you might think it’s fairly standard fair, but sit down and take a bite and you will realize how far better than standard the food is.

I got my usual breads, eggs from the made-to-order egg station and bacon to begin and Jae-oo came back with a soup with a broth I eagerly devoured and some tender meat cooked perfectly that I needed to get for my own.

Next we tried the croissants, egg tarts, waffles from the waffle station and salmon and cheeses. If our stomachs were bigger, we probably wouldn’t have stopped. Between us, I’d say we tried practically everything and it’s definitely a breakfast buffet I’d go back for.

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Swimming Pools

The reason we were most excited for our stay were the pools which are actually year round so don’t worry if it’s winter, you can still swim your heart out even in the heated outdoor pools! There is an indoor pool and two outdoor pools as well as so so many jacuzzis. The outdoor jacuzzis are also set up with infinity drop offs.

Time it just right and you can get a jacuzzi shot with a huge airplane landing behind you. There’s a kids mushroom waterfall pool as well. We went to the pool twice while we were staying just to enjoy it all. Now you’re definitely interested right? Book Your Stay ASAP!

• Basic Info: If you’re not a guest of the hotel but want to use the pool, you can get a day pass. Adults are W80,000 and children are W60,000.
• Hours: 9:00am ~ 9:00pm (2:00pm to 3:00pm is cleaning time.)
• Location: Paradise City Hotel 3rd Floor

Pro Tips

Most people follow the same sort of schedule when checking in to this hotel. Check-in at 3:00pm and then head to the pool, followed by dinner at one of the hotel restaurants or in the plaza and then maybe head out to Club Chroma if you’re sans kids or to Wonderbox if you have kids.

Breakfast the next morning is followed by the Kid Zone for those with kids or maybe a visit to the Art Museum in the Plaza. SO, here’s my PRO TIP. We went to the pool after check-in like everyone else, but then also went back in the morning.

For guests, you get one complimentary visit to the pool per night you’re staying so instead of going to the pool in the afternoon like every other guest, I’d highly recommend doing the pool in the morning instead. The pool was pretty busy, still plenty of room, but busy in the afternoon but was FAR LESS busy in the morning… as you can see from my morning arrival pics.

Flip the other things I’ve mentioned and you’ll be going against the grain in the best way and having the fun bits to yourself.

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Kid Zone

As a family, I’m always on the lookout for spots that will appeal to our little one and in a resort/hotel if they have a kid zone, it’s also just better for all travelers visiting because kids have a specific place to run around so it’s not the hallways. There are a couple areas for the Kid Zone so stay with me.

The first Kid Zone is great for little learners. There are about seven themed zones and each is separated by color so they’re easy to spot. A zone for climbing and sliding. A zone for magnetic sand fun, a reading area and small toy area and a little pit to jump in. In the morning when we visited, it was all of the fams and their babies/toddlers.

Walk down the set of stairs and you’ll find another area for kids and seems a bit more suitable for the older ones in tow. There is a VR zone with a ton of game systems and people staying in the hotel get an hour of free time there. There are also two mini bowling lanes and two normal size bowling lanes. These require a small charge for use.

There are some dart boards and other games down there that the older kids and adults could definitely get into. Head outside and there is a giant playground on the rooftop and plenty of little alcoves and benches and spaces to find a seat and just relax if you want.

This rooftop connects on the other wing to where the pool is. Between all three spaces, there’s plenty for kids to do if they need a break from the room or just something else to do.

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The resort sits on Yeongjong Island along with Incheon International Airport and some other cool cafes, coastline, and places to go. If you’re interested in some other things on the island to check out, read this post all about what to do near Incheon International Airport.

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Art Paradiso

Art Paradiso is the wing that is JUST for the couples. The rooms are really lush. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, this would DEFINITELY be the spot to check out. The whole decor as soon as you enter is dark and moody but in the sexiest of ways.

Picture velvet couches and all of the gold accents too. The room even comes with a complimentary bottle of wine! The rooms look out over the action in the Plaza and if it were just me and my husband, I’d definitely want to book a room here.

Do be aware that you need to book into Art Paradiso specifically to stay here. You can’t book through Paradise City Resort to stay there. These rooms are really stunning. There’s even a tv built into the mirror in the bathroom so you could relax in the gigantic circular free standing tub and sit for hours if you wanted to. From top to bottom this wing of the resort is all kinds of luxury. Give yourself a treat and stay here. Book A Stay Here!

Art Paradiso is also home to Serase, a contemporary Korean bistro. This bistro decorated in all black, white and maroon red was giving me all kinds of cool retro vibes as far as decor. Even if you’re not staying at Art Paradiso, you can enter to eat and drink. If you want a super chic spot for a special night out, try this spot and maybe dress in retro threads just to give it a whole feel. This made me want to wear some 50s inspired dresses and rock some pearls. What would you wear?

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The Plaza

To get to the Plaza from the main hotel, you’ll walk through the Paradise Walk, a stunning corridor that is awash with colorful lights. It could take just a minute to walk from one end to the other but really, you should stay for at least a few minutes and watch as the colors change. Experience the experience.

I have had people ask if this is part of the museum. No, it’s just an awesome hallway between the resort and the plaza so it is completely free to walk back and forth and back and forth through.

Head into the Plaza and there are multiple budget friendly food options as well as a cafe along with some shopping venues and Duty Free shops as well if you’re traveling. If you’ve got kids and need an outdoor break, there’s a playground on the roof of the Plaza that is different from the resort playground I mentioned earlier.

We’ve been twice and there was no one there so it seems to be a bit hidden. Take the escalators up and up and you’ll find it! There’s a rooftop garden that is connected to the playground and, again, there was no one there so enjoy the views.

For me, one of the best things about the resort is how many spaces there are. Most people follow the same route it seems and miss some of the best bits. If there were a thousand people staying at the resort, you could easily feel as though you were one of just fifty there if you find these hidden spaces. Find the rooftop oasis. Find the alcoves and corridors and take it all in.

For example, when you’re walking in the resort from the lobby to the restaurants or from your wing to the plaza, take note that rather than going to the central hub and then back out again, you could walk out into a bamboo forest and then back in again. The doors are all unlocked, so open them and find what you can find. It’s what I do and we always find the best things!

There are so many things to do at this resort for both guests and visitors! Read on to find out about the FREE art museum, amazing club, ANOTHER swimming pool and spa, and and indoor carnival!

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Paradise Art Space

This art museum is FREE and is exclusively for guests and members. If you’re not a guest, it’s easy enough to become a member, just get on their website and sign up. This is a great perk and the exhibit at the moment called Prism Fantasy is pretty awesome.

This is a great option for something to do for the budget traveler that wants to have some fun at this luxury resort. OR, you can easily tack this on to a visit at one of the other entertainment facilities. I love FREE spaces and this one is gorgeous.

• Hours: 10:00am ~ 8:00pm
• Admission: Free

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Wonderbox

The Wonderbox features a rather stunning carnival indoors. I took Ava there and she loved it. I wouldn’t recommend going on the weekends because it can be packed and the lines long, but there was plenty to do and the performance was really stunning.

There are acrobatic performers walking around on stilts and flipping all over during the performance. Be sure to start scoping out seats early because the front rows fill up fast. The performance is at 1:00pm and 6:00pm so plan accordingly.

We stayed for a couple hours and Ava had a blast playing the carnival games, riding the carousel and just taking in the fantastic decor. There’s also a Bistopping Ice Cream booth upstairs which was a big hit. We haven’t been able to visit the free standing shops in Seoul so this was a treat… an expensive treat, but worth that look of excitement in her eyes. The carnival is two floors.

There are bumper cars, two giant slides for bigger kids and adults and so much more. If you love a good carnival experience, this is definitely a great one what with all of the grandiose decorations, lights, and sounds. After the performance the kids can meet the performers and Ava was so excited to meet the “princess” and “prince” as she dubbed them. She was so excited she could only reach up to touch their hands but couldn’t speak. Loved it I tell you.

• Admission: Adults: W28,000; Children: W20,000; Children under 3 are free.
• Hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00am ~ 9:00pm; Saturday & Sunday: 10:00am ~ 10:00pm
• Performance Showtimes: Tuesday ~ Sunday: 1:00pm & 6:00pm

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Cimer

Cimer is a swimming pool and spa that I haven’t yet had the pleasure of enjoying because children under 10 can’t enter, BUT I did go through on a tour and have had friends visit and absolutely raved. If you’ve wanted to go to a Korean style jjimjilbang but want to try an upscale version that is super luxurious, this is the spot.

Be welcomed into a main pool area with colorful hanging seats, loungers in the water and then halls to various must-try spots. Walk around to see every bit because there are various spa zones, relaxation spaces, and a spot to eat. You could, and probably should, spend the entire day there if you can.

There are even private verandas and a room entirely filled with cozy chairs just for napping. There are a couple water slides if you need a thrill and of course the upscale jjimjilbang experience with a salt room and other sauna spaces. (Haven’t been to a Korean jjimilbang yet? Here’s what you should know.)

Need a break from the city? This is where you should go. This pool also hosts various events so make sure you check what’s on as some are not suitable for the minors you might be taking with you.

• Age Limitations: Must be 10 or older to enter and sometimes older if there are specific events that aren’t minor friendly.
• Admission For The Entire Facility (Aqua Spa Tickets): Usually Adults: W46,000; Minors: W36,000; Summer Season from July ~ August: W60,000; Minors: W48,000; Peak Summer Season from July 26 ~ August 16: Adults: W70,000*
• *If you sign up for their free membership you can get up to a 30% discount depending on the season. Check with staff for current rates and discounts.
• Hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00am ~ 7:00pm; Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: 10:00am ~ 11:00pm

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Chroma

Chroma is another spot I haven’t visited because I’ve got a toddler and my clubbing days may be over. Though if I could find a babysitter in Korea, who knows what could happen! Again, I have had friends go to club Chroma and absolutely rave about it so that’s definitely saying something.

There are multiple floors and one even features a pool in the middle. The loungier one was giving me all kinds of retro vibes that I was jazzed about. Made me want a whiskey and a cigar and I dig that. Even if you don’t want to go clubbing, DO check out their mirrored tunnel entrance which is amazing for photos.

• Hours:
  • 1F Music Lounge: Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 6:00pm ~ 2:00am; Friday & Saturday: 6:00pm ~ 4:00am
  • 2F Main Stage: Saturdays 9:00pm ~ 4:00am; Second Stage: Fridays 9:00pm ~ 4:00am
  • 3F Sky Box: Saturdays 9:00pm ~ 4:00am
  • 4F Beach Club: Follow their Instagram @pcitychroma to see about special events and when it’s open.
• Admission for 2F, 3F & 4F: Men W30,000 / W50,000; Women W20,000 / W30,000

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The Architecture

The reason I first heard about and went out to the Paradise City Resort was the architecture of Club Chroma and Wonderbox. ‘The Imprint’ designed by the architects MVRDV created two buildings with a windowless facade and the entrances are meant to look as if a curtain that was draped over it is being lifted up to let you in.

Walk through the draped entrance of Club Chroma to find a tunnel full of mirrors and at night they light up with various colors. It’s really stunning and made for a perfectly background for our yearly family photos. Couldn’t have asked for anything more eye catching and appealing.

The buildings are truly eye catching and are an amazing addition to the art collection that can be found inside. If you are interested in this and other architectural wonders around the city of Seoul, check out this post with all of the cool architecture to see in and around Seoul, Korea.

This was just a perfect introduction to the new luxury resort here in Korea and I’m glad I’ve been able to go back to visit even more. There is plenty to see and plenty to do. Whether you’re going out to stay or just visit Chroma, Cimer, or the art museum, it’s definitely a must see.

It depends what you want to do, but if you’re like me, you’ll probably want to take a few trips out there. I’m so comfortable with the place, you might find me nonchalantly hanging out in the rooftop garden when you decide to go! See you there?

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