Yeongwol Hanok Hotel 'The Hanok Heritage' Wins Tatler 'Best New Hotel' Award

South Korea's premier hanok hotel, 'The Hanok Heritage,' has been selected as a leading new hotel representing Asia-Pacific just one year after opening.

Kona AI, which operates The Hanok Heritage, announced on the 26th that The Hanok Heritage won the 'Best New Hotel' award at the '2026 Tatler Best Asia Pacific Awards.' The awards ceremony was held on the 22nd (local time) at Yan Garden in Shanghai, China, and The Hanok Heritage is the only Korean hotel to receive this award. 'Best New Hotel' is the Best-in-Class award in the new hotel category.

Tatler Asia is a luxury lifestyle media covering travel, dining, art, and architecture for affluent consumers in Asia. Celebrating its third edition this year, the awards unveiled a list of 300 establishments—100 hotels, restaurants, and bars each—and announced category-specific Best-in-Class winners. The award is characterized by the complete absence of sponsorship or payment in the selection process, and winners are not informed of the results in advance. The structure ensures that even hotel representatives only learn of their win at the awards ceremony, which is why the industry recognizes this award as one "money cannot buy."

Opened in September 2025 in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province, The Hanok Heritage aims for 'Living Heritage' by showcasing the aesthetics and lifestyle embedded in Korean daily life—food, clothing, and shelter—against the backdrop of hanok facing Segang River and Seondol Stone. Room rates start from approximately 1 million won per night, with the most luxurious private cottage reaching 10 million won per night. This is why the hotel has attracted attention among overseas luxury travelers. Guest room compositions and booking information can be found on The Hanok Heritage's official website (www.thehanokheritage.com).

This is not the hotel's first recognition on the world stage. Before its opening in 2024, The Hanok Heritage was ranked first globally in the hotel category of the 'Prix Versailles,' co-hosted by UNESCO's Paris headquarters and the International Union of Architects. It was the first time a Korean architectural structure received this award. The hotel has earned world-class recognition twice—once for architecture and once for hospitality—around its opening.

Vice President Jo Nam-hee of The Hanok Heritage stated, "It is deeply meaningful to be recognized alongside Asia's leading hotels just one year after opening," and added, "Going forward, we will deliver Korean culture, cuisine, and wellness in the most authentic Hanok Heritage manner, perfecting Korean hospitality that leaves a lasting impression."