Global hotel brand Hilton is set to re-enter the Busan market with a new property in Gijang County, reflecting growing interest in the city as international tourism and wellness travel continue to expand.

Hilton announced that it signed a franchise agreement with MNC Co. at BEXCO earlier this month and plans to open Hilton Garden Inn Busan Gijang in 2028.

The project will combine hotel, wellness and residential functions as part of a mixed-use development.

The hotel will feature 111 rooms along with an all-day dining restaurant, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spa and sauna facilities, and banquet space of about 250 square meters.

Plans also include a private hot spring facility and premium senior residences aimed at strengthening long-stay wellness services.

The hotel site is located near major Gijang attractions such as Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and Lotte World Adventure Busan, while also offering access to regional medical facilities including Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, positioning it to attract medical tourism and extended-stay visitors.

The new project marks Hilton’s return to Busan after its brand presence ended in 2023 following the conclusion of its partnership with Ananti Hilton Busan.

Industry observers say Busan’s growing tourism market is helping attract renewed interest from global hotel brands.

Fleet Chinhae

USAG Daegu