RYSE Hotel, Seoul, South Korea

Located in Hongdae, Seoul’s vibrant creative district, RYSE Hotel is an exceptional lifestyle hotel within the Autograph Collection by Marriott. The neighborhood is renowned for its dynamic mix of art, music, fashion and design, shaped by the nearby Hongik University, one of South Korea’s leading art schools. More than just a place to stay, the hotel serves as a meeting point for creatives from around the world, where architecture, art and hospitality come together.

Designed by SCAAA, the new-build hotel comprises 20 above-ground floors with approximately 274 guest rooms. From the outset, the architectural concept sought to reflect the district’s energy and diversity. Rather than following a conventional hotel layout, the lobby, restaurants, lounges and event spaces are distributed across the first five floors, while the guest rooms occupy the upper levels. This arrangement creates a seamless connection between the hotel and the surrounding urban environment.

The interior design was created by the London-based studio Michaelis Boyd, internationally recognized for its distinctive boutique hotels. Inspired by Korea’s natural landscapes and Hongdae’s raw creative spirit, the designers combined exposed concrete, natural stone, timber, brass, coloured resin flooring and premium textiles to create an expressive material palette. The result is a harmonious balance between urban authenticity and refined elegance.

A defining feature of the interior is the striking exposed concrete wall in the entrance area, created using the RECKLI 2/121 Cheyenne formliner. Produced in collaboration with concrete specialist IVANKA, the sculptural concrete surface introduces a natural rock texture that creates a memorable architectural statement from the moment guests enter the hotel. The textured concrete forms a deliberate contrast to the smooth, polished finishes of the lobby, reinforcing the hotel's commitment to authentic materials and contemporary design.

Today, RYSE Hotel is considered one of Seoul’s most remarkable design hotels. As a creative hub for international guests, artists and designers, it demonstrates how high-quality textured architectural concrete can enhance sophisticated hospitality projects and how RECKLI formliners can create a distinctive architectural identity in interior spaces.