Lotte Hotel & Resorts has made its first foray into the Honam region by opening "L7 Chungjang by Lotte Hotel" in Gwangju. The opening completes the company's nationwide hotel network spanning Seoul, Gangwon, Chungcheong, Jeolla, Gyeongsang, and Jeju.
Lotte Hotel & Resorts announced on the 19th that it rebranded "Ramada Plaza Chungjang Hotel" in Dong-gu, Gwangju as "L7 Chungjang by Lotte Hotel." This marks the group's first hotel in the Honam region.
Gwangju, a major cultural and tourism hub in Gwangju Metropolitan City, has seen steady growth in visitors due to international events and large-scale festivals including the Gwangju Biennale. Tourism demand has expanded particularly since the declaration of "Visit Gwangju Year," with major events such as G-Festa Gwangju, the May 18 Democratization Movement commemorations, and the World Archery Championships.
The hotel comprises 95 rooms across 13 floors above ground and two basement levels. Facilities include a banquet hall and fitness center. The first floor houses "Floating," a breakfast and café space, while the third floor features Chinese restaurant "Ban Ri Xian," catering to both hotel guests and local customers.
The brand concept is "The Urban Canvas," incorporating Chungjang-ro's youthful, dynamic street culture and urban energy into the spatial design. A large mural on the exterior symbolically reinterprets the history of democratization, conveying a message that connects memories of the past with present and future generations. Contemporary artist Choi Wul-ga participated in the work.
A Lotte Hotel & Resorts official said, "We introduced the brand viewing Gwangju as a strategic growth city where administrative, financial, and tourism demand coexist." The official added, "As our first foothold in the Honam region, we will strengthen our brand competitiveness in the region centered on L7 Chungjang."