The hotel’s hosting of LHW’s 2026 regional meeting underscores Seoul’s expanding role in luxury travel while deepening a long-standing international partnership.
The Shilla Hotels & Resorts hosted The Shilla Seoul’s 2026 Asia-Pacific Membership Meeting for The Leading Hotels of the World in Seoul on June 11, 2026, bringing together luxury hospitality leaders from across the region. The gathering was held at Yeong Bin Gwan, the hotel’s signature event venue, and marked the first time the annual meeting had taken place at The Shilla Seoul. The event placed the property at the centre of discussions about market trends, strategic priorities and future opportunities for luxury travel.
The meeting reflects the structure of LHW’s network, which the organisation describes as the world’s largest collection of independent luxury hotels. LHW membership is reserved for properties that meet its stated quality standards, and the organisation represents more than 425 hotels across more than 80 countries. Its annual Asia-Pacific meeting gives member hotels a forum to exchange industry insights, consider emerging trends and discuss potential growth opportunities across the region.
The Shilla Seoul has been an LHW member for more than 45 years, dating back to the hotel’s opening. The 2026 gathering included LHW President and CEO Shannon Knapp, along with senior executives from member hotels and the organisation; the release said it was Knapp’s first visit to South Korea. Nearly 60 hoteliers representing more than 30 member hotels took part across the Asia-Pacific meetings, according to Knapp’s remarks cited in the announcement.
The choice of Yeong Bin Gwan also gave the meeting a cultural dimension. The venue was presented as a contemporary interpretation of traditional Korean architecture, providing attendees with an experience connected to Korean heritage while they met as industry representatives. The release links the event to The Shilla Seoul’s broader international positioning, noting its relationships with organisations including Forbes Travel Guide, Michelin Guide and Virtuoso.
The announcement also cited several recent recognitions for The Shilla Seoul. In February 2026, the hotel received a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating for the eighth consecutive year, which the release described as a first and only achievement among hotels in Korea, and it was included in the guide’s Exclusive Group. The hotel was also ranked No. 1 in South Korea in La Liste Top 1000 Hotels 2025 and included among the World’s Top 200 Hotels, leaving the meeting as a visible expression of both its established LHW relationship and Seoul’s place in the international luxury-hospitality conversation.
