Century-Old Expat Retreat: the Seoul Club

By Robert Neff

Nestled amongst the trees and occupying what has been called “the most beautiful spot on Namsan Mountain” is the oldest and arguably the most prestigious club in Korea – The Seoul Club. Not only that, it also claims to be the only private club in the world founded by an emperor.

Seoul Club Facts

Founded in 1904

Founded by Emperor Gojong

President: Gustaf Hakan Borin

General Manager/COO: Jack E. Deal

Members: 1498

Nationalities Represented: 81

Famous Korean Dining Firsts: Pizza, hamburgers, curry and the buffet

The Beginning

Seoul Club’s early history is regrettably quite ambiguous because of the destruction of records in a 1925 fire and then more destruction during the Korean War. What we do know is that on February 5, 1903 the Seoul Club was granted its charter from the government of Emperor Gojong. The first officers of the club were President E. Stien, the Russian Consul General and Charge d’Affaires; Treasurer J. L. Chalmers, an Englishman working in Seoul as the Vice-commissioner of Korean Customs; and Secretary J de Lapeyriere, a Frenchman working as an engineer on the French railroad concession from Seoul to the Chinese border.

Shortly after its establishment, Emperor Gojong invited the Seoul Club to use Jungmyeongjeon (the library at Deoksoo Palace) for its meetings, ostensibly in an effort to thwart the Japanese occupation of his country. According to Frank Buzyn, a longtime member and former president, the Seoul Club was granted the use of the Jungmyeongjeon because Emperor Gojong “wanted to surround himself with Westerners who could report to the outside world on the Japanese occupation.”

The club continued to function until 1941, when it was closed after Westerners in Korea were expelled with the American entry into World War II. Following the liberation of Korea in 1945, Jungmyeongjeon was occupied by the American military government but was returned to the club in 1946. During the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950 the US military requisitioned the club for barracks and a military club. In 1955, the Korean military took possession and the members’ right of occupancy was challenged.  Harold Lady, personal advisor to Suengman Rhee, managed to show the President that the records in the imperial household showed the Emperor’s intention to allow foreigners residing in Seoul exclusive use of the site, and so the Seoul Club was re-opened.

The Samil Building and Safari Club

From June 15, 1971 until May 15, 1980, the Seoul Club occupied the top two floors of the 31-story Samil Building – at that time, the tallest building in Korea. The Samil Building is named after the anti-Japanese March 1st movement of 1919 – “sam” being “3” or “March”, and “il” meaning “1” – a date chosen to correspond with Emperor Gojong’s funeral. The Samil Building was inspired by then-President Park Chung-hee, who, according to leading Korea historian Andrei Lankov, “saw tall buildings as the embodiment of technological and economic power.” It was an appropriate location for the Seoul Club.

Gradually the membership of the club grew, and members came to realize that not only had they outgrown their two floors, but that they wanted more than a nice view. For a four-year period (May 16, 1980 – February 19, 1984) it was housed in the Chong Kun Dang building near the Shinchon area while the club searched for a permanent location – that search ended in February 1984 when the Seoul Club moved to what was then the Safari Club.

Today’s Seoul Club seeks to build upon its illustrious history. No longer exclusively open to foreign members, regulations keep the ratio at 49% Korean and 51% foreign. Hence, the club has become a spectacular mingling ground for leaders from a variety of fields – from academia to entertainment to captains of industry. It truly offers an international flair for those seeking to mingle with accomplished people from all over the world.

And the most recent location of the club has a lot to offer its members. The club’s tennis and squash courts provide a venue for members to competitively work off stress with each other. The swimming pools (both indoor and outdoor), sauna, indoor driving range, and fitness center offer not only member interaction but keep members active and healthy. There is even a library for those who just want to curl up with a good book.

But what really makes The Seoul Club an expat family’s home away from home are the facilities and activities for children. There is a study room complete with computers, a Youth Activities Center (YAC) and a Childcare Center, allowing parents to enjoy the club while their children are watched over by professionals. In addition there are children’s sporting events, parties and a camp adventure program.

The club has also been credited with being a culinary pioneer in a variety of areas, including the introduction of the hamburger, pizza and buffet to Korea. Hee-won Park, a former employee with the club from 1957 until 1975, recalls fondly that the club was often referred to as “an academy of Western food and beverage service as well as a training center to foster English-speaking service personnel.”

Seoul Club’s Second Century

Today the club boasts two restaurants and a bar serving some of the best food in Seoul under the watchful supervision of Executive Chef Arnold Kwok, who has earned several prestigious culinary awards including gold medals at the FHA International Salon Culinary in 1988 and 1990. According to Kwok, “Our passion is to create a truly memorable dining experience,” or “culinary journey.” In an effort to be “true to this vision,” he uses the finest ingredients, many of them farmed or fished in Korea.

In 2004 Ban Ki-moon, the current Secretary General of the United Nations, described the club as “a small global village” where “everyone is part of a big family… and foreign members of the Club feel as welcome in Korea as they would at home.” The club had, he declared, “transcended national borders.” Seoul Club continues to transcend national borders, with 1,518 members hailing from 81 countries – making it truly one of the most international establishments in Korea.

Hakan Borin, the president of Seoul Club, summed it all up when he said, “The spirit of Seoul Club must be to accept and enjoy the flavors and behaviors of different cultures… [and to] learn from each culture and have a global mind.”

“The Seoul Club has become a second home for my wife, children and me with its friendly setting and programs and activities that meet our needs. However, more importantly, it is a place to connect & build personal and professional relationships with folks from all around the world – truly a rare opportunity in Korea”.

John Kim, Manager Asia North, Hershey’s Chocolate

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“The Seoul Club is a home away from home for the whole family. The sense of community, both local and global, is remarkable and rewarding.”

Joe McDonagh,
Global Creative Director, Cheil Worldwide (left),Shown here with Rob Edwards (right) club memberand Board of Governors Member

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“We really enjoy the Seoul Club as a haven to meet friends, have food and drinks around the pool or in the restaurants – Italian night is our favorite.  It’s also great for our health, with pilates, yoga classes, workouts at the gym followed by time in the spa.”

Bob Edwards & Family, Country Chairman, Chevron

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“The Seoul Club is a great multicultural environment that welcomes all professions and nationalities and is supported by an active social and recreational environment.”

Philip Roberts (far left), Commercial Director, Coca Cola
Shown here with fellow members Robert Klemkosky, Mike Dickinson,
and Peter Wood

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