Four Seasons has agreed to operate a luxury hotel within a major new integrated resort on the South Korean island of Jeju.

A deal with Landing International Development will lead to the creation of the new Four Seasons resort in the centre of Jeju Shinhwa World (pictured), which will include a large casino and theme park, among other facilities.

“Korea is an important market for luxury leisure and business travellers. We are pleased to be extending our presence with a new resort experience on Jeju Island to complement our urban property in Seoul,” said J. Allen Smith, president & CEO of Four Seasons.

“Landing International has an incredible vision for Jeju Shinhwa World. We look forward to working in partnership with them to create a world-class Four Seasons resort on Jeju Island, offering yet another destination in Korea for local and international travellers,” he added.

Officially named Four Seasons Resort Jeju Island at Jeju Shinhwa World, the new luxury resort will feature 240 rooms, suites and villas, several F&B outlets, and a spa designed in the style of a traditional Korean tea house.

It will form an integral part of the Jeju Shinhwa World development, which has been opening in phases since the beginning of 2017. Once fully launched, the complex will also feature upscale condominiums and villas, retail space, a waterpark, theme park, casino and a “K-pop entertainment centre”.

“Jeju Shinhwa World is set to be one of the most popular leisure and entertainment destinations in northeast Asia,” claimed Yang Zhihui, chairman & executive director of Landing International Development. “Jeju attracted close to 16 million visitors in 2016, and tourism is expected to continue to grow with a strong momentum for many years to come.

“We believe with its world-class products and service quality, Four Seasons will enhance the hospitality offerings in Jeju and further strengthen Jeju Shinhwa World’s market position as a desired tourist destination in Jeju,” he added.

Jeju has become a magnet for Chinese visitors in recent years, due to its close proximity, gaming facilities and visa waiver programme, although numbers have plummeted in recent months due to a diplomatic spat between China and South Korea.