Winsor Motel

Have you ever wondered about the hidden stories behind seemingly ordinary buildings? Right here in Seoul stands the Winsor Motel. Its unassuming exterior belies a rich history. Let’s step back in time. Imagine a different Seoul. A Seoul where the Sontag Hotel stood tall. This elegant establishment hosted luminaries like Winston Churchill. It was a hub of social activity. The first hotel dabang or cafe in Korea operated within its walls. It wasn’t always called the Sontag Hotel. It earned that name from its French proprietress Antoinette Sontag. She was a confidante of the Korean monarchy. Her skills extended far beyond languages. She was a gifted cook and designer. The royal family adored her food. She redesigned their palace interiors. Her influence in the Korean court was immense. The Sontag Hotel’s construction was partly funded by the Korean government. It had two floors. The upper floor reserved for VIP guests. The lower level housed regular rooms a kitchen restaurant and coffee shop. The building’s official name Sontag Hotel only came in 1909. Before that it had various names like Miss Sontag’s Residence or Sontag Guesthouse. After Sontag left in 1909 the hotel continued operating. It even flourished for a time. It had 25 bedrooms electric lights a garden a bar and a billiard room. Sadly the hotel eventually declined. It was purchased by Ewha Haktang and converted into a dormitory. The building was later demolished. Today a memorial hall for Ewha Womans University stands in its place. A small plaque commemorates the Sontag Hotel. While the Winsor Motel doesn’t directly connect to the Sontag Hotel’s legacy its location hints at the vibrant past of this Seoul neighborhood. This unassuming motel stands in a neighborhood rich with untold stories. The Winsor Motel’s very presence speaks volumes about Seoul’s ever-evolving landscape. It’s a reminder that history is all around us. Even in places we might overlook at first glance. Remember the legacy of the Sontag Hotel as we continue our tour.