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i-weekly June 2002 (Singapore)

About the drama

Bae Yong Jun as Shin Dong Hyuk, Frank (Shin Dong Xian)

Song Yun Ah as Suh Jin Young (Xu Zhen Yin)

Kim Seung Woo as Han Tae Jun (Han Tai Jun)

Song Hae Gyo as Kim Yun Hee (Jin Yun Xi)

A rare masterpiece that has focused on narrating the lives of hoteliers and M&A Specialist.

The four main characters could captivate the audience with their individual charm and combined appeal. Brilliant one-liners added depth to the exquisite production.

 

About the actual location

About 80% of the scenes were shot in the actual hotel settings. The remaining was shot in the famous "Jiang Yuan Dao".

 

"Zhu Wen Jin" Fishing Port

After a long window of 21 years, Dong Xian re-met his father. Depressed, he stood in front of the lighthouse, in the sea breeze, tears are dried but the hurt remained … he misses Zhen Yin … her smiles, her warmth …

The lighthouse is relatively difficult to find. The crew went round, asked many, before finding the exact location that scene was shot.

Near the lighthouse, crowds were gathered for fishing/picnics … quite a noisy scene.

A saltish smell is in the air ... The straight pavement that leads to the red-colour lighthouse is long, seems never ending. Loneliness … seems to invade the body system …

 

Hotel Seoul

Many corners of the "Sheraton Walker Hill Hotel" have been captured in "Hotelier". Named after a demised General, the Hotel was frequented by US military officials in the past. Established in 1963, "Sheraton Walker Hill Hotel" has undergone some renovation in May 2001. The western restaurant, where Yun Xi worked, looks different now.

 

Walking through the "Sheraton Walker Hill", you’ll see "Lobby", "Business Centre" … passing by the concierge, corridors, staircases … seems like taking a path through the "Hotelier" lane, immersing in a magical world that has been so familiar …

 

Sirocco Restaurant

Where GM Han invited Manager Xu to celebrate his birthday … where Dong Xian appeared at the opening of spiral-design staircase, pulling Zhen Yin towards him … where Dong Xian said, "you have built a hotel in my heart …" …

Where the tracks <<As time goes by>> and <<Angel>> were broadcasted …

Stepping into Sirocco or "Casablanca" ushers one into a majestic, tastefully decorated and mysterious Mediterranean zone … Being the only Morocco-themed restaurant in Korea, all the decorations, settees and lightings have been imported from Morocco. The restaurant, karaoke and lounge are all housed under "Casablanca".

The price for main courses and cocktails ranged between 20,000-40,000 Won (about S$30-60) and 9000 Won (about S$13) respectively. This pricing should be considered reasonable for a luxurious hotel setting.

 

Sapphire Villa

This is a 2-room Villa designed for family stay. The Han River can be seen via the balcony. The rental for Sapphire Villa, 2618, is US$500 per night (about S$900).

 

Aston House

Where Dong Xian said to Zhen Yin, "Don’t call me mister. Call me Shin Dong Xian. Dong Xian, do try calling …" There, he pulled Zhen Yin into his arms, danced in the dim lightings, the pain in the days gradually dissolved …

"Diamond Villa" is the Villa designed and constructed to cater for the most luxurious gatherings and stays. Being the most expensive Hotel accommodation in Korea, it is out of bounds for most.

 

Sheraton Walker Hill Theatre/Show

"I have walked a long distance … finally reaching you empty-handed … Zhen Yin, I love you … Please … marry me"

This is where Dong Xian proposed to his Zhen Yin.

As a world-class theatre, the price to watch a 2-hour performance is US$60 (about S$108).

 

Pavilion Lobby

Dong Xian, "Are you waiting for me? … Can I check in now?"

Zhen Yin (nodding), "How long will you be staying here?"

Dong Xian, "Forever. I want to stay by your side forever."

That is "Hotel Seoul Lobby" or Pavilion Lobby.

There, they checked into each other’s heart.

There, they promised to stay by each other.

There, is not the ending, but the start of the next stage of their lives…

 

 

Last updated at: June 24, 2002