“To love quietly for a decade is rare; to celebrate it in a fortress of tradition is legendary.”
the hiplife asia
They didn’t choose a shiny new skyscraper. They didn’t choose a beach in Bali. They chose The Shilla Hotel in Seoul. And yes, we have all the details, including the viral moment involving EXO’s D.O. that proved just how exclusive (and chaotic) this location really is. Note that the image reflects the design of the venue itself not the design of their wedding.
Stop scrolling. The moment we have all been waiting for, the “BinAh” wedding, has finally happened. After 11 years of public romance, overcoming health battles, and defining what “relationship goals” actually look like, Kim Woo-Bin and Shin Min-Ah have tied the knot.
But beyond the celebrity glitter, why is this specific hotel the holy grail of Korean weddings? Let’s go past the headlines and explore the fortress itself.
Oh, Tell me more!
The History: From State Guest House to Celebrity Fortress
To understand why The Shilla is the choice for Korea’s “Royalty,” you have to look at its DNA. This isn’t just a hotel; it is a piece of Korean history.
Sitting atop Namsan Mountain, the hotel grounds were originally the site of the Yeong Bin Gwan, the official State Guest House built in 1967 to host foreign dignitaries and heads of state. In 1973, the Samsung Group took over, preserving the traditional architecture while building the modern hotel tower next to it.
For Shin Min-Ah and Kim Woo-Bin, this blend of heritage and seclusion was likely the deciding factor. The hotel is renowned for its “fortress-like” security. When the gates close, the paparazzi are left at the bottom of the hill, leaving the couple to celebrate in a space that feels suspended in time.
Inside Yeong Bin Gwan: Where Tradition Meets Luxury
The couple reportedly utilized the Yeong Bin Gwan (The Guest House) for their ceremony, and if you’ve seen the photos, you know why. This isn’t a soulless ballroom with carpeted floors.
- The Architecture: It is a masterpiece of traditional Hanok design, sweeping tiled roofs, wooden columns painted in dancheong (traditional coloring), and broad courtyards.
- The Atmosphere: Surrounded by ancient stone walls and 400-year-old pine trees, the venue feels intimate despite its grandeur.
- The Symbolism: Marrying here is a statement. It says your union is rooted in tradition, endurance, and grace. It frames the couple not just as Hallyu stars, but as part of the cultural fabric of Korea.
The Fit & Bridal Perfection
Let’s talk about the clothes, because wow.
The Groom: Kim Woo-Bin, the longtime ambassador for Ralph Lauren, stayed loyal to the brand for his big day. He stunned in a custom Ralph Lauren Purple Label tuxedo, a classic peak-lapel silhouette in midnight blue velvet that fit his model proportions perfectly. It was timeless, dashing, and quintessentially him.
The Bride: Shin Min-Ah proved once again why she is a fashion icon. She opted for a gown that whispered luxury rather than shouting it, an Elie Saab Spring Summer 2026 bridal gown. Steering clear of heavy beading, she wore a structural, silk-mikado gown with a modest neckline and long sleeves, emphasizing clean lines and elegance. It was “simplicity as the ultimate sophistication”, perfect for a winter wedding at The Shilla.
While the venue was serene, the guest list was chaotic in the best way possible. The internet is currently losing its mind over EXO’s D.O. (Kyungsoo), who proved that friendship transcends even the tightest K-pop schedules.
The Situation: The wedding clashed exactly with the 2025 Melon Music Awards (MMA) at Gocheok Sky Dome, where EXO was set to perform their comeback stage.
The “Impossible” Timeline:
- 4:30 PM: D.O. walks the MMA Red Carpet in full idol glam.
- 5:00 PM: He sprints to a car, battling Seoul’s notorious rush hour traffic to reach The Shilla.
- 6:15 PM: He arrives at the wedding, greets Kim Woo-Bin and Shin Min-Ah for exactly 15 minutes.
- 7:30 PM: He rushes back to the dome, changing costumes just in time to perform “Growl” and “Love Shot” live.
As D.O. reportedly said to guests:
“It broke my heart that the schedules overlapped… but I had to see Woo-Bin hyung. Even if it was just for 5 minutes.”
D.O. Kyung-soo
It was a chaotic moment, but it highlighted just how central The Shilla is, an oasis of calm in the middle of Seoul’s frenzy.
The Hotel Experience: Art, Design, and The “Shilla Bed”
You don’t need a wedding invitation to experience the luxury of The Shilla Hotel. If you book a room here, you are stepping into a world curated by the legendary designer Peter Remedios, who renovated the property in 2013 to define “Contemporary Korean” luxury.
The Lobby Art The moment you walk in, look up. You are greeted by the massive, sparkling installation by artist Sun Ghi Bahk. Thousands of clear acrylic beads suspend from the ceiling, forming a Milky Way-like wave that catches the light. It is one of Seoul’s most Instagrammed art pieces for a reason.
The Rooms Request a room facing Namsan Tower. The view is unparalleled, especially at sunset.
- The Design: Think warm woods, cream tones, and sliding paper screens (changho) that separate the bathroom from the bedroom. It feels residential, not commercial.
- The Bed: The “Shilla Bed” is famous. Made with 100% Hungarian goose down, it is widely rumored to be the most comfortable bed in Seoul.
- The Amenities: The bathrooms feature deep soaking tubs with city views and amenities by Molton Brown, adding that touch of British refinement to the Korean setting.
Dining & Wellness: Michelin Stars and Urban Islands
If you are staying at The Shilla, you are likely there to eat (and swim).
La Yeon (3 Michelin Stars) Located on the top floor, La Yeon is the crown jewel of Korean fine dining. This isn’t just BBQ; this is Hansik elevated to art.
- Must-Try: The “Shilla” course menu often features delicacies like Gujeolpan (a platter of nine delicacies) and Korean beef sirloin that melts on the tongue. The plating is so precise it looks like a painting.
Urban Island This isn’t just a pool; it’s a lifestyle. Urban Island is the hotel’s outdoor oasis, featuring heated pools that stay open year-round. In the summer, it’s the place to be seen. In the winter, the “Moonlight Swimming” sessions, where you swim in warm water while snow falls around you, are pure magic.
Guerlain Spa For the ultimate post-flight recovery, the hotel houses a Guerlain Spa, bringing Parisian techniques to Seoul. A 60-minute facial here costs a small fortune, but your skin will look glass-like for days.
What to Do Around the Area (Jangchung-dong)
If you manage to pull yourself away from the hotel, the surrounding Jangchung-dong neighborhood offers a gritty, delicious contrast to the luxury on the hill.
- Namsan Park Hike: You don’t need a taxi. You can hike up the Namsan Park trails directly from the hotel garden. It’s a romantic, scenic walk that leads up to the N Seoul Tower.
- Jangchung-dong Jokbal Alley: Just down the hill is a famous street dedicated to Jokbal (braised pig’s trotters). It’s loud, it’s crowded, and the food is incredible. It is the perfect place to grab a late-night snack after a fancy dinner.
- The Shilla Duty-Free: Located in a separate building right next to the hotel, this is a massive complex for luxury shopping. It’s a favorite haunt for tourists looking to pick up the high-end skincare brands Shin Min-Ah endorses.
So, here is what we really think about the venue
In an industry obsessed with the “new” and the “flashy,” Shin Min-Ah and Kim Woo-Bin’s choice of The Shilla Hotel speaks volumes. This wasn’t just a wedding; it was a statement about endurance.
For 11 years, we watched them navigate health scares, hiatuses, and the relentless pressure of fame with a quiet, unwavering dignity. It is only fitting that they pledged their forever in a venue that mirrors that same resilience, Yeong Bin Gwan, a structure that has weathered centuries of history while retaining its grace.
When you walk through those ancient gates or look out from your suite at Namsan Tower, you aren’t just checking into a hotel. You are stepping into a space that values privacy over publicity and heritage over hype. It is a reminder that the best things, whether it’s a 5-star experience or a decade-long love, are the ones that stand the test of time.
“We have looked at each other for a long time, and we will continue to look at each other for the rest of our lives.”
kim woo-bin
Looking forward for your trip to Korea? Malaysians! Read This Before Travel to South Korea!
