UHC Group has secured a $3.57 million (KRW 5 billion) investment from LB Investment. UHC Group is a hospitality company operating over 20 hotels in domestic and international locations, including Seoul’s Myeongdong, Busan’s Haeundae, and Osaka, Japan. The group manages boutique hotels under the “UH Suite” brand, business hotels under “UH Flat,” and high-end hotels under “UH Continental.”  

This marks UHC Group’s first investment from a professional financial institution since its founding, with a post-money valuation of $46.43 million (KRW 65 billion).  

UHC Group has enhanced its competitiveness in the hotel market with unique interior designs and “Instagrammable” features like in-room jacuzzis, boosting its visibility on social media platforms.  

Lee Hak-jae, Head of Future Growth at UHC, stated, “This investment is especially meaningful as it comes during a period of high interest rates and economic downturns. It validates our operational capabilities and strong business fundamentals. Our success formula combines expertise in real estate, design aesthetics, and solid hotel management capabilities.” He added, “While we’ve maintained profitability for years with a proven business model, this strategic funding is aimed at expanding our successful domestic operations into international markets such as Japan, China, and Thailand.”  

UHC is accelerating its global expansion, starting with Japan. Its first Japanese location, “UH Suite Namba Station,” achieved an occupancy rate of over 90% within the first month of opening. The company plans to add five more locations in Osaka and surrounding areas by the end of this year.  

Over the past four years, UHC’s revenue has doubled annually, reaching $16.21 million (KRW 22.7 billion) in 2023, with similar revenue expected in 2024.  

LB Investment noted, “With the rising influx of foreign tourists due to the Korean Wave, UHC Group has achieved high occupancy rates thanks to its modern and trendy interiors and prime locations in areas like Myeongdong and Haeundae. The successful opening of a new hotel in Osaka signals strong growth potential, prompting our investment.”