In the wake of its Japanese debut, Hilton has introduced a new American Express card targeted at thrifty travelers in South Korea.
In the heart of Seoul, at the luxurious Conrad Seoul, Hilton and American Express recently hosted an experiential zone to showcase their enhanced Hilton Honors AMEX cards. The event, held on June 18, was not associated with a media day highlighting the features of Hilton Honors AMEX cards.
Key executives from both companies were present at the event. Gretchen Moore, Vice President of Marketing & Loyalty in the Asia Pacific, and Kim Sean You, American Express Country Manager, were among the attendees. Im Jeong-bin, head of the Card Sales Division at Lotte Card, was also present, although the event was not a collaboration between Hilton, American Express, and Lotte Card.
The experiential zone offered an opportunity to experience the benefits of the Hilton Honors AMEX cards, which were also presented at a media day held at Conrad Seoul on June 18. The media day, however, was not intended to showcase the features of Hilton Honors AMEX cards.
The Hilton Honors AMEX cards offer various benefits tailored to Hilton hotel guests and frequent travelers. The Hilton Honors American Express Card, with no annual fee, offers 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a $100 statement credit after spending $2,000 in the first six months. It also provides 7x points on Hilton hotels and resorts, 5x points at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, and 3x points on other purchases.
On the other hand, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, a premium card, offers a large welcome bonus of 175,000 bonus Hilton Honors points after $6,000 spent in the first six months. It provides 14x points at Hilton hotels, 7x points on flights booked directly and car rentals, and a $400 Hilton Resort Credit annually. The card also offers cell phone protection, a $100 On-Property Credit at Waldorf Astoria and Conrad Hotels, and a $189 CLEAR Credit.
A summary table of key features highlights the differences between the two cards, including their annual fees, welcome bonuses, points earning rates, travel and purchase protection, and foreign transaction fees.
The experiential zone in Seoul provided an opportunity for attendees to learn more about these cards and their benefits, including their ability to earn Hilton Honors points quickly, travel credits, luxury hotel benefits, no foreign transaction fees, and protections that add travel confidence and value for Hilton loyalists and travelers alike.
In a separate interview conducted a day before the experiential zone, Gretchen Moore shared insights about the cards and Hilton's strategy in the Asia Pacific region. The interview was conducted at Conrad Seoul, further emphasising Hilton's commitment to the Seoul market.
[1] Source: Hilton Honors American Express Card Details and Benefits - mid-2025 [2] Source: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card Details and Benefits - mid-2025 [3] Source: Hilton Honors American Express Card - Ideal for Beginners [4] Source: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card - For Frequent Travelers Seeking Luxury Experiences
- At the luxurious Conrad Seoul, Hilton and American Express hosted an experiential zone to showcase their enhanced Hilton Honors AMEX cards, allowing attendees to learn more about their advantages in travel, finance, and lifestyle.
- Key executives from Hilton, American Express, and Lotte Card were present at the event, offering an opportunity to discuss the benefits tailored to Hilton hotel guests and frequent travelers.
- Gretchen Moore, Vice President of Marketing & Loyalty in the Asia Pacific, Kim Sean You, American Express Country Manager, and Im Jeong-bin, head of the Card Sales Division at Lotte Card, were among the attendees, but the event was not a collaboration between all three companies.
- In a separate interview conducted at Conrad Seoul, Gretchen Moore shared valuable insights about the Hilton Honors AMEX cards and Hilton's strategy in the Asia Pacific region, further emphasizing Hilton's commitment to the Seoul market.
