It operated between October 1902 and 1917 in Jung District, Seoul, Korean Empire and Korea under Japanese rule.

The hotel and its original proprietress are remembered fondly in Korea, with both featuring in a number of recent works of historical fiction.

The space is otherwise largely occupied by a memorial hall for the centennial anniversary of Ewha Womans University.

The Korean monarch Gojong and his wife Queen Min had a great need for people who could speak foreign languages.

She was reportedly an excellent cook: the king and queen came to prefer and regularly consume food and drink that she prepared.

She also had a keen sense for art and design; the Korean monarchy had her redesign and decorate the interiors of their palaces.

She was reportedly graceful and tactful, and organized and hosted a significant number of banquets on behalf of the Korean monarchy for foreign visitors.

[1][2] After Queen Min was assassinated in October 1895, Sontag played a significant role in helping Gojong escape the palace into the Russian legation for safety.

[2][4] On August 3, 1909, Frenchman J. Boher assumed ownership over the hotel,[5] and Sontag left Korea.

[1][6] Around the time of Boher's acquisition, the Sontag Hotel had 25 bedrooms (including some in an adjacent annex building) with electric lights, a garden, a bar, and a billiard room.

[6] In 1917, Ewha Haktang purchased the hotel's building using donations it raised from the American Methodist Church ($23,060).