▲ This photo of Hyundai Outlet Dongdaemun is provided by Hyundai Department Store. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, July 2 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Department Store said Thursday it will carry out the first major renovation of Hyundai Outlet Dongdaemun since the shopping complex opened in 2016, introducing some 60 new domestic and international fashion, beauty and food brands.

 

The renovation will be carried out in phases through the end of this year across four floors, from the second basement level to the second floor above ground, covering about 14,800 square meters.

 

The food hall on the second basement level, scheduled to reopen in September, will be transformed under an alley market concept.

 

More than 30 popular brands will move in, including Korean restaurants favored by foreign visitors, such as Apgujeong Doseulbak and Gwanghwamun Mijin, as well as well-known domestic and overseas brands, including cafe Terarosa, Japanese-style bakery Ekinomae and Mexican food chain Cuchara.

 

The first basement level and the first and second floors will also strengthen their focus on K-content aimed at foreign tourists.

 

The first basement level will be converted into a dedicated K-fashion zone, with more than half of its tenants consisting of Korean fashion brands. More than 10 domestic labels, including Hago Haus and Lueve, are scheduled to open beginning in August.

 

The second floor will house Hyundai Home Shopping's beauty select shop Coasis and a pharmacy-style health and beauty store, a retail format that has become a popular shopping destination among overseas tourists.

 

To cater to late-night shoppers visiting the Dongdaemun area, Hyundai also plans to introduce stores with extended operating hours. Hot pot restaurant Yongga Hot Pot is scheduled to open on the first basement level in October and is considering operating until midnight.

 

The retailer will also expand convenience services for international visitors by opening a larger Global Service Lounge on the first basement level later this year, offering tax refund and currency exchange services, while installing dedicated self-service kiosks for foreign customers.

 

Hyundai Department Store said it decided to renovate the outlet as sales to overseas visitors have continued to grow.

 

Sales to foreign customers at Hyundai Outlet Dongdaemun rose 122 percent on-year during the January-May period, accounting for 23.7 percent of the outlet's total sales.

 

"Dongdaemun is being rediscovered as a destination where visitors can experience everyday Korean life through attractions such as Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Gwangjang Market, rather than simply as a shopping district," a Hyundai Department Store official said. "We will develop Hyundai Outlet Dongdaemun into one of Seoul's premier shopping destinations."

 

jwc@yna.co.kr

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]