Seoul is becoming one of the most important retail locations in the world, with shopping being a favourite hobby there.

Innovative tech, big name brands and community are the focus this month. Korean retail is keen to include robots and AI within their stores, for personalisation and for entertainment. 

Meanwhile, global brands are trying to blend Western influences and make use of Korean designs and celebrities, and smaller brands are looking to appeal to communities built around sports and food.

Take a look at the exciting new retail we found opening in Seoul this month.

Image credit: GS25

GS25, Jongno

Korean supermarket group GS Retail has launched its latest store, Ground Blue 49, as part of its new concept.

The design uses GS25’s signature blue colour and the store has a futuristic feel. The store is zoned to showcase technology, Korean food and an area to participate in a noodle challenge.

The technology includes several robots for pizza, lattes and ice cream, and a machine to print photos. The retailer is hoping to appeal to tourists in the area by highlighting popular Korean food products in the K-Food Station.

Finally, the brand shows awareness of food trends, such as mukbang challenges, with the K-Noodle Challenge Station. Here shoppers can choose noodles at a range of spice levels, clearly labelled for tourists.

IM TYPE, Dongdaemun

This month sees the launch of the first physical retail space for IM TYPE, a beauty platform using millions of skin records to provide personalised recommendations.

The store contains AI kiosks which can analyse skin and match it to one of 90 different types, and then recommend beauty advice. Shoppers are then able to purchase cosmetics and products for their skin type.

New customers can get a free voucher to use the AI kiosk and, once the analysis is complete, will receive free samples to match their skin type.

Image credit: MAAP

MAAP LaB, Gangnam

Another new concept store arrives in Seoul this month courtesy of Australian cycling brand MAAP.

The MAAP LaB concept is about connecting with the local cycling community through retail and events. The store is white with large windows, with flashes of colour about the space from the green door and the pink changing room to the cycling products themselves.

The brand plans to do regular kit drops, weekly rides and invite special guests for a range of events.

Diesel, Dosan

Luxury retailer Diesel has launched its third store in Seoul, reflecting the brand’s popularity in the city.

The store splashes the Diesel logo across the front in the signature red colour, which also is incorporated inside. The store has an industrial design, with metals and raw concrete used throughout. It also includes archived adverts that appeared in America on metal displays, to provide the feel of driving down a highway. 

The ground and first floor are for women and men’s clothing and accessories, and the second floor contains a VIP lounge, which unlike the rest of the store, is in pink. The space resembles a cave and contains a bar. Exclusive collections will be available, including a range of silver products for women and men.

The store opening was launched by Diesel brand ambassador Hoshi, a famous K-Pop star, and attended by other Korean celebrities like I.M, Hwasa and DPR Cream.

Image credit: Bacha Coffee

Bacha Coffee, Gangnam

Moroccan drinks brand Bacha Coffee has opened its first flagship store this month.

The store exterior has the brand’s key colours of red and gold, along with a tile design. The interior of the space includes elements that nod to the brand’s heritage in Marrakech.

The ground floor is dedicated to retail, with a range of carefully chosen products for coffee aficionados, such as drip bags and beans. There are also coffee experts on hand to provide advice and guidance to visitors including how to choose from Bacha’s selection of 200 Arabica beans.

On the first floor is a “Coffee Room” for customers to choose from a range of coffees, including the luxury Pariso Gold, and pastries, either to eat in or take away.

Adidas, Bukchon

Another big brand arriving in Seoul this month is athletic company Adidas.

The brand launched a space dedicated to footwear called the Adidas Bukchon Heritage Store. The store exterior incorporates modern and retro elements, along with lighting design concepts and a garden area.

The store is located in an area popular with tourists and the brand is hoping to appeal both to this market as well as Seoul locals. It will sell Adidas Originals products and exclusive items in Korean colours and with Bukchon designs.