The New Face of Seoul Shopping: PopāUp Paradise Meets Luxury Culture
If youāre planning to visit Korea in 2025 and want to feel the vibrant energy of Seoul while indulging in unforgettable shopping, the Hyundai Seoul and Lotte World Tower are absolute must-visit. These two icons have become symbols of modern Seoul, offering not only retail therapy but also a window into Koreaās trendsetting lifestyle.
At The Hyundai Seoul, youāll discover everything from highāend fashion and lifestyle brands to popāup stores that spotlight the latest in Kāfashion, Kāpop, and tech. Itās a favourite among young locals and international visitors alike.
Meanwhile, Lotte World Towerāthe tallest building in Koreaācombines luxury shopping, fine dining, and panoramic city views. With frequent popāup events and seasonal showcases, both venues deliver more than shoppingātheyāre immersive cultural experiences. Whether youāre a trend lover, a curious traveller, or simply chasing a unique Seoul moment, these two spots capture the pulse of the city in the most exciting way.
šļø 1) The Hyundai Seoul ā PopāUp Mecca for Global Travellers
Opened: 2021 ā¢ Location: Yeouido
Why Travellers Love It
Kāpop & Kāfashion popāups (think limitedātime BTS/BLACKPINK themes), collabs with top Korean streetwear labels, and rotating Kābeauty showcases.
Instagramāready architecture: massive open atrium garden, naturalālight corridors, and art installations.
š Growth & MustāSee Zones
Explosive growth in foreign visitor sales (youāll feel the buzz on weekends).
Curated spaces highlight whatās trending right now: capsule drops, sneaker corners, and techāmeetsāfashion edits.
š Smart Services for Global Shoppers
Free 24/7 luggage storage for tourists (travelālight shopping, hands-free).
Selfāguided tour maps in multiple languages.
AIāpowered concierge that suggests restaurants, fashion brands, and events in real time.
Coming soon: exclusive foreignāvisitor membership perks, cultural miniāclasses, and premium hotel delivery for bulky purchases.
š„ Watch a quick vibe check of The Hyundai Seoul
Beyond the famous 123F observatory, the broader Lotte Town includes Lotte Department Store, AvenueL, World Mall, an open grass plaza, and scenic Seokchon Lakeāoften hosting seasonal Kāfashion & Kāfood events.
š Services That Actually Help Tourists
Realātime AI translation in 13 languages, handling 700+ foreign customer chats daily.
Discovery Seoul Pass (Aug 2025 launch) brings discounts and free access options across attractions in and around the Tower & Mallāideal for itinerary stacking.
š„ Get a feel for Lotte World Tower & Mall
š Quick Comparison: The Hyundai Seoul vs. Lotte World Tower
Feature
The Hyundai Seoul
Lotte World Tower
Foreign Sales (2025)
~15%
~20% YoY increase
Main Attractions
Kāpop/Kāfashion popāups, Kābeauty edits
Kābeauty, luxury brands, F&B, observatory
Languages/Assistance
AI concierge (multilingual)
13ālanguage AI translator
Tourist Services
Free luggage storage, tour maps
Discovery Seoul Pass, seasonal freeāentry deals
PopāUp Cadence
Weekly Kātrend showcases
Seasonal food/fashion festivals
āØ Why These Spots Are the Future of Korean Travel
These destinations blur the line between shopping mall and cultural playground. Rather than just selling products, they curate Kālifestyle experiencesāfrom music and fashion to food and technologyāpurposeābuilt for global tourists who want more story with their shopping.
š¼ Pro Tips for Travellers
Hyundai Seoul on weekdays: shorter queues for popāups & photo spots.
Download the concierge/guide app in advance for live help and event alerts.
Ask if your hotel partners with The Hyundai Seoul for luggage delivery after big hauls.
At Lotte, use the Discovery Seoul Pass to bundle observatory + mall attractions and save more.
Tax refund: Many stores at both venues support tourist refundsābring your passport and ask for a taxārefund receipt at checkout.
šø Bonus: Instagrammable Moments
The Hyundai Seoul: the sunādrenched atrium garden and largeāscale art pieces.
Lotte World Tower: 123F observatory for goldenāhour skyline shots.
Seokchon Lake: sunset loops around the water with the Tower backdropāchefās kiss.
ā FAQ (Fast Answers)
Q1. Are these the best shopping places in Seoul 2025 for tourists? A. If you want trendāled popāups, luxury, and cultural programming in one stop, yesāthese two efficiently cover it all.
Q2. Do both places offer tax refunds for tourists? A. Most tenants do. Show your passport at purchase and request a tax refund receipt.
Q3. Is English widely supported? A. Yes. The Hyundai Seoul runs a multilingual AI concierge; Lotte World Tower provides 13ālanguage live translation and help desks.
Q4. Familyāfriendly? A. Absolutely. Strollerāfriendly paths, kid zones in World Mall, and plenty of dining options.
Q5. Getting there by subway? A. Hyundai Seoul: Yeouido Station (Lines 5/9) ā connected underground. Lotte World Tower: Jamsil Station (Lines 2/8) ā direct mall access.
Practical Info for 2025 Visitors
Opening Hours: Both operate daily; individual store hours may vary by tenant and season.
Payments: Cards widely accepted (Visa/Master/AMEX); mobile pay (Apple/Google/Samsung Pay) is common.
Connectivity: Free WiāFi zones; SIM/eSIM counters nearby in major malls.
Luggage: Use Hyundai Seoulās free storage or Lotteās guest services; lockers are available in parts of World Mall.