Department stores in Korea go all out when it comes to Christmas decorations! In particular, Korea’s three major department store chains, Hyundai, Shinsegae, and Lotte, present grand-scale decorations every year that showcase their creativity. Set out to see some of Seoul’s most beautiful and romantic illuminations!

[SHINSEGAE Myeongdong Main Store] Holiday Magic in Every Moment

#Summary

SHINSEGAE turns into a Christmas castle in pursuit of finding holiday magic.

#Introduction

In November, SHINSEGAE Myeongdong Main Store revealed its new appearance to open the beginning of “Myeong-dong Square,” a new Seoul landmark. A city project expected to be completed next year, Myeong-dong Square aims to become the a major media hub with six giant LED billboard displays set up throughout the streets connecting Myeong-dong and Eulji-ro. SHINSEGAE Myeongdong is the first opening phase of Myeong-dong Square and it now has a gigantic LED display three times the size of a basketball court installed on the building façade. The LED screen brings a jolly holiday mood to the streets of Myeong-dong by showcasing videos every day with the theme of “Holiday Magic in Every Moment.”

For the first time this year, SHINSEGAE GANGNAM is hosting a Christmas Market at Sweet Park on the basement first floor. Planned to take place until December 25, the space is decorated with lovely Christmas lights and ornaments and features ten stores that sell a wide range of Christmas items. There’s also a large Christmas tree installed on the first floor of Central City, which is connected to SHINSEGAE GANGNAM. Visitors can find a special vintage newspaper frame photo booth set up until November 28, followed by Sihyunhada’s Christmas-themed four-cut photo booth from November 29 to December 25.

# Tips for enjoying Holiday Magic in Every Moment

1. SHINSEGAE Department Store VMD(Visual Merchandiser)’s recommended photo spot is in front of Seoul Central Post Office (Hoehyeon Underground Shopping Center Exit 1). From here, you can see the whole show and the brightly lit fountain at once.

2. If you want to spend a long time watching the video, watch from the warm comfort of Starbucks – Central Post Office Branch.

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[The Hyundai Seoul] Le Grand Theatre

#Summary

An enchanting circus village straight out of Europe.

#Introduction

Sounds Forest, the fifth floor of The Hyundai Seoul has been transformed into H Village, a Christmas street inspired by European Christmas. This year’s décor consists of over 10,000 lights and 11 circus theatre tents under the concept of “Le Grand Theatre.” Each circus theatre has its own unique theme, which consists of a magic theatre, acrobatics theatre, music theatre, and grand theatre, to name a few. The main highlight of village is the 8-meter high rotating Christmas tree that immediately captures the attention in the grand theater. The overall theme of Le Grand Theatre revolves around Harry who embarks on a journey in a hot air balloon to find the great moving Grand Theatre known to put on the best shows. At La Boutique d’Harry, you can find a variety of The Hyundai signature merchandise as well as Harry Bear, key rings, mug cups, ornaments, and more. The colorful circus tents, gorgeous velvet curtains, and the giant floating air balloon all come together to bring to you a magical Christmas to remember your Korea trip by.

#Reservations

H Village operates completely on an advance reservation basis through Naver Forms for both Koreans and foreigners alike. Due to the limited number of people admitted at one time, the waitlist can be quite long. If you are unable to make a reservation for the day of your visit, you can still try and get on the on-site waitlist by scanning the QR code. The waitlist QR code can be found near the escalator on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors. To register on the waitlist, follow the QR code link and instead of closing right away, wait until 11:30 then refresh the page to complete the sign up process. You can check your queue number through Kakao Talk messenger, so it’s advised to download and sign up to the Kakao Talk app in advance.

If you don’t have Kakao Talk, then you can ask a staff for assistance at the Christmas Village entrance by the LG store. Tell the staff the number of your party and receive a queue card with estimated admission time. Once it’s time, present your queue card to the staff the Christmas Village entrance. One card covers up to a party of four; if your group exceeds four people, you need to get an additional card for each group of four.

# Tips for enjoying H Village

1. While waiting for your turn to enter, enjoy shopping at The Hyundai Seoul. The shopping mall is beautifully designed with natural touches. The mall is filled to the brim with modern and contemporary fashion brands, home living stores, character shops, and cosmetic stores, as well as restaurants selling tasty international cuisine.
2. The roof over Sounds Forest is completely glass. To take photos in a more romantic atmosphere, be sure to visit after the sun sets, so you can see the twinkling Christmas lights.
3. If you don’t manage to get inside H Village, you can still look down over the entire area from the food court on the sixth floor.

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[Lotte Department Store Main Branch] Wonderful Showtime

#Introduction

This year’s Christmas theme of the Lotte Department Store Main Branch is “Wonderful Showtime,” bringing the excitement and anticipation you feel right before the show begins. In particular, the décor features an extravagant Christmas light show made up of 20,000 LED lights that cover the building’s exterior wall. Moreover, the main street in front of the main building has transformed into a Broadway street reminiscent of the 1900s with extravagant neon sign that reads “Theater Sogong” and show windows. You can also watch a series of Christmas-themed animated videos featuring holiday gifts and items on display on the Young Plaza building’s giant media façade.

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# Tips for enjoying Wonderful Showtime

1. Stand in front of the Apple Store by Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station’s Exit 6 to capture all of Lotte Department Store in one frame.

2. The main building’s light show takes place daily from 17:30 to 23:30 for two minutes every 30 minutes.

3. The department store is nearby Myeong-dong, a popular shopping district.

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* This column was last updated in November 2024, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check for updates before visiting.