There’s a long running joke between Carl Kwan and myself regarding shopping and travel. Truth be told, I am not much of a shopper. I prefer to have something in mind, go in, get it, and get out. It makes for a quick trip and I can get onto something I prefer doing. However, in January, one of my assignments for The Korea Blog was to explore Shinsegae’s Centum City.
The day started as usual, with me getting up and enjoying a great cup of coffee, well a pot really. I then grabbed my gear and headed to Suwon station to catch the KTX to Busan. This trip would only take 2.5 hours and was a welcomed ride. There’s just something about cruising along at 300kph. Once there, I transferred to the subway and made my way out to the Centum City stop. In just over three hours, I had made it to my destination – the largest department store in the world.
Shopping in Asia has always taken me by surprise. Phoenix usually has short shopping centers that are not taller than three stories. Throughout my travels in Asia, I’ve seen malls that have stretched into the heavens. Centum City is just like that… but with one exception – it’s a single store. The sheer size of it blew me away and I was pleased to see the Guinness Certificate on display.
Thankfully, I had contacted the PR department before arriving, but even then they weren’t really ready for what I wanted to do. So rather than a fun shopping video, I could only get clips of the different floors. They also walked with me each step of the way. It was quite interesting to have someone on the phone the entire time talking over your shoulder during each shot.
If you’re in Busan, I really recommend checking out the store. It’s a great place to go and explore… even if you don’t enjoy shopping.
Department store or “Mall?” What a view! Have you ever been to the Mall of American in MN? Wow, is that place huge!
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Haven’t been to Mall of America, but I have been to SM Mall of Asia, which at one time was the largest mall in the world.
Centime City is a single department store. Gimpo Airport now has Korea’s Mall. Truth be told, North American stores are tiny when compared to most in Asia. I remember being blown away in Jakarta in 2007.
I remember going there when the store was new! I’m surprised it has still retained the record.
The place is pretty massive though, that’s for sure. The size of the Kyobo Bookstore in it blew me away.
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I was surprised it was the big as well. I sure others will come soon enough to compete with it, but I think we’ll see bigger malls rather than department stores, since I think they are easier to fill.
Wow! That place looks amazing! I’ll still always love the old Marshall Fields building on good ol’ State Street in downtown Chicago, tho… such an amazing place to explore, I could get lost in there (and have several times!)… http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_Field's
Thanks. This was certainly a grand adventure for me. It was fun to walk the floors and check everything out. As big as it is, I think that some of the older store have a bit more character, like the Chicago Marshal Field’s.
Wow amazing video..I want to visit this place sounds great to shop..
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Thanks! It was a fun place to visit.
I was totally blown away by this. I LOVE shopping, so you can imagine i could just stay there for a week. OMG! I was planning a shopping trip to Dubai, but I guess I need to reconsider my plans, lol
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I can’t wait to go to Dubai and do a little shopping!
This is a bit insane. It must have been quite an investment….although it looks very popular, so it is probably profitable.
Best,
Michael
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