We highlight some of the super-chic Korean boutiques and dining venues where you can enjoy the best of retail therapy, interior design and gastronomy, all at the same time
The reason why there are lots of fashionable people on the streets of Seoul and Busan is that many Koreans are very passionate about fashion and enjoy it; that’s easy to see from the droves of well-dressed pedestrians in the cities’ most stylish districts.
With the skyrocketing rise of Korean pop culture, global brands are paying attention to Korea as a leading consumer guiding Asian fashion and lifestyle trends. And especially in recent times, pop-up stores by renowned fashion brands have been launching almost every month, proffering dining experiences that combine their unique aesthetic with delectable dishes.
If you are planning a trip to Korea for a shopping spree, don’t miss enjoying these beautiful venues and be spoilt for choice when it comes to the menu too: enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea, drink Italian aperitivo in the evening, or dine on a sumptuous dinner to cap a productive day filled with retail therapy.
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1. Breitling Townhouse Hannam
Seoul
Swiss watchmaker Breitling’s world’s largest flagship store has opened in Hannam district in Seoul. The spacious floor plan measuring 750sqm (8,072 sq ft) already impresses, but what makes this place even more special is the brand’s Breitling Café, as well as its first-ever restaurant, dubbed the Breitling Kitchen. This multi-sensorial space is filled with a cosy modern-retro air with its industrial-loft concept that features red bricks, black metal pendant lamps, and the brand’s signature yellow hue. An airplane model, which commemorates the world-renowned reputation of the pilot’s watch, is also a must-see. A second recurring motif is “air, sea, and land”: the three universes that the Breitling watch families were developed for. These design themes play out in the private rooms of the restaurant.