Hyundai Department Store officially announced on the 4th that it will operate the "global tour support" program. The global tour support service assists foreign tourists visiting The Hyundai Seoul in shopping conveniently and pleasantly.
According to the global tour support program, a free CARRY storage service will be continuously offered at the tourist desk set up on the first floor of The Hyundai Seoul. To enhance shopping convenience for foreigners, the tourist desk, established since September last year, is staffed by personnel fluent in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Japanese.
Additionally, there are plans to place a self-tour map at the concierge desk on the first floor, enabling foreign customers to easily find desired stores without staff assistance. A mobile navigation service utilizing QR codes placed in the store will be implemented, allowing customers to confirm their location in real-time and search for stores. The mobile navigation service will initially offer support in Korean and English, with plans to expand available languages.
In the future, The Hyundai Seoul plans to introduce a curation program based on Hyundai Department Store's AI chatbot consultation service "Zelpo," which will be available to foreign visitors from around the world. In addition, various services are being prepared, including the launch of travel kits specialized for foreign travelers, exclusive courses focusing on Korean cultural experiences in conjunction with cultural centers, and a delivery service linked to upscale hotels in the Seoul area.
The reason The Hyundai Seoul has fully launched the global tour support service is due to a surge in foreign tourists visiting the store. According to tax refund data, the number of nationalities visiting The Hyundai Seoul rose sharply from 40 countries in 2021 to 82 countries in 2022, 125 countries in 2023, and 156 countries last year. In just three years since its opening, the number of countries from which foreign visitors have come has nearly quadrupled. Considering that there are 193 member countries in the United Nations (UN), this means that visitors have come from 8 out of 10 countries.
According to The Hyundai Seoul, foreign visitors accounted for 14.6% of total sales last year. Up until February 2023, the proportion of foreign revenue was only in the 3% range. Countries that have visited The Hyundai Seoul include well-known nations such as China, the United States, France, and Australia, as well as a balanced representation from all continents, including the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, and Tunisia.
Hyundai Department Store explained that foreigners often visit The Hyundai Seoul because it offers a variety of K-content representing Korea in one place. The tvN drama "Queen of Tears" gained popularity during the Korean Wave, leading to the fifth-floor Sound Forest of The Hyundai Seoul becoming a hotspot for overseas photo opportunities. Numerous idol pop-up stores have also made it known as a must-visit location during trips to Korea.
A spokesman for Hyundai Department Store noted, "If we include foreigners who did not apply for tax refunds, the number of visiting countries is likely to exceed 156." He added, "As The Hyundai Seoul stands out as a landmark recognized not only domestically but also overseas, we will strive to provide a variety of convenient services befitting that status."