On Dec. 3, Shinsegae Department Store announced the opening of 'Superstar by Polestar,' a high-end lounge concept cocktail bar at its Gangnam branch. This marks the first time a cocktail bar has been established as a regular store within a department store facility in Korea.
'Superstar by Polestar' is a casual brand of Polestar, a leading whiskey bar in Cheongdam-dong. Shinsegae Department Store collaborated with Polestar, which has partnered with world-renowned whiskey bars, to elevate its status to that of the finest whiskey bars in Korea.
Currently, 'Superstar by Polestar' is located on the basement level 1 of House of Shinsegae at Shinsegae Department Store's Gangnam branch. According to Shinsegae Department Store, the staff was closely involved in every collaborative process from interior design to menu development to intricately craft the customer experience. Especially with the peak summer season approaching, it plans to target customers seeking high-quality urban relaxation and 'department store vacation' by offering a selection of cocktails, whiskey, and food menus at a top-tier restaurant level.
At 'Superstar by Polestar,' a wide range of beverage options, from non-alcoholic menus to high-end cocktails, has been prepared to suit both day and night atmospheres. The space has been elegantly designed to balance privacy with luxury. The streamlined ceiling structure and soft indirect lighting create a sophisticated ambiance, while ensuring wider seating gaps than typical cocktail bars, allowing guests to enjoy their experience comfortably even if visiting the bar alone.
Notably, Yoshifumi Tsuboi, a renowned Japanese bartender who has won numerous international cocktail competitions, participated as a consultant in the bar's planning. Shinsegae Department Store plans to present a variety of cocktail menus that Yoshifumi Tsuboi has won awards for to customers visiting House of Shinsegae.
Signature items that will be available for regular sale include martini, gimlet, white lady, and shiso gin tonic. Additionally, pairing menu items such as parmesan tuile caesar salad, cream cheese salmon salad, cheese chili pasta, manchego chicken panini, and nutella banana panini are also set to be offered.
Choi Won-jun, executive director of food at Shinsegae Department Store, noted, 'Shinsegae Department Store is focused on showcasing content that captures customers' tastes through House of Shinsegae.' He added, 'I hope everyone enjoys a unique bar vacation with a cocktail suited for the hot summer at House of Shinsegae.'