Shopping in Korean

A unique shopping experience

Have you ever been to the Republic of Korea, also known as South Korea? I'm sure not many of you would answer "yes" to that question. However, the answer to the question of whether you've ever been to Japan, China, or Hong Kong is quite different. Korea, like Japan, China, and Hong Kong, is located in East Asia. It's a culturally rich country that still remains in the shadow of its neighbors, and about which most people still know very little. But South Korea and Germany do have one thing in common: They love MAWA in Korea too!

Korean-style shopping adventure

“END CONSUMERS IN KOREA DON’T DO SPORTS, THEY GO SHOPPING!”

This is how MAWA Managing Director Michaela Schenk describes the behavior of Korean consumers after a business trip to South Korea. And this vividly illustrates the importance of shopping in Korea and suggests that not all shopping is created equal.

Now, let's get to our main topic: Shopping in Korea. Where do people shop in Korea? What department stores are there, and what makes shopping in Korea such a unique experience?

Department stores in Korea can be broadly divided into premium stores, which primarily offer goods in the higher price segment, and somewhat more affordable stores. One of the best-known premium stores is Shinsegae, which translates to "New World." This is a department store chain with several locations in Korea, including Centum City in Busan, the country's second-largest city. Centum City is more than just a department store; listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest department store, it not only houses countless international fashion labels but also offers visitors a diverse range of goods, from books and fashion to home furnishings and toys. Furthermore, it welcomes its visitors to its own spa and invites them to relax on a beautiful rooftop terrace with a garden.

But what makes shopping in Korea so special, besides the sheer variety of brands on offer? Shopping here becomes an experience, for example, with countless tasting booths. These transform the weekly grocery shop, which for us is primarily a necessity that many people could do without, into an adventure. Furthermore, department stores also feature numerous pop-up stores, making each shopping trip unique because you're constantly presented with new brands.

Two of the most popular department stores in Korea are Hyunday and Lotte Department Store. MAWA clothes hangers are also offered there and are very popular.

24/7 shopping

Another unique aspect of Korean retail is that almost all department stores are very active online, resulting in a 360° consumer experience. TV shopping is also an integral part of this. While similar sales programs exist in other countries, they are on a much smaller scale and not nearly as widespread as in Korea, where they are very popular, especially among younger generations.

Lotte Department Store, for example, operates the largest TV shopping channel in Korea. MAWA hangers are also successfully offered there as part of regular live broadcasts.

MAWA in Korea

Our metal hangers are especially popular in Korea, particularly in colors like black, white, silver, and red. One reason for this is that our metal hangers come in a wide variety of shapes and, most importantly, widths. People in Asia generally wear smaller clothing sizes than in Europe. As a result, the standard hangers commonly found elsewhere are simply too large for Koreans' favorite garments and, in the worst-case scenario, leave bulges in the clothes, causing them to hang awkwardly in the wardrobe, making it less than attractive. Furthermore, our hangers are extra thin, saving valuable closet space. This leaves more room for new purchases and ensures a neat and organized look.

Our MAWA tip:

Red temples They are classic yet something truly special. Our models are available in various widths, with a special anti-slip effect and the sturdy MAWA hook – Made in Germany but Loved Around the World!