Lotte Department Store announced on October 30 that it will progressively roll out its “Wonderful Showtime” themed decorations across all locations. (Image courtesy of Lotte Department Store)
SEOUL, Oct. 31 (Korea Bizwire) – In a coordinated seasonal effort, South Korea’s leading department stores are preparing to transform their spaces into festive wonderlands, with all major retailers set to reveal their Christmas decorations on December 1.
Lotte Department Store announced on October 30 that it will progressively roll out its “Wonderful Showtime” themed decorations across all locations, including Lotte Outlets.
The flagship store in Sogong-dong, Seoul, will recreate the ambiance of a 1900s Broadway theater district with elaborate neon signage adorning its streets and entrances. Three large window displays, created in collaboration with local artists, will showcase various performances ranging from jazz to circus acts.
In a first for the retailer, Lotte will present a lighting show on its exterior walls. The display, featuring 20,000 LED bulbs, will run in two-minute intervals every half hour from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Young Plaza facade will feature a media facade display showcasing popular Christmas gifts, including cosmetics, desserts, accessories, and wine.
“We’ve invested a full year of careful planning into these decorations, and we hope our customers will create special memories,” said Yun Ho-yeon, head of Lotte Department Store’s Visual Merchandising and Display team.
Shinsegae Department Store is unveiling its holiday theme, “In Search of Christmas Moments,” highlighted by a media facade at its Myeongdong main store. The centerpiece is the Shinsegae Square, a massive digital signage installation covering 1,292.3 square meters – equivalent to three basketball courts – which has been under construction since May.
The installation is part of the larger Myeongdong Square project, a designated free expression zone for outdoor advertising in the Myeongdong and Euljiro areas. Seoul’s Jung District will hold a lighting ceremony for Myeongdong Square on December 1 at 6 p.m.
The four-minute display transforms the Shinsegae main store into a mysterious Christmas castle, featuring a giant ribbon, an illuminated amusement park against the night sky, and a large Christmas tree in a holiday village.
The digital installation will operate from 6 a.m. to midnight, showcasing various content including K-culture, global brands, and public service announcements. In December, it will feature “Bronze Dragon,” a cultural heritage piece reinterpreted by Shinsegae and the Cultural Heritage Administration, and Netflix’s original content “Arcane.”
Hyundai Department Store is presenting “The Moving Grand Theater” concept across its 15 nationwide locations, including The Hyundai Seoul and the Apgujeong main store, as well as at Connect Hyundai Busan. The theme follows the adventure of Harry, who embarks on a hot air balloon journey in search of the ultimate moving theater, inspired by European fairy tale circus villages.
The Hyundai Seoul will feature six air balloon models, each 7 meters high and 5 meters wide, in its fifth-floor Sounds Forest area. The entrance, decorated with velvet curtains, leads visitors through magical, acrobatic, and musical theaters. The Apgujeong main store will display 360-degree kinetic art pieces on each floor, while the Trade Center branch will erect a large circus tent and rotating tree.
All three major retailers’ holiday displays will run through the Christmas season, offering specially designed photo zones and pop-up stores to enhance the festive shopping experience.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
