Since the first Apple Store in Korea landed on Garosu-gil in Apgujeong on January 27, 2018, Apple Stores in Yeouido, Myeongdong, and Jamsil have opened one after another. Among them, the ‘Myeongdong Store’ is actively serving as Apple’s flagship store in Korea.
The Myeongdong Apple Store, the third in Korea, opened on April 9, 2022. On the opening day, visits were conducted without reservations, and since then, it has been operating in a way that allows visits without reservations.
“Apple Store Takes the Place of the Former KB Kookmin Bank Myeongdong Main Branch”
The current location of the Apple Store Myeongdong was previously occupied by the “KB Kookmin Bank”. Myeongdong Main Branch. The existing building was demolished at the end of 2018, and ‘Hyde Park’ was under construction. Around the end of 2021, the upper section was completed and started operating as a hotel, and the Apple Store completed its opening on April 9, 2022.
“Apple Flagship Store, Apple Store Myeongdong”
The Apple Store Myeongdong is located not far from Euljiro 1-ga Station, and can be found across from Lotte Department Store Main Branch. The Myeongdong Apple Store is currently the largest Apple Store in South Korea. This is a scale that corresponds to a building’s 4th or 5th floor in height, despite being only two floors.
The store is spread over two floors. Overall, it has a high ceiling, so even though it’s a two-story layout, it reaches a height equivalent to the 4th or 5th floor of other buildings. Additionally, the store is made entirely of glass, providing an open and uncluttered feeling.
Furthermore, following the United States and Germany, it is the third Apple Store in Asia to have a “Pickup” area where customers can pick up products they ordered online.
“Experience a Variety of Apple Devices at the Store”
Just like other Apple Stores, you can experience a variety of Apple devices at the Apple Store Myeongdong. Devices displayed on the 1st and 2nd floors are available for you to touch and experience freely. Additionally, if needed, you can request assistance from the store’s staff regarding how to use the devices or recommendations.
Unlike other stores where you might feel guilty if you don’t make a purchase, Apple Stores have a distinctive free atmosphere, and this extends to the staff as well. It can be said that one of the characteristics of Apple Stores is that they do not pressure customers to make a purchase right away.
“Apple’s Culture of Celebrating Purchases”
When you visit the Apple Store, you may occasionally hear Apple staff shouting “Everyone!” When someone makes a purchase at the Apple Store, it’s a kind of service that the customer can choose to receive.
“Mr./Ms. … has made a purchase” or “Mr./Ms. … received an Apple product as a gift from Mr./Ms. …” are some of the announcements made. The content seems to be filled in according to the customer’s preferences.
With this announcement, Apple staff members pay attention, and then they cheer and applaud. Guests who visit the store also join in the applause, creating a celebratory atmosphere.
It’s an interesting service from Apple that you can request to be carried out on a day when you want to purchase a product and receive congratulations from many people.
“Today at Apple”
The Apple Store Myeongdong is a store spread over two floors and, as a flagship store, it has distinctive features that differentiate it from other Apple Stores. One of these distinctive elements is “Today at Apple.”
While you can find sessions called “Today at Apple” at other Apple Stores, being a flagship store, the Myeongdong branch is much larger than other Apple Store branches. Sessions take place in a space located in the middle of the second floor, and occasionally, famous individuals are invited to give lectures, setting it apart from the smaller-scale “Today at Apple” sessions at other Apple Store branches.
You can also view the events on a large screen, so even if you don’t participate, you can still clearly feel their presence.
“Today at Apple” is conducted free of charge, and the sessions cover various topics such as how to take photos with an iPhone, how to edit them, and how to edit videos after shooting. If there’s a session that interests you, you can attend and check it out.
The Apple Store Myeongdong, located in the heart of Seoul’s Myeongdong, along with the stores on Garosu-gil and Yeouido that opened later, is playing a significant role as a flagship store.
“Seoul Myeongdong Apple Store Flagship Store”
- Address: Center Point Myeongdong 1st and 2nd floor, 84 Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (Postal Code: 04534)
- Phone: 080-500-1007
- Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Website: https://www.apple.com/kr/?cid=aos-kr-seo-smartplace-store