Just 4 months left until closing: Must-visit Seoul shopping spot “Lotte Mart” to shut down at year’s end

▲ Lotte Mart at Seoul Station. (Photo / Screenshot fromKorean media Qu? Ya Qiu Shu)

Reported by Travel Center / Comprehensive coverage

Situated at Seoul Station, Lotte Mart has been a top shopping destination for Taiwanese visitors to Korea. But now, Lotte has announced that both Lotte Mart and the Lotte Department Store at Yeongdeungpo Station will cease operations by the end of the year due to the expiration of their leases. Travelers looking to visit should seize the opportunity during these last four months.

The Yeongdeungpo Lotte Department Store and Seoul Station’s Lotte Mart opened in 1991 and 2004 respectively. They have not only been popular shopping spots for locals, but Lotte Mart has also been a go-to place for Taiwanese tourists in Seoul to buy a variety of snacks and Korean lifestyle products. For many travelers, it has been an important part of their Seoul travel memories.

However, as both locations are on state-owned land, the South Korean government has stated that it will not renew the leases, and the properties are expected to revert to state ownership by the end of the year. This means that both Lotte Mart and the Lotte Department Store will officially close on December 31. Travelers hoping to make a pilgrimage or do some shopping there should act quickly.