We went to LOTTE Department Store in Myeongdong to do some last-minute duty-free shopping, and found out that they have this section on the 1st floor called ‘Star Avenue’. I guess it’s a way to entertain and attract K-pop fans to go to the duty free department store.
- Please touch a touch sensor. Then, stars make a surprise appearance in the mirror! You can have your pictures taken with the stars in the mirror.
- Meet and touch actual handprints imprinted by top Hallyu stars.
- Experience LOTTE Duty Free’s various contents via a large-scale digital media tunnel.
Some quick research on the internet shows that it used to be more elaborate, but now has been reduced to photo ops, touch screens, and handprints. Also, it seems that they have updated the handprints to include BTS, which weren’t there during my trip in August 2017. That’s because BTS’s international popularity exploded afterwards, so yeah… during my time there, the ‘main’ stars were EXO, Lee Jong Suk, Lee Min Ho, and Twice.
I guess it really does show how cruel the industry is: it changes quickly to welcome the most popular celebs at that time, and throws out those they think are no longer as valuable. Really very sad.
I wouldn’t recommend that you come here just to see the Star Avenue – it really is nothing elaborate, but just something that you should definitely come to have a look if you are in the area, or already in the building. It’s definitely catered to specific K-pop fans, so you may have to be prepared for disappointment if your favourite idols are not included here.
DIRECTIONS
Address: 1F, Main Branch of LOTTE Department Store, 30, Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul
[Subway]
Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 7.
– Lotte Department Store (Main Branch) is directly connected to the station.
Myeong-dong Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), Exit 5.
– Approx. 10~15min walk
City Hall Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 6.
– Approx. 10min walk
Jonggak Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 5.
– Approx. 10min walk
[Bus]
Lotte Department Store Bus Stop
Blue Bus: 103, 105, 143, 149, 151, 152, 162, 163
Green Bus: 201, 202, 261, 262, 401, 405
Red Bus: 7017, 7012, 7017, 7021
Airport Limousine: 1005-1, 1500, 2100, 2300
Myeong-dong Bus Stop
Blue Bus: 103, 105, 143, 149, 151, 152, 162, 163
Green Bus: 01, 202, 261, 262, 401, 405
Red Bus: 7017, 7012, 7017, 7021
Airport Limousine: 1005-1, 1500, 2100, 2300
THEVYPEFFECT 