What: Seoul city government partners with Hyundai Department Store to create a "global life hub" offering multilingual consulting services and cultural exchange programs for foreign residents.

Why it is important: This public-private partnership demonstrates an innovative approach to urban planning, utilising existing commercial infrastructure to address the needs of a diverse population and enhance the city's global appeal.

The Seoul city government is collaborating with Hyundai Department Store to establish a "global life hub" at the Trade Center Branch, set to open in November. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive support to foreign residents through multilingual consulting services on topics such as housing, finances, transportation, and immigration. The services will be available in eight languages, with professional consulting on legal, tax, and labor sectors offered on specific days. The plan also includes hosting community events, Korean classes, and cultural programs at the culture centre on the 11th floor. This partnership extends the reach of core services currently available at the Seoul Foreign Resident Center to a more accessible location. The city expects this initiative to benefit a larger number of foreign residents, making essential services and cultural integration opportunities more readily available.

IADS Notes: South Korean department stores and retailers are leading the transformation of traditional retail spaces into multifunctional community hubs. Major chains like Lotte, Shinsegae, and Hyundai have revived culture centers, offering diverse classes and activities. They are also incorporating entertainment and leisure facilities, such as tennis courts and exhibition spaces, to provide unique experiences. This evolution aligns with the global retail trend of creating 'third places' - spaces between home and work for gathering and socializing. Some innovative concepts even propose repurposing department stores as educational hubs, emphasizing the shift towards community-centric, experiential retail spaces that go beyond traditional shopping. Seoul's collaboration with Hyundai Department Store reflects this trend, utilizing retail space to address community needs and foster integration.

Seoul city to offer counseling, cultural events for foreigners at Hyundai Department Store