South Korean retail giant Shinsegae is building a mega multi-purpose shopping complex in Hanam as it seeks growth opportunities beyond the traditional department store format.

Called Starfield Hanam, the KRW1trn ($850m) project, spanning 4.9m sq ft, is inspired by the western-style shopping malls with wider spaces on a few levels. It is slated to open this September. The centre is expected to be South Korea's biggest shopping mall, anchored by Shinsegae department store, hypermarket E-Mart Traders, a spa, a swimming pool, a sports zone and a movie theatre.

Shinsegae partnered with US property developer Taubman for the complex, which aims to redefine department stores in South Korea with multi-functioning entertainment venues as e-commerce continues to eat into brick-&-mortar retail.