What: new giant shopping store in Seoul.

Why it is important: is it really a different concept providing more than shopping, or is it yet another large, albeit spectacular and updated department store?

Korean department store Hyundai is opening a new shopping mall next month on Yeouido in Seoul to test the concept for the future. The new building, called "The Hyundai Seoul," stands eight stories tall and extends another seven levels underground. The flagship store has a floor space of 89,100 sqm and it is the biggest department store in the capital area. It will compete directly with the International Finance Centre mall on the same street.

Hyundai Department Store said the new facility is different from others in that it offers not only shopping but also cultural spaces and areas for relaxation. It is decorated in futuristic and nature-friendly concepts including a 12-metre waterfall, an indoor botanical garden, and robots which give directions and can take visitors’ body temperature.

Hyundai Department Store to test future business model