Seoul Skyscraper Series: IFC Seoul

When I hear "IFC Mall", I immediately think of Hong Kong's IFC Mall, which opened back in 2003 and is home to some of the city-state's best shopping and restaurants. So it was a pleasant surprise to hear that Korea was getting an IFC of its own in Yeoido, known to some as Korea's Wall Street/Financial District.

Opened in August 2012, the three towers that make up IFC Seoul definitely catch the eye and have transformed the Yeoido skyline, previously defined by the 63 Building. The project consists of nearly 6 million square feet distributed over two office towers and the 5-star Conrad Hotel, owned by Hilton.

The Amenities

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Directly connected to Yeouido subway station, IFC is hailed as the "first international-style shopping mall in Korea". You will find over 100 international brands, an enormous CGV movie theater complex and numerous restaurants. The shopping experience you find here may differ from all other in Korea due to its 17-meter-high glass pavilion, which brings in natural light into all three levels. All other department stores in Korea have been constructed without windows supposedly to not let shoppers notice the time of day (a marketing ploy). 

The Architectural Design

Designed with the highest international standards, the IFC project was brought into being by two famous architects, Arquitectonica from Miami and interiors by Benoy from the U.K. As there are no columns in the pathways, the storefronts are uninterrupted, meant to create a spacious, relaxed shopping environment.

This project was developed by AIG Global Real Estate Development along with Seoul City and operated by Taubman Asia. The total cost of the project is estimated to be approximately $2.2 billion USD. In addition to the the shopping levels, there is an outdoor area, the IFC Garden, which will be turned into a grass lawn so that it can house seasonal art exhibitions. Furthermore, there are two atriums which can be used for various cultural, entertainment, and performance events.

If you have not visited the IFC yet, it is definitely worth a visit; especially since it's still a little bit chilly to be walking outdoors. 

Hours of operation: Hours for stores, movie theater and restaurants vary but general hours are 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Address: 10 Kookjegeumyoong-ro, Youngdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Subway stop: 10 minute walk from Yeouido Station, exit 3)
Website: http://www.ifcseoul.com

About the author by Anna C.

Avid fan of all things Korean whether it be technology, design, art or culture. I am always interested in finding and sharing the hottest innovations and trends originating from Korea. In my spare time you'll find me roaming the streets of Seoul enjoying the beautiful scenes of the city that combines both the traditional and the new.

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