[HanCinema Korea's Diary] Times Square Mall (Yeongdeungpo)

Times Square Mall boasts the largest shopping complex in South Korea, with some 300,000 ㎡ of all out consumer madness to wallow in. Brands stores, department stores, restaurants, hotels, an open plaza…Time Square is a shopper's delight!

Situated around the Yeongdeungpo Station, Times Square is a big and spacious mall that welcomes all who are willing to put their feet through the torture of trying to map its massive offerings. Brands stores are a plenty here and sales can be found regularly. I found each store to be beautifully laid out and quite welcoming. I am personally not a huge fan of "Bean Pole", but their store was just so interesting that I almost walked away with something regardless-that is, if the car show model swamped by photographers just inside the mall's main entrance hadn't distracted me. Promotions are always happening in the main lobby and this time they were showing off some new hybrid cars hitting the market soon.

The first floor contains one of my personal favourite food chains in Korea, Quiznos! I almost can't help myself from having lunch there when I go and this time was no different. But besides fast food, there are a number of excellent restaurants to choose from on the upper floors, so you won't be forced to indulge in my preferences. And if a full-on meal is not in the cards, sneak around to the back of the mall and you'll be greeted by a number of small cafés. These are great if the weather is on your side. They are a little out the way so the rush and madness of Korea's biggest mall won't detract from a relaxing light meal or coffee in the fresh air.

Being as big as it is, you might feel overwhelmed or even lost. But don't fret as the large touch screen maps scattered around will point you in the right direction, and if that fails, the ladies at the information desk are more than willing to assist. Once I even went there asking about a Kinko's that was not even in the mall itself, and they were more than willing to phone, get directions and show me the way!

The bookstore chain, Kyobo, is also here. Although their foreign book section won't blow you away, you can always place an order for any book and have it delivered to any Kyobo branch nationwide. I've done this on a number of occasions and it's hassle-free. They do have a decent enough selection of the bestsellers and some classics but if you are going there with a particular book in mind, it's always best to go with the intention of ordering. Otherwise you will arrive disappointed.

Times Square's surroundings are a little less impressive. If you are not coming from the station, you will have to walk through construction sites and past a number of metal shops. Between the station and the mall there is more to be had. Your typical Korean restaurants and shops can be found as well as an underground market. Make sure you have your bearings though as once you descend, you might find yourself disorientated and end up resurfacing nowhere near where you had hoped!

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There is only so much shopping I can take in a day and a break during my spree is what I need to go the distance. There are a couple of large coffee chains at both ends of the mall but they can get extremely busy and they don't allow for any escape from the hustle and bustle of it all. You have been warned!

Times Square isn't quite the event I thought it would be, but I am not saying that's at all bad. But if you're looking for an all-consuming day of shopping you might be left a little tepid and unimpressed. When my end game is clothes, I can always find something there and the sales they have are great when you have to tighten your belt but still want the quality of good brands. But judge for yourself. For more information on Korea's largest shopping experience visit Korea's official tourism website to see if Times Square has what you're looking for: Visit Korea Website