Episode 2: The Stores

During my time in Seoul, I’ve come to notice that there is an abundance of stores. Every turn you make, chances are you will see some of the same stores again. When an American thinks of a store branching out with new locations, typically the new store will be in a different area to gain a different neighborhood of customers. In Seoul, it’s quite jarringly different.

 

I recently ate at this restaurant called Seowonjuk that specializes in porridge. It was incredibly warm and comforting – very different from the rice porridges I’ve eaten in the past. What intrigued me was a sign showing their first location just around the corner. I thought it was really funny that the second location opened up so near by the first.

 

Seowonjuk isn’t the only place to do that, though. In fact, so many stores and restaurants here do that. In Myeongdong, every corner and street holds an Olive Young. There is never an excuse to not get your skincare. 

 

I may not have traveled enough, but in my experience, even in New York this does not occur. It’s incredibly convenient. If one Olive Young doesn’t have what you need, simply walk 5m down to the next and the chances of the product being there are quite high. I have noticed this occur with large chains such as convenience stores GS25, CU, and the beloved 7/11. It also occurs with smaller chains and businesses such as restaurants like the famed Myeongdong Kyoja. 

 

I can only imagine how difficult it must be to meet up somewhere without technology.

 

“Where are you?”

 

“I’m at the Olive Young in Myeongdong!”

 

“…”

 

“..What?”

 

“Which one?? There’s four?!”

 

I really do like the abundance and I am curious as to why there are so many of the same stores in the same area. When I find out, I’ll be sure to let you in on it too!

The abalone rice porridge I had at Seowonjuk!

 

Until next time 🙂

Linh Duong