Did you know the the world’s first and largest container shopping mall in located in Seoul, South Korea? Its the Common Ground (커먼그라운드) – Korea’s first cultural and shopping space that is made from 200 shipping containers.
Common Ground opened to public in April 2015. This creatively designed complex is the world’s first of its own which aims to expand street fashion and culture of independence. It offers fun and exciting shopping experiences, gourmet food, lifestyle trends, and more. In addition, it is also a young and innovative cultural platform that creatively connects a special brand and new experience. Moreover, Common Ground also features venues which can host variety of performances and events.
As a shopping mall, Common Ground houses several independent brands of clothing, gourmet food, stationaries, accessories, and more. It has four sections namely: Street Market, Market Hall, Terrace Market and Market Ground.
The Street Market features street fashion stores that offer products targeting women in their early or mid-20s. Aside from its fashionable designs, the products are also being sold in reasonable prices.
On the other hand, you can find apparel stores that are popular online at the Market Hall. It includes 26 boutique brands from subculture players. So if you are hesitating to buy from these online shops, you better check our their offline shops at Common Ground.
While the Terrace Market features small brands from hip areas throughout Seoul such as Hongdae, Itaewon, and Garosu-gil. It is a unique food and beverage area inside Common Ground.
And lastly, the Market Ground, where most of the events, performances and other variety of activities are held every weekend. This outdoor area is located between Street Market and Market Hall.
Here is a video tour of Common Ground from The Retail Insider.
A similar concept of container shopping mall is now also adopted by Under Stand Avenue, a filming location of the Kdrama “The Liar and His Lover.” It is located in the nearby neighborhood of Seongsu. Learn more about Under Stand Avenue here.
Common Ground is open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. While part of the 3rd floor EAT brands close at 01:00AM on weekends.
200 Achasan-ro, Jayang 4(sa)-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
By Subway: Take Line 2/Line 7 and get off at Konkuk University Station, Exit 3. Walk for approximately 3 minutes.
By Bus: Take bus no. N61, N62, 2016, 4212, 102, 1002 and get off at Konkuk University Main Entrance Station. You can also take bus N61, N62, 721, 240, 2016, 2222, 4212, 102, 1002 and get off at Konkuk University Station Intersection. Or bus no. 721, 240, 2222, 4212, 광진05 and get off at Konkuk University Station.
After shopping at Common Ground, you can have a western-style buffet lunch or dinner at Ashley (Buffet) restaurant, one of the famous in Korea. It is located at Konkuk University Station, Exit 3. From Exit 3, go inside the Star City building. The restaurant is located on the 4th floor.
For food and shopping adventures in Korea, you may also read:
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