[Seukon Exploration] Healing Moment with Goose Island (feat. Deokdeok Goose Signal)

A Space for Those Living Busy Lives

Editor's NoteWords like ‘special, hot place, limited-time popup store’ instantly make the heart race. It’s because people are curious about what exactly makes these places so special and different that so many flock to them. If you don’t want to revisit places you’ve already been but don’t want to miss out on the HOT spots others are going to, or if you want to visit somewhere truly special, you’ve come to the right place. Drinkit editors have explored various stores and are here to share their experiences. Introducing Scon Exploration (Special Concept Store Exploration)! Were the editors able to truly catch a ‘special scent’ at the places they visited?

The first-generation American craft beer brand Goose Island has opened the ‘Duck Duck Goose Signal Lounge’ popup store. It symbolizes the idea that many people living busy urban lives can shake off absurd and frustrating moments and stress through Goose Island’s signature session IPA product, Duck Duck Goose. In collaboration with Pimaek House, visitors can also enjoy a variety of menus that pair perfectly with beer. Let’s dive right into how it was.

The popup store is located on the 3rd floor of Mapo Int Naru, a pier in Mangwon-dong where you can enjoy the view of the Han River from a boat deck. Just the word Han River made the tightly held breath feel like it was opening up, raising expectations even higher.

Singing “Ducks can’t fly~ (omitted) I want to fly up♬ and become a beautiful moon in the sky!” (from ‘Ori Nalda’), the popup store greeted us with a colorful furniture interior and a spacious, open atmosphere that captured the heart. The scenic view of the Han River through the large glass windows resonated as Goose Island’s message to relieve everyday stress.

The biggest reason to visit this place is the variety of participatory events available. Just by following on Instagram, gifts pour in! If you upload photos taken at various photo spots inside the store to Instagram with hashtags, you can decorate and keep your own photo card at the photo kiosk.

Once you receive your photo card and coin, you can use the vending machine right next to it to get some merchandise as well.

If you challenge the staff to a curling match, you can win a duck boat ticket. The game is won by hitting closer to the duck (goose) pupil. Thanks to this game, it doesn’t feel like a simple popup store but rather like visiting a pub with a relaxed atmosphere. Am I the only one who feels that the popup store was opened here because of Goose Island’s duck character?

The most eye-catching feature at the Duck Duck Goose Signal Lounge was the coin laundry zone. Along with T-shirts and eco bags printed with lettering, there is a lucky box vending machine containing messages of support and Duck Duck Goose merchandise. It’s not a conventional setup but filled with the sensibility of the MZ generation, making it great for photos.

Now, let’s head up to the rooftop. The stairwell walls leading to the rooftop are decorated with yellow and blue posters, giving a cool, open, and free feeling.

The spacious rooftop is furnished with green grass, bean bags, sunbeds, and pallet tables spread out widely. Looking out at the Han River view and the atmosphere of Seoul while feeling the cool breeze naturally made me crave a glass of beer.

If seats are full, don’t panic?just follow Goose Island’s Instagram. You can rent a mat set to create a true picnic vibe. This editor wants to visit again just because you don’t have to wander around looking for the delivery zone by the Han River. For those who can’t give up the rooftop vibe despite sweating under the strong sun, fans are provided as a bonus.

On the 3rd floor, I ordered the set menu?Half and Half (Pepperoni & Truffle Mushroom), Seafood Cheese Rice, and Nacho Grande?through the kiosk. Since there were plenty of snacks that pair well with beer like sausages, tteokbokki, and ice cream, it took a long time to choose the menu. The food exceeded expectations as much as the time spent and satisfaction with the space. Thanks to that, I was able to fully enjoy the picnic.

After participating in the event on the 3rd floor, I also received a beer exchange ticket. Using a reverse tap connected to a hose, you can enjoy a cool draft beer. At night, LED lights turn on, making it even more spectacular. The best part is being able to enjoy Goose Island’s IPA beer on draft. Compared to canned beer, the IPA’s distinctive aroma is less intense, so it doesn’t overpower the taste of food and pairs well with all dishes, revealing a new side of Goose Island.

Goose Island’s popup store lets you fully experience the warm sunlight during the day and the Han River night view in the evening. What excited me the most here was the ‘playlist.’ The selection fits the theme of stress relief and finding freedom in daily life, but beware?it might force you to hold back an inner dance. If you want to shake off the words ‘tired daily life’ and ‘stress,’ I highly recommend visiting this place.

The popup store operates until July 3, but you can continue enjoying beer and chicken afterward, so keep that in mind♥

Four-character review: “Simply the Best”

Photos by Yoon Eun-ae, Kim Bomi