Gwangju Shinsegae's Differentiated F&B Pop-Up Stores Gain Popularity

Kimbokran, Kyungokchae, Blue Point, and More

Gwangju Shinsegae Co., Ltd. (CEO Lee Donghun) is continuing its streak of success as its differentiated F&B pop-up stores repeatedly achieve strong results.

According to Gwangju Shinsegae on the 30th, these pop-up stores have become trending "waiting hot spots" on social media, drawing crowds for open runs and even leading to encore pop-ups and permanent store openings, demonstrating their growing popularity.

An employee is introducing products at the Kyungokchae pop-up store held on the basement first floor of the main building at Gwangju Shinsegae until the 8th.

Gwangju Shinsegae is hosting the "Kimbokran" pop-up store on the basement first floor of the main building until May 8.

Kimbokran is a type of rice ball made by shaping and deep-frying kimchi fried rice with various toppings into egg-like balls that can be eaten in one bite. There are eight varieties, including corn cheese, spicy tuna, mozzarella, and tuna mayo, each priced at 3,500 won.

During the same period, in anticipation of Parents' Day, a health food pop-up ideal for gifting will also be held. "Kyungokchae," a premium health brand developed by a herbal clinic in Cheongdam-dong, offers high-quality health foods made from carefully selected domestic and international ingredients, without even 1% of additives.

The signature products of Kyungokchae include "Kyungokchae Ssanghwa 30" at 78,300 won, "The Kyungok Origin 600" at 162,000 won, "The Kyungok Plus 600" at 132,000 won, and "The Kyungok Gold 600" at 247,000 won, all known for their distinguished taste and quality.

In celebration of Family Month, a dessert MD pop-up lineup perfect for sharing with the whole family also stands out. The "Blue Point" pop-up, a handmade dessert shop located in Ochi-dong, Buk-gu, runs until the 1st and offers cookie and financier gift sets.

During the same period, "Cookie & More" presents a witty Parents' Day gift: the "Hanwoo-Shaped Cookie Set," featuring cookies shaped like red beef and mushrooms, adding a playful touch to gifting. The price is 22,000 won.

A hot dog pop-up, ideal for light outdoor picnics, is also available until the 1st. The signature items from Wild Grill Hot Dog "WAGDOG," which reinterprets the American hot dog with locally sourced pork sausage and Korean-inspired ingredients, are the "Meat Chili Wagdog" at 7,900 won and the "Bulgogi Wagdog" at 8,900 won.

From May 2, "Seonokssi," a fruit mochi brand from Yeosu, will be featured. This dessert is popular among all age groups. Signature items include the assorted fruit mochi (10 pieces) for 23,500 won and the strawberry mochi (10 pieces) for 23,000 won.

At Gwangju Shinsegae, some brands have returned for another pop-up or have opened permanent stores thanks to customer popularity.

"Butter & Shelter," which gained popularity through a pop-up last year, is holding another pop-up until May 15.

Butter & Shelter, which started in Yeonnam-dong, is a European-inspired cafe specializing in handmade butter sand cookies. These feature soft butter cookies filled with gourmet buttercream and chewy handmade caramel. The previous pop-up at Gwangju Shinsegae generated long waiting lines, leading to this encore event.

Signature products include original, glac?, cr?me br?l?e, and chocolate butter sand cookies. One box (8 pieces) is 29,800 won, two boxes are 56,800 won, and the "Butter Sand Variety Set," which includes all four flavors, is 58,400 won per box.

Reflecting the popularity of these pop-ups, "Guo Mandu," which started as a pop-up store in February, recently opened a permanent location. Guo Mandu is known for its juicy filling, crispy bottom like pan-fried dumplings, and soft, steamed bun-like top. Even after the official opening, it continues to attract crowds, with waiting lines still ongoing.

Kim Youngmin, head of the Food & Living Team at Gwangju Shinsegae, stated, "We are striving to attract a diverse range of pop-ups that will satisfy our customers," adding, "We hope you will come and experience the unique content that can only be found at Gwangju Shinsegae."