"Urban Oasis: Shinsegae Department Store Opens Cocktail Bar at House of Shinsegae Gangnam"

High-End Lounge Concept Cocktail Bar
First-Ever Permanent Cocktail Bar in a Korean Department Store

Shinsegae Department Store announced on August 3 that it has opened 'Superstar by Polestar,' a high-end lounge concept cocktail bar, at its Gangnam branch. This marks the first time a cocktail bar has been established as a regular store within a domestic department store facility.

Customers are enjoying cocktails at the Superstar by Polestar store. Provided by Shinsegae Department Store.

Located on the first basement floor, Superstar by Polestar is designed for customers seeking a sophisticated urban getaway during the peak summer season. The store offers cocktails, whisky, and a menu of dishes at the level of a top-tier restaurant, targeting so-called 'baecation' (department store + vacation) visitors.

This store is the casual brand of Polestar, a renowned whisky bar in Cheongdam-dong. Shinsegae Department Store collaborated with Polestar and was directly involved in every stage of preparation, from interior design to menu development, meticulously crafting the customer experience.

The bar features a wide range of beverages, from non-alcoholic options to high-end cocktails, tailored to both daytime and nighttime atmospheres. Customers can enjoy performances by renowned bartenders at all times, creating the feeling of being at a luxury resort abroad.

The space is designed to be private and upscale. With a streamlined ceiling structure and subtle indirect lighting, the bar exudes a luxurious ambiance. The seats are spaced farther apart than in typical cocktail bars, allowing even solo visitors to enjoy their time comfortably.

The bar's concept was developed with the participation of Yoshifumi Tsuboi, a world-famous Japanese bartender who has won numerous international cocktail competitions, as a consultant. Shinsegae Department Store plans to introduce a variety of cocktail menus that have received awards at these competitions.

Signature menu items available at all times include the Martini (20,000 won), Gimlet (22,000 won), White Lady (20,000 won), and Shiso Gin Tonic (23,000 won). In addition, a variety of side dishes are offered, such as Parmesan Tuile Caesar Salad (22,000 won), Cream Cheese Salmon Salad (24,000 won), Cheese Chili Pasta (30,000 won), and Manchego Chicken Panini (20,000 won).

Last year, Shinsegae Department Store redefined the F&B paradigm of department stores by opening House of Shinsegae at the Gangnam branch, delivering a differentiated gourmet experience that showcases Shinsegae's unique expertise. The wine cellar on the first floor of House of Shinsegae features a wide selection of rare wines that are difficult to find in Korea, and also introduced the 'by the glass' service, allowing customers to enjoy wine by the glass. With a variety of products and services on offer, wine sales in the first half of this year saw a significant increase of approximately 21.8%.

Going forward, Shinsegae Department Store plans to continue introducing diverse F&B content that has not yet been attempted in the industry through House of Shinsegae. Choi Wonjun, Executive Director in charge of food at Shinsegae Department Store, stated, "Shinsegae Department Store is focusing its efforts on presenting content that perfectly matches customers' tastes through House of Shinsegae," adding, "We hope customers will enjoy a unique vacation experience this hot summer with a refreshing cocktail at House of Shinsegae."