최초입력 2025.02.17 10:30:20
Once overlooked by younger generation, Seoul Station and Cheongnyangni Station have now become popular “mallcation” (mall + vacation) destinations for millennials and Gen Z, thanks to major renovations and a growing selection of trendy dining and retail options.
For Jang Min-ho, 32, who lives in Dongdaemun District, central Seoul, weekends without plans often mean heading to the Cheongnyangni Station complex for coffee and reading. He noted that the area, once known for its large homeless population, has transformed into a modern hub filled with stylish cafés and popular restaurants.
According to the retail industry on Sunday, the renovated Connect Place Seoul Station and Cheongnyangni Station, operated by Hanwha Connect, have successfully attracted young visitors, significantly boosting food and beverage (F&B) sales.
Since their relaunch in 2022, sales at these locations have surged by 125 percent year-over-year. Hanwha Connect’s overall revenue also grew from 161.5 billion won ($111.91 million) in 2023 to 184.4 billion won in 2024.
A Hanwha Connect official highlighted the massive daily foot traffic, estimating that about 600,000 people pass through Seoul Station and 100,000 through Cheongnyangni Station every day.
The company expects strong revenue growth to continue in 2025, driven by increasing young consumer traffic.
The revitalization of Connect Place has focused on modern aesthetics and experiential spaces, making it more appealing to younger shoppers.
Connect Place Seoul Station spans 63,839 square meters across four floors, while Connect Place Cheongnyangni covers 156,135 square meters across six floors. A key attraction at Seoul Station’s Connect Place is the open gallery on the fourth floor, which has hosted large-scale contemporary art installations since its reopening in April 2022. Hanwha Connect has also introduced signature spaces such as The Deck, The Nook, The Wall, and the Rooftop Garden to enhance the shopping experience.
This revitalization strategy has successfully drawn global franchise brands to the locations.
In April 2024, Five Guys opened its largest Korean branch, spanning 488.3 square meters, in Seoul Station’s Market Zone, followed by Sugar Skull, a food and beverage brand operated by Seoul Land, in November 2024.
As of February 2025, Connect Place Seoul Station houses 52 stores, including dessert cafés, restaurants, fast-food outlets, and lifestyle retailers such as Daiso and Olive Young.
At Cheongnyangni Station, the third floor—directly connected to the waiting area—has been transformed into Connect Park, featuring popular dessert shops and Instagram-worthy photo zones. The area has quickly become a favored dating spot for young consumers.
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