In a regional first, Korea 360 is set to open its flagship store at the city’s premium lifestyle destination – Dubai Festival City Mall. Youngil Park, General Director of Korea Creative Content Agency UAE Business Center and Hayssam Hajjar, Asset Management Director at Al-Futtaim Real Estate, announced this brand-new partnership during an exclusive signing ceremony at the store located on the 1st floor at the mall.
“We are committed to building an outstanding reputation for our country abroad and sharing our rich culture and heritage with other nations. We are pleased to collaborate with Dubai Festival City Mall to bring a little piece of Korea to the UAE to cater to the keen interest in the Korean Wave in the Middle East. With its convenient location, high footfall, and a dynamic retail mix, the mall provides an ideal home for Korea 360. We look forward to connecting with Dubai’s residents and visitors and enhancing their knowledge of Korea,” said Youngil Park, General Director of Korea Creative Content Agency UAE Business Center.
KOCCA UAE Business Center (KOREA CREATIVE CONTENT AGENCY) aims to offer customers a 360-degree immersive experience, tapping into the region’s growing affinity towards Korean content and culture. Upon opening, the vibrant showcase of Korean content and culture will engage visitors in a diverse range of activities that reflect the innovative spirit of the dynamic country including K-pop, K-dramas, Korean cuisine, traditional attire trials (hanbok) and technology. After Jakarta, the first dedicated Korean cultural venue in Dubai will regularly update its offerings with the hottest exports from Korea. Recording a footfall of 23 million in 2023, Dubai Festival City Mall offers an ideal location for Korea 360, attracting many diverse groups of people daily.
“We are thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of our new culture and concept store, an exciting new addition to Dubai Festival City Mall with Korea 360. The new store is more than just a retail space. Visitors will be able to experience Korea right here from Dubai, in a dynamic environment where fashion, content and culture converge. It gives guests a chance to witness a unique intersection of culture and retail, reflecting the evolving landscape of our industry. In today’s fast-paced world, consumers are se
eking more than just products—they’re looking for experiences that inspire and engage. By introducing this innovative concept, we’re not only meeting this demand but also setting a new standard for what retail can be. As the city’s leading premium lifestyle destination, we are proud to lead the way in creating spaces that are as much about discovery and connection as they are about shopping,” said Hayssam Hajjar.
At the entrance, illuminated by LED lights, a wall full of K-pop stars’ handprints will welcome visitors, while catchy K-pop hits will immediately immerse them in the essence of Korean pop culture. Fans will have the opportunity to take a picture with their favourite K-pop artists’ albums and merchandise and browse through the latest K-content promos at the Content Zone. Those in the mood for a spot of retail therapy can get their fix at the Living & Lifestyle Zone, trawl the Organic Zone for viral K-beauty finds, or drop down to Studio 360 to catch some live commerce action.
In addition to stocking an impressive selection of fresh and delicious K-food, the Eating Zone will host pop-up cooking classes with Korean celebrity chefs. The Culture Zone will share the beauty of Korean arts and traditions – from crafts to hanbok – through the characteristic rolling bookshelves. The Tour Zone will introduce travel buffs to Korea’s beloved tourist attractions through experiential exhibitions of the country’s breath-taking scenery.
In addition to its dazzling display of the best of Korean brands and exhibits under one roof, Korea 360 will feature a Korean Wave playground and an experience space to see, feel, eat, play, and rest. Meanwhile, a centre stage will provide an ideal venue for K-themed events, such as Korean cultural festivals, K-pop performances, or meet-and-greets with K-celebs.
