South Korea’s Lotte Group opens Lotte World Mall, the country’s largest, amid safety disputes.
Retail giant Lotte Group opened South Korea’s largest mall, Lotte World Mall, in Jamsil in southern Seoul on October 14, 2014. Sitting over 87,183 s of land, the new mall is being promoted as the largest shopping center in Asia, offering a vast array of entertainment and shopping opportunities.
The facilities include an upscale department store that offers top luxury goods, the world’s third-largest duty free store and a movie theatre with the world’s widest screen, the company stated. For foreign population, the mall also offers language support and other services.
The firm expects Lotte World Mall to generate annual sales of up to $1.4 billion and create over 6,000 new jobs. The mall opening is surrounded by controversy regarding safety concerns, as well as a rise in traffic. Currently, as part of preventive measures, Seoul City has directed the mall to offer parking spaces only to visitors through advance booking.
Jamsil, being one of the biggest residential areas in southern Seoul, has faced chronic traffic congestion, which can worsen with the mall opening. The group is working with Seoul City to work around and control traffic conditions in the area and minimizing inconvenience to shoppers.
Photo Credits: benoy.com
