CreatripTeam

A new public-private retail space called 'Sodam Sanghoe Seongsu' opened in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, to support small fashion and beauty businesses. Run by the Korea SMEs and Startups Distribution Center with online retailer MUSINSA (Musinsa), the remodeled three- and four-floor space offers brand pop-ups, a fashion/beauty studio for product and outdoor shoots, and AI-powered 'smart mirror' kiosks that recommend items. During a three-month pilot, about 400 small businesses used the program and generated roughly 5 billion KRW (about $3.8 million) in sales; the program aims to support 1,000 companies this year. Participating brands can sell on-site or via QR-linked online purchases and gain exposure through MUSINSA app events, global sales promotions, content production support, influencer marketing, and tailored incubation. Several tenants reported their sales doubled after joining. The project addresses high rent and labor cost barriers in Seongsu-dong and seeks to connect offline visibility with online and overseas expansion.