2026 Christmas at Hyundai Department Store: “Christmas in New York City” — 3 Picks
ilmicio05
8 days ago
I took a trip to Korea in late October, right as the city was starting to get into the Halloween mood.
Lately, I could not stop thinking about the Christmas object ads for The Hyundai Department Store that kept popping up on Instagram.
In each location, the streetscape recreates a New York City street corner from the 1980s to 1990s, and then, out of nowhere, these gigantic cats appear.
Hearing you could see such quirky Christmas objects, it was irresistible for a cat lover like me.
The timing worked out perfectly and I was basically traveling solo, so I went around to three different locations.
Christmas in New York City
10/27 to 12/31 (dates vary by store)
The first place I visited was the one that started earliest,
The Hyundai Department Store Trade Center
From 10/27
Nearest stations, Line 2 Samseong Station, Line 9 Bongeunsa
Next to COEX
Even from the main entrance on the Samseong Station side, the cute cats welcome you right away, riding in a retro taxi.
Once inside, there are objects all around the featured floors, it feels like a treasure hunt for cat lovers.
The main highlight is on the 10th floor.
I went on a Thursday evening, so it was not crowded yet and I could take my time, but once Halloween is over, it will probably get really popular.
At this Trade Center branch, the big tree at the front entrance, the cats riding in the TAXI there, and the huge cat on 10F left the biggest impression.
There are more, too, so make sure to look for them.
The next day, after lunchtime, I headed a bit farther out.
The Hyundai Department Store Pangyo Branch
From 10/30
Nearest station, Shinbundang Line Pangyo Station, W3,650
About 14 minutes, four stops from Gangnam Station.
You cannot use the certain cards on the Shinbundang Line.
I learned that last time, so this time I used T-money from Gangnam Station.
By the way, if you search the fare from Sinsa to Pangyo on the Shinbundang Line, it says W5,150, I was shocked because it is about the same as from Incheon Airport.
Pangyo is apparently a city where IT companies gather, and people call it Korea’s Silicon Valley.
It felt like a modern area with lots of sleek buildings.
There are also stylish cafe streets around there, and I wanted to see more, but this time my goal was The Hyundai Department Store’s Christmas objects.
The entrance display here is fairly simple.
A poster that tells you where the cats are.
I even took a photo of this but somehow did not realize it was a map, so I missed the 5th floor...
The featured floors are just too cute...
I am sure it will be insanely crowded closer to Christmas, but this was opening day and a weekday afternoon, so I could really take my time, it was totally worth going out of the way.
Personally, this one was so adorable, it is my favorite.
I love Korean department stores, putting a giant cat right there, sprawled out on a luxury brand floor!
Out of the three locations, Pangyo had the most to see inside.
Every floor was so high quality that I could not even tell which one was the main highlight, I could have looked around forever.
There are cats in other themed areas besides what is in the photos, so please make sure to hunt for them here, too.
The Hyundai Department Store Pangyo Branch is probably considered a suburban department store, but it was such a stylish place.
It is huge, and it has not only luxury brands but also a great selection of popular Korean brands, the lineup felt just right.
I almost thought, shopping here would be enough.
Also, while I was wandering around, I spotted the TOMFORD cosmetics guy that I think I see all the time on Instagram.
It felt like seeing a celebrity.
I was thinking I would love to have him do my makeup and then buy something, but he was doing a touch-up for someone else and seemed super popular, so I want to try again another time.
After enjoying Pangyo, I took the Shinbundang Line back to Gangnam Station and wandered around the area.
I went back to my hotel for a bit, then headed to
The Hyundai Department Store Apgujeong Branch
From 11/1
Nearest station, Line 3 Apgujeong Station
I went there on 10/31, the day before it was scheduled to start.
My hotel was nearby, so I thought I would swing by around dinner time and maybe see it even if they were still setting up, but it was unexpectedly finished, lucky me.
Going at night was a big plus, the exterior here was sparkling and it was the most beautiful of them all.
Just seeing it in the distance after getting off the bus was enough to make me squeal.
But wait, did this department store always have this many ins and outs?
It is honestly amazing that wrapping alone can create such a 3D streetscape feel.
Here, too, the cute cats welcome you in a taxi.
On the featured floors inside, you will find cute cats and a recreated New York streetscape, so it also looks like a lot of fun to search around.
Since this was one day before the official start date, some areas might still have been in preparation...
If you go from here, you might discover even more cute things.
Every year I traveled during the Christmas market season at The Hyundai in Yeouido, but I never managed to go because I did not understand how to make a reservation.
This year, I heard the Christmas market would be held later than usual, so I had given up, but for me, I got to enjoy something even more fun at each department store.
And I got to really look around each department store, too, so it helped me think about which one to use for what, and it felt like discovering new spots, it was such a wonderful event.
I would love to visit other The Hyundai Department Store locations too, but for now, these three nearby branches are easy to get to, so please do check them out.
