Times Square

Times Square (타임스퀘어) is not just a shopping mall, but a real city within a city, one of the largest shopping and entertainment complexes in Seoul, South Korea. Located in the bustling Yeongdeungpo district, it impresses with its scale, covering an area of about 370,000 square meters. This is a place where world-class shopping, diverse entertainment, and culinary discoveries merge into one, offering visitors a comprehensive and exciting experience.

Inside Times Square, an incredible variety awaits you: from the famous Shinsegae department store and the extensive E-mart hypermarket to the popular Kyobo bookstore and boutiques of leading global and Korean brands. Numerous restaurants and cozy cafes offer dishes for every taste, from traditional Korean cuisine to international delicacies. A particular point of pride for the complex is the modern CGV cinema with its unique Starium hall, which was listed in the Guinness World Records as the owner of one of the world's largest screens for 35mm films, providing an unforgettable viewing experience.

The architectural design of Times Square also deserves attention. A spacious light atrium with a huge glass dome fills the complex with natural light at any time of year, creating a pleasant and airy atmosphere. For those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of shops and crowds, there are cozy green areas and even a charming summer rooftop garden where you can relax, enjoy the moment, and admire the views.

Planning a visit to Times Square? The shopping complex is located at: 15, Yeongjung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea. For additional information, such as exact opening hours or details on current promotions and events, you can use the contact details provided in the table below.

A true paradise for shopping enthusiasts awaits you at Times Square. Here you can spend hours exploring dozens of stores representing both famous Korean and popular international brands. Whether you are looking for the latest fashion trend, stylish accessories, high-quality Korean cosmetics, or modern electronics—numerous boutiques will offer you a wide selection of goods for every taste and budget.

A special place in the Times Square entertainment list is occupied by a visit to the CGV multiplex. Imagine watching a long-awaited premiere or a favorite movie in the Starium hall, which boasts one of the largest screens—it's truly a unique cinematic experience. Premiere screenings are often held here, turning an ordinary trip to the cinema into a real event for all connoisseurs of the big screen.

When it's time to refuel, Times Square offers an impressive choice of dining establishments. Numerous restaurants, cozy cafes, and lively food courts invite you to taste both traditional Korean dishes and popular international delicacies. For families with children and everyone interested in cultural life, the complex regularly organizes free events: from fascinating exhibitions to live concerts, with an especially busy program on weekends.

And if you want to take a break from active pastimes, Times Square offers its green zones for this purpose. Take a stroll through the summer garden or simply find a secluded spot in one of the specially equipped relaxation areas to enjoy a moment of tranquility in the fresh air without leaving the premises of this lively complex.

Getting to Times Square in Seoul is quite simple thanks to the well-developed public transport system. The complex is conveniently located in the Yeongdeungpo district. The most popular and fastest way is by subway. You need Yeongdeungpo Station (Line 1). Take Exit 5, and after just a few minutes of a leisurely walk, you will find yourself at the entrance to this grand shopping and entertainment center.

Another subway station within walking distance is Singil Station (Line 5). This provides convenient connections to various districts of Seoul, making it easy to plan your route from anywhere in the city. Additionally, Times Square can be reached by numerous city buses, with stops located in the immediate vicinity of the complex. This is a good option if you prefer ground transport or if your hotel is near one of the bus routes leading to the Yeongdeungpo area.

If you are planning a trip by car, spacious underground and surface parking lots are provided for your convenience at Times Square. This way, you won't have to worry about finding a parking spot. Regardless of your chosen method of transportation—be it subway, bus, or private car—you will easily reach this popular shopping and entertainment destination in Seoul.

The history of Times Square in Seoul is relatively recent but quite remarkable. Large-scale construction of this giant complex began in 2006 and lasted three years, culminating in a grand opening on September 16, 2009. Located on the site of the former Kyungbang plant, the project required an investment of about 600 billion won. Immediately after its opening, Times Square rapidly gained popularity, becoming one of the main shopping and leisure destinations in the capital of South Korea, attracting more than 200,000 visitors daily.

Despite its modernity, Times Square has an interesting connection to Seoul's industrial past. The complex arose on the site where the production facilities of the Kyungsung Textiles company, later renamed Kyungbang, were previously located. Notably, the former buildings of this company were carefully preserved and are located behind the main Times Square building. Today, they have found a new life, having been converted into stylish cafes and an art gallery, which adds cultural and historical depth to this modern space.

One of the most striking facts that brought Times Square international recognition was a unique feature of its cinema. In the 2010s, the CGV Starium cinema, located in the complex, was officially entered into the Guinness World Records. It was honored for having the world's largest permanent cinema screen designed for showing 35mm films. This fact not only emphasizes the scale of the project but also makes visiting the cinema at Times Square a truly unforgettable experience for movie buffs.

To truly appreciate everything Times Square in Seoul has to offer, it is recommended to set aside at least 3-5 hours. This time will be enough to leisurely browse the main shops, perhaps stop by the Shinsegae department store or the E-mart hypermarket, and explore boutiques of both Korean and international brands.

During these few hours, you can also enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants or cafes offering various cuisines. If you are a movie fan, visiting the CGV cinema, especially the Starium hall, will be a separate highlight of your program. Additionally, you will have time to relax in one of the complex's green zones or even go up to the rooftop garden to take a breather from shopping and the city bustle.

Of course, the duration of your visit may vary depending on your interests. If you are planning some serious shopping, you could spend even more time here. For those who just want to get a general impression and perhaps watch a movie, 3 hours might be quite enough. However, given the scale and variety of what Times Square offers, spending less than 2-3 hours will hardly allow you to fully experience the atmosphere of this place.

The Times Square shopping and entertainment complex in Seoul is usually open to visitors daily from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM. However, it's worth noting that individual shops, restaurants, and the cinema located on its premises may operate on their own schedules, different from the main one. Therefore, to ensure your visit is as comfortable as possible and you know the exact opening hours of the establishments you're interested in, it is highly recommended to check current information on the official Times Square website or confirm it on-site directly before your trip.

Generally, no prior booking or ticket purchase is required to enter the Times Square shopping complex itself, as it is a public space with many shops and entertainment areas. However, if you plan to attend specific events, such as a screening at the CGV cinema, or book a table at a popular restaurant, a prior reservation may be necessary or desirable. The complex operates year-round, delighting visitors with its offerings in any season.

Visiting Times Square in Seoul is an exciting event in itself, full of shopping, entertainment, and culinary discoveries. However, to make your trip even more fulfilling and complete, it's worth paying attention to the attractions located nearby. Exploring the surroundings will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of this dynamic district of Seoul and discover new interesting places.

Many of Seoul's iconic locations are within easy reach of Times Square, offering a variety of experiences—from peaceful parks to lively cultural centers. A short walk or a brief ride on public transport can lead you to completely different facets of this amazing city. Below is a list of some interesting places you can visit nearby.