Seoul has no shortage of shops, but shopaholics are always looking for that unique experience, unlike any other. Common Ground is one such location in Seoul, where you can get such experience. It is the world’s largest shopping mall that is entirely made from shipping containers. The pop-up mall is built using 200 containers that can be modified and rearranged in any number of configurations.
Not only is the Common Ground unique architecturally, so are the shops that are in the containers. Shoppers can find a unique assortment of new designers, mid-sized shops, and other editorial stores. It is located in Seoul’s Gwangjin District.
Common Ground Architecture
The cool setup of architecture is designed by a local firm Urbantainer. It started as an experimental project that was initiated to revitalize an available lot in the middle of the capital.
The sprawling pop-up mall is spread over 5,400-square-meter. Each of the 200 containers is painted in an eye-catching bright blue, and they are stacked into a three-story structure. It houses seventy stores, twenty restaurants, and a third-floor roof terrace. Common Ground redefines the conventions of retail platforms by reinterpreting the role of culture and focusing on connecting people for the sake of creating meaningful value for all involved.
It is one of Seoul’s best spot for taking a picture for your Instagram feed!
Common Ground
Common Ground has four main spaces – MARKET HALL, STREET MARKET, TERRACE MARKET, and MARKET GROUND.
STREET MARKET draws inspiration from an alley market and keeps the texture of the container intact as much as possible. MARKET HALL capitalizes on trusses with strong architectural functions. It emphasizes the verticality of the stacked container modules and the frames between containers. These stores are popular online and include 26 boutique brands. TERRACE MARKET holds food and beverage shops of small brands from the hip areas of Seoul. MARKET GROUND in the outdoor area between STREET MARKET and MARKET HALL has a place for food trucks and some famous restaurants. The central square, framed by containers, hosts weekend markets, exhibitions, and performances.
Address: 200 Achasan-ro, Jayang 4(sa)-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
