Trade delegation to World Department Store Summit Seoul, South Korea

Join The Department for Business & Trade (DBT) delegation, to explore South Korea and connect with 40 of the World’s leading Department Stores at the annual World Department Store Summit, 9th – 13th June.

This is a unique opportunity to access the Korean market AND connect with multiple global Department stores. DBT is bringing a cross-sector delegation to the summit showcasing premium omnichannel, store design, digital commerce, retail tech and Gen AI opportunity.

About the World Department Store Summit 

Organised by the Intercontinental Group of Department Stores, this annual summit takes place in Seoul, South Korea in 2025.

WDSS is the world’s thought-leadership and innovation forum for Department store CEOs, senior executives and brands, suppliers and service companies, to meet, network and exchange ideas. It is attended by the world's leading Department stores, there were 40 in attendance at the 2024 summit in Berlin.

The 2025 summit focuses on How to Best Captivate Customers
“Influenced by multiple factors such as trends, technology, social media or personal experiences, customers are changing preferences and behaviour over time. Department stores and retailers have to respond to the needs of these dynamic and more demanding customers expecting a seamless shopping experience on all channels, personalisation and a zest of creativity.”

Speakers include, Liberty Brown Thomas Arnotts, Nordstrom USA, Central and Robinson Department Stores, Lotte Department Store and Lifestyle International.

Costs:

DBT have negotiated a 20% discount on the summit ticket price of £1350 lowering it to £1,080 for UK delegates.

To confirm your place, a DBT participation fee of £250 will be required, payable on acceptance, alongside the £1,080 summit fee, Total: £1,330 + VAT.

Participants must cover their own travel/accommodation/insurance and other expenses.

Whats included?

The programme for successful applicants include:
 

• Pre-departure educational programme on doing business in Korea with subject matter experts covering marketing, regional consumer insights and go-to-market strategy run by the British Chamber of Commerce Korea (BCCK)
• Discounted ticket for entry into the World Department Store Summit, awards dinner and retail tour.
• Retail tour of Seoul including key physical and digital partners, including meeting with Coupang, South Koreas leading marketplace.
• Networking reception at the British Embassy South Korea.

• Pre-delegation support from DBT.

Draft programme
 

• Tuesday 10th - Market Entry advice and support for Korea including meetings with leading digital and retail/Beauty players including leading marketplace Coupang.
• Wednesday 11th - World Department Store Summit launch and Awards Dinner.
• Thursday 12th - Continuation of the Summit and in the afternoon a tour of Lotte, South Korea’s flagship retail group leading the way in digital innovation, followed by a networking reception at The British Embassy 
• Friday 13th June - Retail Safari taking delegates around Seoul’s three most compelling retail precincts.

Why South Korea?

With a population of over 50 million people, highest internet engagement and the fourth largest economy in Asia, South Korea enjoys a high GDP per capita, and represents a huge opportunity for the UK with high interest in premium UK brands and lifestyle.

Retail in South Korea

The Korean consumer is tech savvy and very connected with more than 98% of South Korean households accessing internet daily and over 85% of the Korean population own a smartphone (Data Reportal, 2022).

Products attracting the most consumers are successful brands where detailing is visible. Consumption is used to make a statement.

In general, purchases are made in department stores, shopping centres but also in new types of stores e.g. food retailers.

This delegation will provide invaluable opportunity for your business for global growth.
 

Who is this delegation for?

Companies interested access to the world’s leading Department stores for Design, retail tech and retail partnerships alongside Korea as a market entry opportunity.

We welcome applications from the following:
 

• Retailers from Retail/Beauty/Food/Fashion/Home interested in omnichannel connections with the World's leading Department Stores.
• Retail tech providers and solutions.
• Store and interior design companies, and architects.

How to register

To register your interest, please complete the online form by using the 'Register Here' button below by 15th April 2025 12.30pm.

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