KMK: Common Ground Pop Up Mall in Seoul

I’ve got to tell you about Common Ground Pop Up Mall in Seoul, but first I have to start at the beginning. A few year’s back a new and exciting spot sprung up on the streets of Gangnam. Platoon Kunsthalle brought together photographers, filmmakers, restaurateurs, writers, designers, and other folks with an artistic bent to create a space where creativity and commerce intersected with political activism and social conscious. This manifested as gallery showings combined with documentary screenings and night markets booming with dj music and live performances with German inspired food and drink on hand to be consumed.

To add form to the function and complete the aesthetic the designers used dozens of shipping containers for the venue. It gave Platoon Kunsthalle a hip industrial look like something out of a dystopian tween novel. Though it waned over the years I hear it’s making a resurgence. In that same spirit I came across a similar space: Common Ground (커먼그라운드).

Built with the same type of shipping containers, over 200 instead of a dozen, the sprawling bright blue Common Ground takes shape as some odd Lego inspired real life Jenga game come to life. At a glance it makes you smile. Doubly so when you realize the containers can be moved, allowing Common Ground to transform Ground into an infinite number of shapes. Being a Kindred spirit of Platoon Kunsthalle you won’t find big names emblazoned on billboards, walls, or storefront windows. No, out go the big brands and in come trendy hip start up fashion shops and up and coming designers.

Located in the Konkuk University ghetto the Common Ground space teems with folks out to see the sights, take in some shopping or scrounging a bite to eat. While not possessing the sprawling number of stores as a Coex Mall, Common Ground offers up over fifty unique boutique spots to find something not quite so every day as the usual V neck t-shirt. Lifestyle stores sit side by side with the clothing shops and there also exists a cultural space that changes exhibits.

Common Ground offers an outside vibe with its terraces and rooftop eatery. On a bright day you can lounge and just people watch while nibbling away on something tasty. And let me assure you the dining options match the quirky nature of the space. Periodic events also spring up like an all day DJ spinning music from opening to closing or a drone obstacle course if successfully navigated results in prizes. Go check it out, but I have to say there weren’t many shops catering to the guys. However, if you’re a girly-girl bliss will overcome you. Guys and Tom boys there’s always the eateries! Hit those food trucks. I did.