Galleria department store's west wing gets building permit for reconstruction

Hanwha Galleria has secured a building permit for its long-sought reconstruction of the Galleria department store in Seoul's Apgujeong neighborhood.

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's building administration system and Hanwha Galleria, Gangnam-gu issued a building permit Thursday for the reconstruction of the Galleria department store's west wing in Apgujeong-dong.

The project site is located in the 494 area of Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The land area covers 10,143.9 square meters, with a building footprint of 5,825.83 square meters and a total floor area of 88,362.09 square meters. The primary use is designated as retail.

The permit follows the Seoul Metropolitan Government's architectural review committee approving the east and west wing construction plan last May, and is expected to accelerate the full reconstruction project.

The west and east wings of the Galleria department store were completed in 1979 and 1985, respectively. Hanwha Galleria plans to overhaul the aging facilities through the reconstruction, expanding retail space, parking and other amenities.

The combined retail floor area of the east and west wings, currently 29,091 square meters, will more than double to 59,504 square meters after the rebuild.

The company aims to create a landmark representing Seoul and a world-class luxury department store, incorporating a distinctive design by globally renowned architecture firm Heatherwick Studio.

The new building features an hourglass-shaped design with a curved facade, which earned it a spot in the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Urban Architecture Design Innovation project in May 2024.

Hanwha Galleria still needs to complete further reviews and permits, including detailed design work, an environmental impact assessment and a disaster impact assessment. The company plans to push ahead with the project without disruption through active communication with relevant authorities and the local community.

"This building permit will serve as an important milestone in the successful reconstruction of the Galleria department store," a Hanwha Galleria official said. "We will work to ensure the new store becomes a landmark representing Seoul, not only by preparing for the subsequent administrative procedures but also through active engagement with relevant authorities and the local community."