"The Standard for Mangoes Is 'Mamuang'... Hyundai Department Store to Launch Thai Tropical Fruit Festival"

The Thai Trade Center, Seoul announced that it will host the "Taste of Thailand 2026" promotion together with Hyundai Department Store, showcasing Thai tropical fruits for four weeks beginning April 24. The event will be held sequentially at 13 Hyundai Department Store locations nationwide.

Three officials are showcasing premium Thai mangoes at the 'Taste of Thailand 2026' promotion jointly held by the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Korea and Hyundai Department Store. (From left) Jae-mo Yang, Senior Manager of the Food Team at Hyundai Department Store The Hyundai Seoul; Chawadon Napatanon, Minister at the Royal Thai Embassy in Korea; and Saitung Saipet, Commercial Attaché at the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Korea.

This promotion is an official program jointly organized by the Thai Trade Center, Seoul, representing the Department of International Trade Promotion at Thailand's Ministry of Commerce, and the domestic retail channel Hyundai Department Store. It will introduce carefully selected Thai fruits, chosen based on trust in their origin, quality, and the entire distribution process, providing Korean consumers with a safe opportunity to experience premium tropical fruits. It is also significant in that it brings together Thailand's diverse fruits—often called the "Kingdom of Tropical Fruits"—in one place.

This event is centered around the keyword "Premium Mango Means Mamuang." "Mamuang" is the Thai word for mango and was chosen to intuitively convey the identity and premium value of Thai mangoes. The focus is on spreading the perception that "the standard for premium mangoes is Thai mangoes."

Thailand is a leading producer of tropical fruits globally and holds the largest share in Korea’s mango import market. Fruits grown in the country’s abundant sunlight and fertile soil are well known for their deep flavor. According to Korea Customs Service import and export trade statistics, Korea’s mango imports last year reached 32,706 tons, a 143% increase compared to 13,469 tons in 2015. In particular, the share of Thai mangoes in total imports has expanded from 42.3% in 2015 to 62.3% in 2025, showing a growing preference among Korean consumers.

Local officials are introducing premium Thai tropical fruits such as mango, durian, and mangosteen at the "Taste of Thailand 2026" promotion hosted by the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Korea and Hyundai Department Store.

At this event, visitors can find Thailand’s representative tropical fruits all in one place—including Nam Dok Mai and Mahachanok mangoes, as well as mangosteens and durians. All fruits are flown in directly after being harvested at their optimal time from local farms, ensuring that consumers experience the freshness, aroma, and natural sweetness of the fruits during their "golden time."

The Nam Dok Mai mango, a flagship variety, is renowned in Thailand as the "drop of flower" for its delicate and elegant flavor. It features juicy sweetness that fills the mouth, a subtle floral aroma, and a smooth texture with almost no fiber. The Mahachanok mango is known as the "rainbow mango" thanks to its red and yellow hues that develop during ripening, adding visual enjoyment. Its high sugar content, averaging over 15 Brix, and deepening tropical aroma as it ripens make it especially attractive, while the thick, juicy flesh provides a richer taste experience. Mangoes also naturally increase in sweetness and deepen in flavor as they complete the ripening process at room temperature, so it is important to allow them to ripen for a period after purchase to enjoy them at their best.

Hyundai Department Store will start the event at its Yeouido branch on April 24 and continue until May 21, with products also available for purchase through the official online mall and The Hyundai Hi app. On April 28 at 6 p.m., a live commerce session will be held on The Hyundai Hi app, offering an immersive introduction to the products and special benefits.

Sai-tung Sai-pet, Trade Officer at the Thai Trade Center, Seoul, said, "April and May are when Thai tropical fruits are at their peak in both abundance and flavor. We hope that Korean consumers will fully enjoy the freshness and authentic taste of premium mangoes, confidently recommended by Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, as they welcome the beautiful spring season."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.