[Report] Uniqlo Returns to Myeongdong After 5 Years Since 'No Japan' Boycott... Largest Store in Korea

From the Main Target of the Japan Boycott to a Tourism Flagship

Tax-Free Zones and Myeongdong-Exclusive Products...

Uniqlo Targets Foreign Tourists

After closing following the 'No Japan' movement, Uniqlo will reopen its largest store in Korea, the Uniqlo Myeongdong Store, on the 22nd, after about five years. Photo by Jaehee Kwon

If you walk for about seven minutes from Exit 5 of Myeongdong Station on Line 4 and turn into the alley behind the Seoul Central Post Office, a striking red cube-shaped building will come into view. A three-dimensional red Uniqlo logo cube protrudes from the white exterior wall, standing out vividly amid the dense signage of Myeongdong's streets.

Uniqlo, which had disappeared from the Myeongdong commercial district since January 2021 due to the aftermath of the 'No Japan' boycott and the COVID-19 pandemic, has returned to the heart of Myeongdong after five years.

The 'Uniqlo Myeongdong Store,' opening on the 22nd, is the largest global flagship store among Uniqlo locations in South Korea. It occupies the first to third floors and covers a total area of 3,254 square meters (approximately 1,000 pyeong). The store is located in the lower floors of the Le Meridien Seoul Myeongdong building.

Whereas the previous 'Uniqlo Myeongdong Jungang Store' was a daily-use store for Korean consumers before Uniqlo withdrew, the newly opened 'Uniqlo Myeongdong Store' has strengthened its identity as a tourism-focused flagship store. It features Myeongdong-exclusive products and a tax-free zone, with the shopping flow designed to target foreign tourists. A Uniqlo representative emphasized, "This store is aimed not only at Korean customers but also at the 'global tourists visiting Myeongdong.'"

Products available exclusively at the Uniqlo Myeongdong Store gathered in the UT (Uniqlo T-shirt) Zone. Photo by Jaehee Kwon

In fact, elements symbolizing Myeongdong are placed throughout the store. In the first-floor UT (Uniqlo T-shirt) zone, T-shirts featuring iconic places such as 'Eulji Cafe' and 'Jinju Hall,' representing the Myeongdong and Euljiro areas, are displayed. It is particularly impressive that, through collaboration with local businesses, products that foreigners would want to buy as 'Seoul souvenirs' are prominently showcased. The design evokes Seoul's alleyway signage and incorporates Korean-inspired colors, creating an atmosphere that encourages foreign tourists to take photos and purchase items as mementos.

The second floor is dedicated to women's, kids', and baby lines. Notably, photographs capturing different eras of Myeongdong are displayed throughout, infusing the store with the essence of the area. The third floor houses the men's lineup and the 'RE.UNIQLO STUDIO.' The RE.UNIQLO Studio reflects Uniqlo's strategy to go beyond being a simple SPA brand by emphasizing the 'circularity of clothing,' including repairs and reuse.

Shopping efficiency has also been maximized. The store is designed so that customers can make a full loop and explore every corner through the aisles. There are a total of 42 checkout counters and 54 fitting rooms, making it spacious enough to accommodate a large number of people at once. In particular, the women's section on the second floor has the most fitting rooms among all floors, with a total of 26. At the back of the third floor, there is a tax-free zone for foreign tourists. In addition to staff available for direct assistance, a self-service tax-free zone is also provided for tourists.

The 'Uniqlo Myeongdong Store,' opening as the largest store in the country, features a total of 42 checkout counters focused on creating an efficient flow. Photo by Kwon Jaehee

Uniqlo became the main target of the 'No Japan' movement, which was sparked by Japan's export restrictions in 2019. At the time, annual sales fell by nearly half, from 974.3 billion won to 574.6 billion won, and with the impact of COVID-19, the company recorded operating losses for two consecutive years in 2019 and 2020.

In particular, the 'Uniqlo Myeongdong Jungang Store' was noted as the largest store in South Korea and the largest in Asia, recording 2 billion won in sales on its opening day alone. However, due to the boycott and the direct impact of COVID-19, it ultimately closed in 2021. The closure of the Myeongdong store was seen as more than just a store closure—it was regarded as a symbolic moment of the boycott against Japanese products. In addition, 31 stores, including Lotte Fitin Dongdaemun, withdrew within a year from the end of 2019.

However, after the shift to the COVID-19 endemic phase, the trend of value-for-money consumption amid high inflation has led to a surge in customers returning to Uniqlo, signaling a restart of its growth engine in the Korean market. The rapid recovery of foreign tourist numbers and the weakness of the Korean won have also contributed to Myeongdong's emergence as a global shopping destination, which is another reason for Uniqlo's return to Myeongdong.

Uniqlo Myeongdong Store spans a total area of 3,306 square meters from the first to the third floor, offering a comprehensive range of products covering men's wear, women's wear, kids, and baby lines. The photo shows the kids-only corner. Photo by Jaehee Kwon

An industry insider commented, "Recently, Myeongdong's consumption structure has completely changed to center around foreign tourists," adding, "It appears that Uniqlo has also shifted its strategy to serve as a platform frequented by tourists, rather than just a clothing store."

According to the Korea Tourism Organization, the number of foreign tourists visiting Korea in the first quarter of 2026 reached a record 4,759,471, the highest ever for a first quarter. This represents a 23% increase compared to the same period the previous year, setting a new record despite negative factors such as the outbreak of war in the Middle East in March.

In fact, during the reporter's visit to the store, Japanese and Chinese guidance signs were placed near the tax-free devices. Store employees were repeatedly checking routes for assisting foreign tourists.

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