Shinsegae Department Store Expands Experiential Content for VIPs with Temple Stays

Shinsegae Department Store has successfully concluded its "Shinsegae Gourmet Appreciation" temple stay program, designed exclusively for its VIP customers. The event, held over two days at Baegyangsa Temple in Jangseong, South Jeolla Province, offered participants a unique blend of gourmet dining, relaxation, and cultural immersion.

The program featured Jeong Kwan, a celebrated temple food master who gained international recognition through the Netflix documentary "Chef's Table." Shinsegae curated the experience as a premium offering, integrating elements of fine dining, tranquility, and traditional temple culture. To ensure a seamless and private experience, the department store collaborated with its premium travel platform, Via Shinsegae, arranging exclusive transportation, venue access, and accommodation.

Participants engaged in various temple activities, including tea ceremonies with the head monk, bell-ringing, and making prayer beads. A highlight was the exclusive dining experience where Jeong Kwan prepared a multi-course meal using seasonal ingredients, showcasing the refined artistry of Korean temple cuisine. The program also included a Tibetan mandala class, and attendees received gifts such as homemade fermented sauces, pickles, and signed books from Jeong Kwan.

This initiative is part of Shinsegae's broader strategy to expand differentiated, experiential content for its VIP clientele. By combining elements of gastronomy, travel, and culture, the department store aims to cater to the evolving lifestyles of its high-value customers. Lee Seong-hwan, head of sales strategy at Shinsegae Department Store, stated, "'Shinsegae Gourmet Appreciation' was planned as a premium content that allows for an in-depth experience of Shinsegae's unique Korean traditional culture, temple food, and relaxation." He added that the company plans to continue developing new lifestyle-oriented content to foster customer loyalty.

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This 'Shinsegae Gourmet Appreciation' was planned as a premium content that allows for an in-depth experience of Shinsegae's unique Korean traditional culture, temple food, and relaxation.