Robots, Ramen, and K-Food: The Convenience Store of the Future in Insadong
When you think of Insadong, images of traditional Korean tea houses, antique shops, and calligraphy stores probably come to mind. But right in the heart of this historic cultural hub is something new, unexpected for many tourists I imagine, and quite futuristic: Ground Blue 49 (그라운드블루49).
This futuristic convenience store feels more like a playground of possibilities than your typical corner shop. If you’ve heard of robots and want to see how they are actually being utilized in everyday life, this is a good stop to make.
Get ready to see the future of convenience stores in Seoul. Robots are trending and you’ll see why:
- Basic Info
- A Convenience Store Like You’ve Never Seen Before
- The Three Zones You Need to Explore
- Why You Need to Visit Ground Blue 49
- Insadong Should Be On Your Seoul Itinerary Already
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Basic Info
Address: 49 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울시 종로구 인사동길 49)
Directions: You’ll find this GS25 in the Anyoung Insa (안녕인사), also called Hello Insa, building. This is a culture complex so you’ll want to check out the other great shops and cafes in the building.
A Convenience Store Like You’ve Never Seen Before
You can’t walk a block in Korea without finding a convenience store. They’re not just places to stop in and quickly out, though you absolutely can do that, but you can hang around and eat and drink.
The companies behind the popular stops for Koreans are really amping up their game these days with CU going in hard on their ramyeon holdings like in the Ramyeon Library in Hongdae and now GS is focusing on robotics.
Ground Blue 49 is 220 square meters of interactive food fun. The name itself reflects its playful concept: “Ground” for its playground-like vibe, “Blue” for GS25’s iconic color, and “49” from the mall’s postal address.
The entrance might make you think you haven’t entered a convenience store at all. It’s a robot ice cream scooper, an AI-powered latte maker, a robot pizza machine and a cotton candy vending machine.
Turn the corner, and then you’ll see a more convenience store-like interior. Being in a touristy area, the products are very popular and foreign-interested K-food focused.
The Three Zones You Need to Explore
This isn’t just a convenience store; it’s a testbed for the future of retail. Curious about what’s on offer? Let’s dive into the zones that make Ground Blue 49 such a standout spot in Seoul.
Food Made By The Robots
In the Tech Zone, you can watch a pizza robot prepare your meal to perfection, an ice cream machine craft swirls, and a latte robot create picture-perfect coffee art (for a lot cheaper than you’ll find at some of those famous robotics cafes in Seoul). Decide what you want to try and watch the robot arms whip everything up.
K-Food Station: A Taste of Korea
This is where Korean snacks and beverages take center stage. Whether you’re a longtime fan of banana milk, sikhye (a traditional sweet rice punch), or crispy sheets of gim (dried seaweed), the K-Food Station has something for everyone. The store even provides recommendations for pairing these popular items, so you can snack like a local.
Not sure where to start? Grab a pouch coffee and a pack of HBAF nuts—a go-to combo among locals and tourists alike.
K-Noodle Challenge: How Spicy Can You Go?
Ramen lovers, prepare yourselves. The K-Noodle Challenge Station is where you’ll find the most iconic Korean ramen. With options categorized by spice level—from mild to “call-the-fire-department” hot—you can pick a bowl that suits your palate (or your sense of adventure).
This zone taps into the global craze for Korean ramen challenges, where brave souls test their spice tolerance.
Why You Need to Visit Ground Blue 49
Ground Blue 49 isn’t just a store; it’s an experience. Grab a quick snack, try out the AI-powered gadgets, or challenge your taste buds, there’s definitely something here that will surprise everyone that visits.
Insadong Should Be On Your Seoul Itinerary Already
Insadong is always a good district to have on your Seoul itinerary. There is history, culture, cafes, and now robots too. It’s a place where the past meets the future, and where every visit feels like a mini adventure.
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