Lotte Mall Time Villas: Redefining Shopping and Leisure for Expats in Daegu

The Genesis of a Retail Giant in Daegu

Back in December 2017, Lotte Group, one of South Korea's largest conglomerates, set its sights on Suseong Alpha City in Daegu. Their vision? To cook up a shopping mall that would outdo even the impressive Daegu Shinsegae in scale and grandeur. For those of us who've been hanging out in Daegu for a while, this news was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. Could Daegu really pull off another mega mall? And how would it spice up our adopted city?

Video of Time Villas Uiwang, to give an example of what Time Villas Suseong might look like.

Overcoming Hurdles



Initially, the project was gearing up to break ground in 2018 with a grand opening planned for 2020. However, as we all know too well, the world had other plans. The COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench into the works, causing significant delays. But if there's one thing we've picked up about Korea during our time here, it's that setbacks are often seen as challenges to tackle rather than roadblocks.

Thanks to renewed efforts by the Daegu city government and strong political backing, the project found its second wind. While the scale was slightly dialed back from the original plans, the commitment to creating something truly special remained unwavering. The revised plans still promised a substantial development spanning 37,000 square meters, with ambitious goals of drawing in over 20 million visitors annually and drumming up more than 8,000 jobs.

Design Evolution: From Concept to Reality



One of the most fascinating aspects of the Time Villas project has been watching its design evolve. As expats, we're often clued in to the changing face of our adopted cities, and Time Villas has been no exception. The design has gone through several iterations, each reflecting changing trends and practical considerations.

On October 31, 2023, a new concept was rolled out that emphasized outdoor spaces, a lower building height, and a horizontal expansion. This shift in design philosophy seemed to strike a chord with many of us who have come to appreciate Korea's balance of urban development and green spaces.

The Final Vision Emerges



Fast forward to July 25, 2024, and we saw the unveiling of the finalized design. The latest plans have beefed up the project even further, now including five stories above ground and two below, with a total area of 303,474 square meters. For those of us used to thinking in Western measurements, that's over 3.2 million square feet – truly a colossal undertaking.

One aspect that particularly worth noting was the tacking on of a separate seven-story parking structure. As anyone who's tried to park in a busy Korean city center knows, this is a welcome addition that should make visits to Time Villas much more of a breeze for both locals and tourists.

A New Retail Landscape for Daegu



For years, Daegu Shinsegae has been the local mecca for both serious shopping and casual browsing. Its dominance in the local retail scene has been unquestioned – until now. The imminent arrival of Lotte Mall Time Villas is set to stir things up in a big way.

As expats, we're often on the lookout for a taste of home alongside uniquely Korean experiences. The competition between these two retail giants promises to ramp up the shopping experience in Daegu, providing us with a wider variety of international brands and local offerings under one roof.

Economic Ripples in Suseong-gu

The economic impact of Time Villas can't be overstated. With promises of significant job creation and economic stimulation, we're likely to see a revitalization of the entire Suseong district. For those of us living in the area, this could mean improved infrastructure, more diverse dining options, and a general uptick in the quality of life.

For travelers, the development translates into more reasons to pencil in Daegu on their itinerary. The promise of world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment options all in one location makes Time Villas a potential draw for tourists who might otherwise have passed over Daegu in favor of more well-known destinations like Seoul or Busan.

More Than Just Shopping: A Cultural Hub



One of the most exciting aspects of the Time Villas project is its promise to be more than just another shopping mall. Taking cues from global trends, Lotte is weaving in cultural, experiential, leisure, and healing elements into the design. For expats and long-term residents, this means we'll have a new go-to spot for entertainment that goes beyond mere retail therapy.

The mall is set to play host to a range of activities and events, potentially becoming a focal point for both community gatherings and tourist attractions. Imagine dropping in on international food festivals, catching outdoor movie screenings, or taking part in cultural exchange events, all within the confines of this new urban oasis.

Architect and Design

Leonard Design, a globally renowned UK firm, was appointed as the design architect for Lotte Mall Time Villas Suseong in Daegu. This firm is known for its work on significant projects like Westfield London, bringing international expertise to the Daegu project.

The architectural concept for Time Villas Suseong is grounded in three main ideas:

1. Positioning of an eco-friendly outdoor space alongside a pavilion
2. Use of unique and nature-inspired designs for indoor and outdoor spaces
3. Creation of spaces that offer diverse cultural experiences

A Nod to Daegu's Natural Beauty



What's particularly striking about the design of Time Villas is how it aims to incorporate elements of Daegu's natural landscape. The unique appearance of the top layer is said to channel the colorful curves of the mountainous areas surrounding Daegu, with specific nods to the mysterious Palgongsan Rocks.

For those of us who've fallen for Daegu's blend of urban convenience and natural beauty, this architectural homage feels like a thoughtful touch. It's a reminder that even as the city grows and modernizes, it doesn't have to lose touch with its roots.

Nature-Inspired Design Elements



The design of Time Villas Suseong draws inspiration from Daegu's natural scenery, including Palgongsan Mountain and Biseulsan Mountain. The unique appearance of the top layer expresses the colorful curves of the mountainous area in Daegu and embodies the mysterious aesthetics of Palgongsan.

A distinctive feature is the square that connects indoor and outdoor spaces, planned to be implemented in a unique form inspired by the Sutaegol Valley. Various event spaces within the complex take cues from local natural attractions, such as the "Biseulsan Mountain Cherry Blossom Garden."

Getting There: Accessibility is Key



One of the smartest moves in the planning of Time Villas has been its integration with Daegu's public transportation system. The mall's location between Daegu Metro Line 2's Daegongwon and Gosan stations ensures easy access for both locals and tourists.

There are even plans in the pipeline to extend Line 3 to include a new station right in front of the mall, though these are still pending approval. As expats who've come to rely on Korea's efficient public transportation, this level of accessibility is a huge plus.

For the Drivers Among Us



While public transport in Korea is exemplary, many expats and visitors still prefer the convenience of driving. The inclusion of a seven-story parking structure addresses this need head-on. No more circling blocks looking for a spot or squeezing into tight underground lots – a common frustration in many Korean cities.

Other Time Villas in Korea



While the Daegu project is still under construction, there's another Time Villas already operational in Korea - the Lotte Premium Outlet in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province. This outlet, which opened in September 2021, offers some insights into the Time Villas concept:

1. Scale and Offerings: The Uiwang Time Villas features 245 brands spread across 175,200 square meters, with two floors above ground and two basement floors.
2. Unique Architectural Features: The mall includes 10 "glass houses" with glass walls, housing different brands including a popular bakery café and a premium golf store.
3. Nature Integration: To enhance the natural feel, the Uiwang outlet has a trail with a thousand birch trees and a grass square for picnics.
4. Weather-Proof Design: Unlike most outlet malls, the Uiwang Time Villas has a roof that can be opened and closed, allowing for comfortable shopping regardless of weather conditions.
5. Family-Friendly Amenities: The mall caters to families with over 30 kids' brands, an indoor trampoline park, and playgrounds.
6. Specialized Zones: There's a focus on golf, with 17 golf brands and practice spaces available.

These features from the Time Villas Uiwang give us a glimpse of what we might expect from the Daegu project, albeit on a larger scale and with adaptations specific to Daegu's landscape and community needs.

While specific details about the brands and restaurants at Time Villas Suseong are not yet available, the offerings at the Lotte Premium Outlet Time Villas in Uiwang provide a good indication of what to expect. We can anticipate a mix of high-end international brands, diverse dining options, and unique architectural features that enhance the overall shopping and dining experience. As the project progresses, more detailed information about the specific brands and culinary experiences at Time Villas Suseong will likely be revealed.