By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Katerina Lygkoni from Greece

Public, one of Greece's biggest department stores and specializing in technology, music, books and arts, has opened a separate section for K-pop. Giving Greek K-Pop fans something to cheer about, Public provides in two separate stands next to classic or Greek music a large number of K-Pop selections. Its online store has even a larger selection of Korean pop to choose from, even notifying readers on a blog about K-Pop news and events using the hashtag #KPOP.

Opening its doors in 2005, Public has expanded to 55 stores in Greece and Cyprus. Known for its innovative and pioneering approach, the department store chain has perceptively forecast the huge market for K-Pop among Greek youths in setting up the K-pop section. Several of its stores have installed large screens on top of the section's shelves to exclusively show K-Pop videos.

On a bright day, I visited Public’s flagship store, which is housed in one of the most beautiful neoclassical buildings in the heart of Athens. Built in 1911, it is right across the Greek parliamentary building, Old Royal Palace, at Syntagma Square as one of the few neoclassical beauties saved from demolition during years of heavy construction. The central square is the first spot foreign travelers see in Athens when arriving from the airport by bus or subway.


On the floor for music and movies, the Public store has around the stands for Greek, jazz and classical music two sections for K-Pop CDs and albums. After finishing shopping for K-Pop music, a stop by the hidden coffee shop on the store rooftop is a must. Not only it is a quiet oasis from the bustling square and store, but also has a breathtaking view of the Greek parliamentary building and Mount Ymittos.

Public stores are also selling tickets to the concert of the Korean group IMFACT on April 21. My hope is that other stores in Greece will follow this strategy and offer not only K-Pop selections but other hit Hallyu products sought after by the growing number K-Wave fans and Koreanphiles in Greece.

For more information, click the links below:
https://www.public.gr/cat/music/kseno-repertorio/k-pop/
https://blog.public.gr/tag/k-pop/


wisdom117@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.