KR — 전자신문
"Stuck in the Parking Lot for 5 Hours": What Happened at Shinsegae Department Store's Gangnam Branch?
Policy1 min read
Heavy rain and weekend traffic trapped drivers in the parking lot of Shinsegae Department Store's Gangnam branch in Seoul for more than five hours. The store says no accident happened; the delay came from jammed roads outside.
What happened
Heavy rain fell on Seoul, and the roads near the Shinsegae Department Store Gangnam branch became badly jammed. Cars could not leave the store's parking lot, so some customers were stuck for more than five hours. The store kept repeating an announcement that exit was slow because of traffic outside.
Key facts
- Exit delays began around 5 p.m. on the day before the report (reported on the 19th).
- One shopper, a man in his 40s, said he had been waiting since 4:40 p.m.
- The parking lot temperature was over 40 degrees Celsius, according to one shopper.
- Road jams in the area began to ease around 10 p.m.
- The store said customers still in the lot could leave the next day without extra parking fees.
Why this area is busy
The store is next to the Express Bus Terminal and Express Bus Terminal Station. Many cars already pass through this area every day. On a rainy weekend, that traffic gets much worse.
Why it matters
This shows how a sudden storm and heavy weekend traffic can trap people for hours, even when nothing breaks inside a building. Shoppers complained on social media, and the store had to step in with fee relief and updates.
What to watch
- Whether the store changes its exit plans for heavy rain or busy weekends.
- Whether road traffic around Banpo and the bus terminal area improves in future storms.
- Whether more customers report similar delays.
Glossary
- Shinsegae Department Store
- A large department store chain in South Korea that sells clothing, goods, and food.