“Queen of Tears,” Featuring The Hyundai Department Stores and Mega Coffee

The Hyundai Seoul and The Hyundai Daegu, the Queens Department Stores appearing in the drama “Queen of Tears,” have become a hot topic. Naturally, since the protagonist appears as the owner of Queens Department Store, scenes set in the department store frequently occur in this drama.

The Rooftop Garden of Queens Department Store

The location filmed as the rooftop garden of Queens Department Store is Ilwol Arboretum in Suwon.

It is filled with beautiful plants all around. Inside the arboretum, where nature can be felt up close, there’s a cafe that adds to the atmosphere with the aroma of coffee. There’s also a place where you can buy plants directly.

Scanning the QR code on the entrance ticket opens the door leading out of the arboretum.

There are three recommended courses, and the time required varies slightly from 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes.

As soon as you exit, you can see a greenhouse and a large fountain, and the size is quite substantial. In the greenhouse, you can observe and enjoy over 300 types of plants. Entering the greenhouse, the warm temperature welcomes you, and the aroma of plants makes you feel good. The plants hanging from the ceiling in various places are also very beautiful.

Website of Ilwol Arboretum in Suwon

Where to Stay

Novotel Ambassador Suwon

Features:

• A luxurious 5-star hotel offering modern and spacious rooms.
• Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and city views.
• The hotel features multiple dining options, including a buffet restaurant and a bar.
• Facilities include a fitness center, a sauna, and meeting rooms.
• Conveniently located near Suwon Station, providing easy access to transportation.

How to Get There:

• Approximately a 20-minute drive from Ilwol Arboretum.
• Address: 902, Deogyeong-daero, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
• Making a Reservation

Holiday Inn Express Suwon Ingye

Features:

• A 4-star hotel offering comfortable and modern rooms.
• Rooms include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and work desks.
• The hotel provides a complimentary breakfast buffet and has an on-site restaurant.
• Facilities include a fitness center and a business center.
• Ideal for both business and leisure travelers.

How to Get There:

• About a 15-minute drive from Ilwol Arboretum.
• Address: 116, Ingye-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
• Making a Reservation

Ibis Suwon Ambassador

Features:

• A 3-star hotel offering cozy and stylish rooms.
• Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars.
• The hotel features an on-site restaurant, a bar, and a café.
• Facilities include a fitness center, meeting rooms, and a business center.
• Convenient location near shopping and dining areas.

How to Get There:

• Approximately a 20-minute drive from Ilwol Arboretum.
• Address: 132, Kwonkwang-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
• Making a Reservation

Reborn Suwon Silkroad Hotel

Features:

• A 3.5-star hotel offering comfortable and well-appointed rooms.
• Rooms include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars.
• The hotel has an on-site restaurant and provides a breakfast buffet.
• Facilities include a fitness center, meeting rooms, and a business center.
• Suitable for both business and leisure travelers.

How to Get There:

• About a 15-minute drive from Ilwol Arboretum.
• Address: 1022-1, Ingye-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
• Making a Reservation

Department Stores Featured in “Queen of Tears”

The Queens Department Store scenes in this drama were mainly shot at The Hyundai Seoul. This place is a department store located in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, and has garnered attention for its groundbreaking interior space and facilities, receiving acclaim from numerous media and fashion magazines as presenting the future of Korean department stores. In 2023, it achieved an annual sales breakthrough of 1 trillion won in the shortest time ever. Similarly, in the drama, the character Lee Hae-in, the owner of Queens, is depicted as striving to join the “1 trillion club.”

The party scene in episode 2 of “Tears of the Queen” is also a hot topic. This scene was shot at The Hyundai Daegu, located in Jung-gu, Daegu, and at the complex cultural space “The Forum Hyameaon.”

The Hyundai Seoul In “Queen of Tears”: An Innovative Department Store in Yeouido

• Location and Access: Situated in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, The Hyundai Seoul is just a 5-minute walk from Yeouido Station on Subway Line 5.
• Website:The Hyundai Seoul Official Website
• Exterior Features:
• The Hyundai Seoul features a modern architectural design that stands out amidst the skyscrapers of Yeouido. Its facade is a blend of glass and metal, reflecting the urban landscape.
• The building is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring green spaces and water elements that contribute to its eco-friendly image.
• Interior Features:
• Inside, The Hyundai Seoul offers an upscale shopping experience, with floors dedicated to luxury fashion brands, beauty products, electronics, and more.
• The department store is also known for its “Culture Garden,” a large, open space that hosts various cultural events and art exhibitions.
• Gourmet options abound, from fine dining restaurants to casual cafes and a food hall offering a wide variety of cuisines.
• The interior design emphasizes space and light, with high ceilings and wide aisles that create a comfortable shopping environment.

Where to Stay in Yeouido

Conrad Seoul

Features:

• A luxurious 5-star hotel offering elegant and spacious rooms with stunning views of the Han River.
• Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and premium bedding.
• The hotel features multiple dining options, including a buffet restaurant, a steakhouse, and a bar.
• Facilities include a fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, a spa, and meeting rooms.
• Located in the heart of Yeouido, with easy access to major attractions and business districts.

How to Get There:

• About a 10-minute walk from Hyundai Department Store Yeouido.
• Address: 10 Gukjegeumyung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
• Making a Reservation

Marriott Executive Apartments Seoul

 Features:

• A 5-star serviced apartment offering fully furnished one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.
• Apartments include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, fully equipped kitchens, and in-room laundry facilities.
• The property features an on-site restaurant, a bar, and a café.
• Facilities include a fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, and meeting rooms.
• Ideal for extended stays and family travelers.

How to Get There:

• About a 15-minute walk from Hyundai Department Store Yeouido.
• Address: 8 Yeoui-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
• Making a Reservation

GLAD Yeouido

Features:

• A 4-star hotel offering modern and stylish rooms with contemporary décor.
• Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars.
• The hotel features an on-site restaurant, a bar, and a café.
• Facilities include a fitness center, a business center, and meeting rooms.
• Conveniently located near major financial institutions and shopping areas.

How to Get There:

• About a 5-minute walk from Hyundai Department Store Yeouido.
• Address: 16 Uisadang-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
• Making a Reservation

Kobos Hotel

Features:

• A 3-star hotel offering comfortable and affordable rooms.
• Rooms include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars.
• The hotel provides a complimentary breakfast buffet.
• Facilities include a business center and free parking.
• Suitable for budget-conscious travelers.

How to Get There:

• Approximately a 10-minute walk from Hyundai Department Store Yeouido.
• Address: 9 Gukhoe-daero 72-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
• Making a Reservation

The Hyundai Daegu In “Queen of Tears” A Space Where Culture Breathes

• Location and Access: Located in the heart of Daegu, The Hyundai Daegu is about a 10-minute walk from Banwoldang Station on Subway Line 2.
• Website:The Hyundai Daegu Official Website
• Exterior Features:
• The exterior of The Hyundai Daegu Department Store is modern and welcoming, with a design that blends seamlessly with the urban environment of Daegu.
• It features a combination of glass and steel, giving it a contemporary look that attracts shoppers.
• Interior Features:
• The interior of the department store is spacious and elegantly designed, with a layout that makes it easy to navigate the various sections and boutiques.
• It hosts a range of luxury and high-end brands, along with a selection of dining options that cater to diverse tastes.
• The department store also includes cultural spaces for events and exhibitions, enhancing the shopping experience with artistic and cultural offerings.

Where to Stay in Daegu

Novotel Ambassador Daegu

Features:

• A luxurious 4-star hotel offering modern and spacious rooms.
• Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and city views.
• The hotel features an on-site restaurant, a bar, and a café.
• Facilities include a fitness center, a sauna, and meeting rooms.
• Conveniently located near major shopping and dining areas.

How to Get There:

• About a 5-minute drive or a 10-minute walk from Hyundai Department Store Daegu.
• Address: 611, Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea.
• Making a Reservation

Hotel Inter-Burgo Daegu

Features:

• A 5-star hotel offering elegant and luxurious rooms.
• Rooms include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars.
• The hotel features multiple dining options, including Korean, Western, and Chinese restaurants.
• Facilities include a fitness center, a swimming pool, a sauna, and meeting rooms.
• Located in a serene area, perfect for both relaxation and business.

How to Get There:

• Approximately a 15-minute drive from Hyundai Department Store Daegu.
• Address: 212, Palhyeon-gil, Suseong-gu, Daegu, South Korea.
• Making a Reservation

Eldis Regent Hotel

Features:

• A 4-star hotel offering stylish and comfortable rooms.
• Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars.
• The hotel has an on-site restaurant, a bar, and a café.
• Facilities include a fitness center, a business center, and meeting rooms.
• Located near downtown Daegu, providing easy access to shopping and entertainment.

How to Get There:

• About a 10-minute walk from Hyundai Department Store Daegu.
• Address: 2033, Dalgubeol-daero, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea.
• Making a Reservation

Hotel Laonzena

Features:

• A 4-star hotel offering modern and well-appointed rooms.
• Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars.
• The hotel features an on-site restaurant, a bar, and a café.
• Facilities include a fitness center, a sauna, and meeting rooms.
• Located in a vibrant area with easy access to local attractions.

How to Get There:

• About a 10-minute drive from Hyundai Department Store Daegu.
• Address: 73, Beomeocheon-ro, Suseong-gu, Daegu, South Korea.
• Making a Reservation

The Highest Sales In The World: Shinsegae Department Store’s Gangnam Branch

Then, which department store do you think has the highest sales in the world, even though it wasn’t featured in this drama?

It’s Shinsegae Department Store’s Gangnam branch in Korea. It surpassed Isetan Department Store in Tokyo, Japan, and Galeries Lafayette in Paris, France, to become the world’s number one in sales in 2022.

The biggest reason is said to be the luxury shopping by Koreans after the coronavirus outbreak. This indicates that Koreans’ economic power has increased and they love luxury goods. Moreover, the frequency of Korea achieving first place in various fields around the world is increasing, raising global interest in Korea itself.

Website: Shinsegae Department Store

Why Does the Drama’s Protagonist Choose Mega Coffee In “Queen of Tears”?

However, in such a global Korean context and within the luxury drama “Queen of Tears” conglomerates, the coffee frequently drunk by the superstar protagonist, Kim Su-hyun, stands out. This coffee isn’t from the globally beloved Starbucks or luxury coffee shops; it’s from ‘Mega Coffee,’ a popular and inexpensive option in Korea at the moment.

So why does the drama’s conglomerate protagonist drink “Mega Coffee”?

In fact, the current level of coffee consumption and love for coffee in Korea is global. However, the coffee that Koreans used to drink in the past was a bit different from the whole bean coffee that Koreans enjoy today. In 2017, the “mix coffee” was ranked fifth in the “Inventions That Shined in Korea” survey by the Korean Intellectual Property Office, indicating that the representative image and taste of coffee for Koreans were the sweet, creamy milk coffee taste and the instant “mix coffee.” Before that, similar coffee shop, Dabang(다방) was already a trend nationwide.

Then, in 1988, the first specialty coffee shop, “Jardin,” introduced espresso and cappuccino brewed with whole beans in Apgujeong-dong, and subsequently, in 1999, Starbucks opened its first store in front of Ewha Womans University, becoming a part of Koreans’ daily lives.

Afterward, several whole bean coffee specialty brands were launched, and “Mega Coffee” is one of them, being a mid-to-low-priced popular coffee franchise. You can enjoy the cheapest Americano for about 1 dollar there.

The reason Kim Su-hyun enjoys 1-dollar coffee in the drama”Queen of Tears”is probably due to his background of growing up. In the drama, he grows up in a rural village, where he probably did not have the environment to taste luxurious whole bean coffee. And since people’s tastes do not change easily, it’s highly possible that the coffee preference he enjoyed during his growth years did not suddenly change even after becoming a conglomerate. Especially, the addictive nature of Korean mix coffee makes it even less likely for tastes to change.

In fact, I have seen many foreign visitors here try the sweet mix coffee once and say they’ve never tried coffee that is so delicious and has a strong caffeine effect, and thereafter, they consume three bags of mix coffee in one cup every day.

Alternatively, perhaps the drama writer wanted to show that not everything about a man who suddenly becomes a conglomerate changes, especially aspects related to human nature like food. Thus, Kim Soo-hyun shows unchanging love for his woman and family until the end of the drama, and that’s why viewers love the character even more. It’s because this unchanging nature of love is exactly what people seek.

Mega Coffee: One of The Most Popular Coffee in South Korea

• Location: Operating stores nationwide, the nearest store can be found on theMega Coffee Official Website.
• Features: Mega Coffee is a popular coffee brand known for its affordable prices and rich flavors. In the drama, the superstar protagonist, Kim Soo-hyun, enjoys drinking Mega Coffee.

Thus, “The Tears of the Queens” weaves together the world’s greatest department store and affordable coffee, united by love, capturing the hearts of people worldwide.

Kim Soo-hyun’s Secret to Maintaining his Abs

How South Korea’s Top Celebrities like Kim Soo-hyun Stay Fit, Healthy, and Radiant”

Drinks and Food in the “Queen of Tears”

Drinks : The Elite Drinks of ‘Queen of Tears’ Chaebols

Food : The Memorial Day / Hein’s Choice of Rice for Her Husband

Other Filming Locations in The “Queen of Tears”

Locations in Germany

Sayuwon : The Hunting scene

Stone Age Art Museum : The mansion of the Queens Group conglomerate

Pearblossom Field In Asan : The helicopter scene

Sojeon Museum : The chairman of Queens Group’s Exhibition Room

Insightful Lines and Osts of the “Queen of Tears”

Lines and Osts

Other Dramas Starring Kim Soo-hyun

It’s Okay to Not be Okay

My Love from the Star

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