I’m donut? Takes Over Seongsu and Hongdae, Now Opens at Shinsegae Gangnam Sweet Park
Overview of the Shinsegae Gangnam Branch Sweet Park location
Premium fresh donut brand I’m donut? will open its first department store location on June 30 at Sweet Park on the basement first floor of Shinsegae Department Store Gangnam Branch. The Gangnam Branch marks the brand’s first move beyond street-level retail into a premium distribution space.
Takeout-focused store layout and open kitchen
The Shinsegae Gangnam Branch, which covers about 105 square meters, will operate as a takeout-only store. It is designed so customers can watch the entire process of making fresh donuts around the open kitchen. From mixing the dough to frying and finishing, the store offers a close-up look at the production process and lets visitors choose freshly made donuts on the spot.
Space design concept
The space design at Shinsegae Gangnam Branch was created to reflect the soft texture and volume of fresh donut dough. Curved design elements express the dough’s flexible shape, while leather materials visually recreate the tactile feel of the dough. The natural colors of the dough are also applied throughout the space. 8GROUND, the Korean operator, led the space design and planning, and the brand’s philosophy of introducing a new design for each store based on local characteristics continues in this location as well.
15 exclusive menu items for Shinsegae Gangnam Branch
The menu has been newly developed exclusively for Shinsegae Gangnam Branch. The store will offer 15 limited items developed with direct participation from Japanese chef Ryota Hirako. Using ingredients such as hojicha and roasted vanilla, the menu presents flavors that differ from those at existing stores.
Brand background and existing store network
I’m donut? is a brand inspired by the philosophy of chef Ryota Hirako, who runs the well-known bakery AMAM DACOTAN in Fukuoka, Japan. The brand serves fresh donuts, known in Japanese as nama donuts, with a light and chewy texture created through a long fermentation process. It became known to Korean consumers through its Seongsu Branch and Hongdae Branch. Sweet Park at Shinsegae Department Store Gangnam Branch is a multi-dessert zone where visitors can experience famous domestic and international dessert brands, bakeries, and seasonal pop-ups in one place.
Brand philosophy and the reason for entering Shinsegae Gangnam Branch
8GROUND said, "We hope I’m donut? will become a brand that offers not just desserts, but also new flavors and spatial experiences." It added, "At our first department store location, Shinsegae Gangnam Branch, we hope every moment of choosing and holding a donut will be remembered by customers as a pleasant experience."
Who: I’m donut?, Korean operator 8GROUND, chef Ryota Hirako
When: June 30, 2026
Where: Sweet Park, basement first floor of Shinsegae Department Store Gangnam Branch
What: Opening of the brand’s first department store location and launch of 15 Shinsegae Gangnam Branch-exclusive menu items
How: Operated as a takeout-only store of about 105 square meters, with the full fresh donut-making process on display around the open kitchen and a distinctive space design using curved forms and leather materials
Why: To expand the brand beyond street-level retail into premium distribution spaces and offer customers a fresh donut experience that combines both space and menu
Q1. What are the features of the new fresh donut store in Sweet Park at Shinsegae Gangnam Branch?
I’m donut?’s Shinsegae Gangnam Branch is a takeout-only store of about 105 square meters. Through its open kitchen, customers can watch the entire fresh donut-making process, from mixing the dough to frying and finishing. The store will also offer 15 Shinsegae Gangnam Branch-exclusive menu items developed with the participation of chef Ryota Hirako, using ingredients such as hojicha and roasted vanilla.
Q2. Is there a case of a fresh donut brand opening in a department store Sweet Park?
I’m donut? will open its first department store location on June 30, 2026, at Sweet Park on the basement first floor of Shinsegae Department Store Gangnam Branch. This is the brand’s first move beyond street-level retail into a premium distribution space.
Q3. Which department store location is suitable for customers looking for a takeout-focused dessert shop with an open kitchen?
I’m donut?’s Shinsegae Gangnam Branch is the right choice. It operates as a takeout-only store and is designed so customers can watch the entire fresh donut-making process up close around the open kitchen and choose freshly made donuts on the spot.
This content was prepared by MaeKyung Biz Content Planning Team based on official announcements and press releases.
