MOK already occupies 18,000 square metres with an investment of Bt1 billion in the K-District project at Show DC in Bangkok. MOK will manage and scout for more tenants, particularly small and medium-sized businesses from South Korea to expand their business in Thailand and across the world.

Sarah Kim, chairman of the executive committee of MOK, said MOK would open the first project in Bangkok at Show DC this year. It also plans to open about 10 branches throughout Southeast Asia as well as in other continents.

MOK is a Korean global content provider, and it exports and/or operates Korean contents, such as retail brands, food and beverage, K-culture, with online and offline shopping mall partners from all over the world.

With top Korean experts from various fields and the close relationship with the Korean entertainment network, it will provide Hallyu (K-Wave) and Korean brands overseas, including an academy, beauty, clinic, gym and so on.

Under the MOK, there are several sub-brands and subsidiaries for the business as such K District-Korean walking street (a combination of Korean brands, current Seoul fashion, cosmetics and lifestyle products multi-store, MOK Hall, Korean Celebrities’ food and beverage stores, and K-Super – a Korean Supermarket.

The K District at Show DC in Bangkok will officially open its doors on November 18, aiming to woo shoppers who fancy Korean brands and culture.

Visitors from all over the world can enjoy Korean culture and Korean brands and products acclaimed by top Korean designers at one spot, which will represent Seoul streets like Myeongdong, Dongdaemun and Hongdae.

Some highlights at the largest K-district abroad will include PSY Noodle House, After The Rain, and BTS’ Brick Cafe, Lotte Duty Free.

Chayaditt Hutanuwatra, chairman of Show DC Corp, said after launching the first project in Bangkok with Show DC, said the company and MOK would actively focus on further expansion in Southeast Asia. Chiang Mai in the North, Phuket in the South of Thailand, as well as Kuala Lumpur are set to begin operations in 2017. It aims to expand to more than 12 shopping malls in Southeast Asia and a few more in each continent.

Steve Shin, chief executive officer and owner of Hotel Twenty Eight, one of the best small luxury hotels especially in the Myeongdong area, said he was interested in expanding the hotel business in Thailand, but a decision is yet to be made.

Currently, Shin is working with YG Republique, one of the top entertainment companies in South Korea, to operate YG Republique K Pub Myeongdong. YG Republique will soon open a fully integrated authentic entertainment complex at Show DC.

According to Chayaditt, 93 per cent of space has been reserved by more than 400 branded stores, including entrepreneurs from South Korea. Major factors for the success are the popularity of K-wave and Korean entertainment in Thailand and the growing tourism industry. It expects to attract 100,000 visitors per day.

“Many small and medium-sized companies need to grow in overseas market due to tough competition and difficulty in expanding in the domestic market.

“Thailand is a good place for Korea to offer entertainment and shopping,” he added.

He said the tourist market would be half of the entire market hence it is readying its first tourist lounge in the country. The company also plans to build a mid-range hotel, with 500 rooms, approximately worth Bt2 billion. The company has invested more than Bt9.5 billion, up from the initial budget of Bt6.2 billion.