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Banks create culture space to attract young customers
People walk by H-PULSE, KEB Hana Bank's branch near the main gate of Hongik University. Coutesy of KEB Hana Bank
By Lee Kyung-min
By Lee Kyung-min
Korea's leading commercial banks are rushing to create a culture space in Hongdae, or the Hongik University area, to strengthen a future customer base.
The area in the northern part of Seoul, known for music, art and various other cultural activities, is frequented by those in their late teens and 20s.
KEB Hana Bank opened Hana members' lounge on the second floor of H-PULSE, the bank's branch near the main gate of Hongik University, Dec. 23.
The lounge is open to the public for cultural exhibitions. It can be used as a place for gatherings, seminars or study for those who have bank accounts.
“Hongdae is where young customers come to meet friends and go to music or art performances on the weekend. We thought creating a space for our customers to stay there would be a good idea,” a Hana official said.
A similar space Chungchun Maru created by KB Kookmin Bank has drawn over 180,000 visitors, only about a year-and-a-half after it opened in April 2018.
Originally the bank's Hongdae branch, the three-story building with a basement near Seokyo Elementary School was turned into a cultural space where KB customers can enjoy art and music performances as well as various learning activities.
The idea to create a space for young people was put forward by KB Kookmin Bank CEO Hur Yin and Yoon Jong-kyoo, the chairman of KB Financial Group.
The two have put much emphasis on providing services for people in their 20s, the new generation that will lead the country's growth.
KB won two awards for the building's outstanding design ― one from the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism in 2018 and the other from Seoul Metropolitan Government in 2019.
The strategy to create a place that offers a special experience over increasing only the number of branches took off, according to the bank.
“The place is popular with young customers, many of whom say it is comfortable to stay with many activities to take part in. We are happy that we can provide them a place to have fun and rest at the same time,” a KB official said.