The International Costco That Was Once A Prison

IliasTravel2025-07-0164510
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Costco has come a long way since its first warehouse opened in Seattle in 1983. Since then, it has revolutionized bulk shopping, fought off (almost literally) the capitalistic vultures who sought to increase the price of its beloved (and cheap) food court hot dogs, and spread around the globe. In that international expansion, there have been some unusual stores that have popped up, but maybe no setting is more unusual than the Gocheok location in South Korea.

If you thought the 2006 film "Idiocracy" showed the most dystopian version of Costco, welcome to a store that sits in the remnants of a once-notorious jail.The Yeongdeungpo Prison, located in Seoul's Guro District, opened in 1949 and was a prominent correctional facility. It housed political prisoners, among others. One of the most famous events in the prison's history involved pro-democracy activist Park Jong-cheol, whose death by torture at the hands of anti-Communist police helped galvanize the 1987 June Uprising that brought about the end of the authoritarian regime of Chun Doo-hwan and the introduction of democracy to South Korea. A crucial figure in this was a Yeongdeungpo prisoner named Lee Bu-young, who was secretary general of the United People's Movement for Democracy and Unification. Guards informed him about the police's cover-up of Jong-cheol's death, information he relayed to outside activists, leading to an exposé that lit a fire under the nation.

The prison was closed in 2014 to be converted into a residential and commercial area. It was here that, many years later, Costco would enter the picture.

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Read more: 13 Costco Bakery Desserts, Ranked

Costco's Expansion Into South Korea

A South Korean Costco food court menu - Jimmy Kim / YouTube

Costco's international expansion began in 1985, when it opened a location in Burnaby, British Columbia. After that success, it moved south of the border, opening its first Mexico location in 1992 — though not the Costco in Mexico that features a natural cenote. The company then expanded to the United Kingdom before, in 1994, it was ready to tackle the Asian marketplace with a flagship location in Seoul, South Korea.

The Gocheok branch of Costco opened in October 2022, making it the 18th of the 20 South Korean locations as of 2025. Situated in the hybrid residential-commercial complex that Yeongdeungpo Prison was converted into, it's the largest Costco in South Korea (though it remains smaller than Salt Lake City's record-holding location, which boasts an area of 235,000 square feet).

While it might not have Salt Lake's size, it does hold one advantage over the Beehive State branch: Costcos in Korea are allowed to serve alcohol samples.They also sell Korean specialties such as the distilled alcohol soju, prepared bulgogi, and beef seaweed soup.

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Read the original article on Food Republic.

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Barclay

The transformation from an abandoned prison into a thriving International Costco illustrates the power of adaptation and renewal in urban development, offering visitors both bargains galore under one roof while reminding them of history's resilience amidst modern consumerism.

2025-07-04 19:31:47 reply
Angelica

In a surprising twist, the hallowed halls of International Costco were once mistaken for an unofficial prison-a testament to its hidden charm and presumed exclusivity amidst locals who knew better than anyone that behind those brightly lit doors lay not just savings but occasional access Denied.

2025-07-12 19:40:03 reply
Bryant

Incredible transformation from a former prison to an International Costco, showcasing both resilience and the power of redevelopment.

2025-07-12 19:40:18 reply
Granger

An unlikely yet fascinating transformation: From a former prison to an iconic International Costco, showcasing the power of reclamation and commerce.

2025-07-12 19:40:32 reply
Perry

The fantastic transformation of that once-dreaded International Costco into an exhilarating shopping experience, much like turning a prison's somber walls to the brightly lit hallways filled with must-have merchandises.

2025-07-12 22:52:37 reply
Davion

An unassuming International Costco turned revered prison due to its unique history; a testament of both the store's resilience and human nature in adversity.

2025-07-14 08:41:59 reply
Landen

A remarkable tale of redemption, 'The International Costco That Was Once A Prison' recounts the transformation from a place once shrouded in darkness to become an enlightened hub for global shopping and community. An inspiring testament that hope springs even amidst adversity.

2025-07-19 12:24:51 reply
Kenny

A thought-provoking recount of how an International Costco superstore once served as a temporary prison, shedding light on the unconventional roles commerce spaces can take within our evolving world.

2025-07-20 17:15:31 reply
Pierce

The transformation from a former prison to an upscale International Costco is nothing short of remarkable, proving t just how versatile and iconic infrastructure can be reborn for the better.

2025-07-20 17:15:46 reply
Tate

A captivating narrative of how the infamous international Costco warehouse club morphed from a former prison into an emblematic mall-based destination, showcasing its remarkable transformation and today's charm.

2025-07-20 17:16:06 reply

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