SOUTH KOREA. Lotte Duty Free yesterday introduced a robotic bartender at its Gimpo International Airport liquor and tobacco store in Seoul, a first in the country’s duty-free sector.
The innovative concept was first rolled out at the retailer’s location in Changi Airport in 2023, where it garnered a strong customer response.
The robotic bartender was developed in partnership with Doosan Robotics, one of the leading companies in the domestic collaborative robot industry.
To celebrate the launch, Lotte Duty Free’s Gimpo Airport store is offering a robotic bartender drink tasting voucher to customers who purchase featured liquors such as Hennessy and Glenfiddich during a sampling event.
Customers can either select their preferred liquor to sample or receive a recommendation from the robot bartender.
The robotic bartender uses AI to analyse the customer’s facial expressions and emotions, suggesting drinks that match their mood. The service is available in Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese.
As reported, the retailer was awarded the liquor and tobacco concession (DF2) at Gimpo International Airport following a competitive tender in March 2024.
This makes Lotte Duty Free the exclusive retailer at the airport, managing all categories, including cosmetics, fragrances and other (DF1) business rights, which it has managed since 2022.
Lotte Duty Free officially opened its Gimpo liquor and tobacco store in December. The store features a Champagne section, Les Caves de Champagne, near the entrance, showcasing premium Champagne brands such as Krug and Dom Pérignon.
The retailer’s liquor & tobacco offer features more than 100 global brands, including premium Japanese whisky House of Suntory, Johnnie Walker, Ballantine’s and Royal Salute, as well as tobacco products from KT&G and Philip Morris. ✈
