[THE INVESTOR] Shinsegae vice chairman  Chung Yong-jin made headlines in 2014 when he became the first Korean to own a Tesla car.

He is now looking to house Tesla’s first dealership in one of Shinsegae’s latest masterpieces -- Starfield Hanam shopping mall in Gyeonggi Province.

 

Shinsegae Group said it is still waiting for the final go-ahead from Tesla, but sources believe the two sides are close to reaching a deal.

“We understand that the discussions are in the final stages,” said one source close to Shinsegae, declining to be identified.

The dealership for the American electric car maker is poised to open in Korea as early as November.

One tricky issue for Tesla in entering Korea involves charging.

Using Tesla’s Supercharger -- which can be connected to power outlets -- the cars can replenish half the battery in about 20 minutes.

Korea would have to figure out a way to house the chargers.

Earlier, Tesla was reportedly considering Lotte as another partner candidate. But the talks are said to have fallen apart.

By KimJi-hyun (jemmie@heraldcorp.com)