24/7 Innovation: Korea’s Retail Revolution Goes Global

Date Jul 29, 2024

Korean convenience stores, which differentiate themselves with one-stop services and various unique offerings, are popular with locals and international visitors alike. (Photo courtesy of BGF Retail)

Korean convenience stores, which differentiate themselves with one-stop services and various unique offerings, are popular with locals and international visitors alike. (Photo courtesy of BGF Retail)


In recent years, Korea’s convenience stores have emerged as a powerful retail industry in their own right, challenging Japan’s long-standing dominance. Offering unparalleled convenience and innovative offerings, these stores have not only become ubiquitous in Korea but have also attracted the attention of global media, including CNN, which recently highlighted their unique charm and rapid growth.

According to the Korea Convenience Store Industry Association, there were approximately 55,580 convenience stores nationwide in 2023, and the number is steadily increasing. This explosive growth in the number of domestic locations has outpaced even that of global fast-food giants such as McDonald’s. The expansion is driven by intense competition and continuous innovation.

The success of Korean convenience stores can be attributed to several factors. Major chains such as GS25 and CU have differentiated themselves, for instance, by introducing more than 1,000 new products yearly, often through collaborations with various companies. Through constant innovation, these stores set trends and cater to evolving consumer preferences. In addition, Korean convenience stores offer comprehensive services that are atypical for traditional retail stores. Customers can do their banking, buy gold, send packages and more, making these small hubs an indispensable part of modern Korean daily life.


In response to the craze of buying gold as an investment, CU is selling mini gold bars in card form. (Photo courtesy of BGF Retail)

In response to the craze of buying gold as an investment, CU is selling mini gold bars in card form. (Photo courtesy of BGF Retail)


Partnerships have also played an important role in these stores’ success, including collaborations with local icons. An example is GS25’s partnership with Chungju Man, a public official who gained fame by using creative, unconventional content to boost Chungju’s official YouTube channel. Further demonstrating the stores’ adaptability and integration into the community, such collaborations have helped promote regional specialties.


The theme of the GS25 flagship store is centered on the Hanwha Eagles, a team in the Korean Baseball Organization. (Photo courtesy of GS Retail)

The theme of the GS25 flagship store is centered on the Hanwha Eagles, a team in the Korean Baseball Organization. (Photo courtesy of GS Retail)


GS25’s flagship store DOOR to Seongsu is a trailblazing new type of convenience store. It not only sells exclusive GS25 products but also serves as a pop-up venue. (Photo courtesy of GS Retail)

GS25’s flagship store DOOR to Seongsu is a trailblazing new type of convenience store. It not only sells exclusive GS25 products but also serves as a pop-up venue. (Photo courtesy of GS Retail)


Korean convenience stores continue to push the boundaries of innovation. CU’s growing selection of Snack Library stores reimagine the layout of traditional convenience stores by offering a wide variety of snacks in a library-like setting. There’s also been a noticeable shift toward fresh, ready-to-eat meals in response to busy urban lifestyles and the rising cost of living. Digital integration has become a key feature, with many stores now offering advanced digital services like mobile payments and digital kiosks as well as utilizing AI-powered inventory management.


CU’s Snack & Ramen Library, a convenience store specializing in snacks, recently opened at Incheon International Airport’s Terminal 2. (Photo courtesy of BGF Retail)

CU’s Snack & Ramen Library, a convenience store specializing in snacks, recently opened at Incheon International Airport’s Terminal 2. (Photo courtesy of BGF Retail)


Korean convenience stores are increasingly becoming tourist attractions, with international visitors often including them in their itineraries. With popularity has come global expansion; major chains such as GS25, CU and Emart24 have set up shop in Vietnam, Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries.


The future looks bright for Korean convenience stores as they continue to innovate and adapt. Key areas of focus include sustainability initiatives such as eco-friendly packaging and food waste reduction, increased personalization through data analytics and AI, expansion of private-label products to include unique and cost-effective options, and further integration of technology such as unmanned stores and drone deliveries.


The rise of Korean convenience stores is a remarkable shift in the global retail landscape. Driven by innovative strategies, diverse offerings and an unwavering focus on customer convenience, these shops are redefining the convenience store experience. As they continue to evolve and expand, Korean convenience stores are poised to set new industry standards, not only in Korea but also on a global scale. Their success story offers valuable insights into the future of retail, where convenience, innovation and customer experience are converging to create a new consumer service paradigm.

Source Indication(Type 1)

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's "Korea Here & Now" work can be used under the condition of "Public Nuri Type 1 (Source Indication)."

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