Discover Unique K-Convenience Store Culture
Convenience stores are a global phenomenon, but in South Korea, they have evolved into a unique cultural staple. These stores are not just practical stops for daily necessities; they are vibrant social hubs cherished by locals, tourists, and social media influencers alike. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of K-convenience stores!
A Store on Every Corner
According to the Korea Convenience Store Industry Association, by the end of 2023, there were over 55,200 convenience stores in South Korea – that’s more than the total number of McDonald’s branches worldwide! On average, there is one store for every 950 people, giving South Korea the highest density of stores per capita in the world. It’s common to find multiple convenience stores on the same street, with top 3 brands being CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven. In 2023, CU was the leading convenience store in South Korea in terms of the number of stores, with a total of around 17,762 stores, closely followed by GS25. Moreover, convenience stores have become a major retail channel. According to Statista, convenience stores took up 16% of the total retail sector as of end-2023, having the second-largest share in offline retail sales in South Korea.
What sets Korean convenience stores apart from their global counterparts? Korean convenience stores have evolved far beyond their basic function, and have become deeply intertwined with Korea’s culture, society and economy. Let’s explore the various aspects that make these stores a unique Korean phenomenon.
One-stop Service Hubs
Korean convenience stores are not just places to grab a quick snack or a bottle of water. They are one-stop shops that offer a wide array of products and services. Apart from buying food and beverages and home essentials, customers can withdraw cash, pay utility bills, charge phones, and pick up online order deliveries. Some stores also offer currency exchange and international mailing services. Available 24/7, these services make convenience stores indispensable for both locals and tourists, serving as a lifeline in the fast-paced Korean urban landscape. As a student or traveler in Korea, I’ve found convenience stores to be absolute lifesavers.
Social Gathering Spaces
With in-store and outdoor seating areas, Korean convenience stores have become impromptu social hubs. It’s common to see office workers sharing quick lunches, students fueling up before study sessions, or friends unwinding over snacks and beer. These scenes, often depicted in K-dramas, are everyday occurrences at Korean convenience stores. These stores offer a casual, accessible space for social interaction, reflecting the fast-paced yet community-oriented nature of Korean society. They’ve become a “third place” between home and work or school, where people can connect and unwind.
Culinary Delights
Forget the stereotype that convenience store food lacks quality! Korean convenience stores offer an impressive selection of tasty culinary options that rival many restaurants. The variety is amazing. You’ll find ramyeon (instant noodles) in diverse flavors, samgak gimbap (triangular rice balls) with various fillings, an array of breads, bento-style lunch boxes (with white steamed rice, main meat dish like marinated beef, pork or chicken, and side dishes like kimchi or sliced egg roll), and even vegan options. Take tteokbokki (Korean stir-fried rice cakes), for instance. This popular Korean rice cake dish comes in flavors ranging from typical spicy pepper-paste to non-spicy varieties like cream sauce, rosé sauce, and jjajang (black bean sauce).
The innovation doesn’t stop there. There are often collaborations between the convenience stores and famous brands to create specialty products, for example, 7-Eleven’s partnership with Jeju Milk for Jeju Milk Monaca Ice Cream and CU’s joint effort with Yonsei Milk to develop Yonsei Cream Bread.
Reflecting growing environmental awareness, vegan options are increasingly available. CU offers vegan tuna samgak gimbap, GS25 sells tteokbokki with meat substitutes, and 7-Eleven has introduced a vegan cookie certified by the Korea Agency of Vegan Certification and Services.
The drinks selection is equally impressive, spanning traditional Korean beverages like sikhye (sweet rice drink) and soju (distilled liquor) to modern options like various coffees, soft drinks, milk, and juices. A recent trend is DIY iced drinks, where the customer buys a drink and a cup of ice separately, and then pours the drink into the cup to make an iced drink. This trend has seen significant growth, with GS25 reporting a 110.2% increase in ice cup sales as of April 2023 compared to the previous year.
Affordability is another key feature. Prices are reasonable, and promotions are common. Look out for “1+1” (buy one get one free) or “2+1” (buy two get one free) offers on instant noodles, snacks, drinks, and ready-to-eat meals.
With in-store microwave ovens and hot water dispensers, customers can easily enjoy a full meal, complete with side dishes (like kimchi), main course (perhaps instant noodles), dessert (like cake or ice-cream), and drinks (like coffee or juice), all at an affordable price. Dining at a convenience store can feel like a mini restaurant experience.
For must-eat recommendations, check out this Korea Tourism Organization web page. On the other hand, GS25 has transformed its Jeonju Hanok Village store, Cassia Sokcho store, and Cheongwa Gonggan store into special stores to reflect the unique characteristics of their locations, making them great photo spots for visitors. You can find photos of these special GS25 stores, which resemble cozy cafes more than traditional convenience stores, as well as the popular food and beverages GS25 offer on this Korea Tourism Organization web page.
A Reflection of Korean Society
The rise of K-convenience stores mirrors significant societal shifts in South Korea. Single-person households made up about 35% of all South Korean households as of 2021. Unlike couples or large families who prefer to cook at home and buy in bulk from grocery stores, single persons prefer quick, affordable meal solutions offered by convenience stores.
Moreover, the challenging job market in South Korea has played a crucial role in the growth of the convenience store sector. As of January 2023, approximately 20% of the South Korean workforce is self-employed, with many opting to start their own businesses. Opening a franchised convenience store, with initial investments as low as KRW 20 million (US$15,000) and the benefits of brand recognition and an established customer base, has become an attractive option for aspiring entrepreneurs. That said, given the vast number of stores, this sector is highly competitive and presents challenges to entrepreneurs.
K-Convenience Stores in Pop Culture
K-convenience stores play a significant role in pop culture. In K-dramas, characters often hang out, enjoy quick meals, and buy snacks and drinks in convenience stores. Storylines involving characters working part-time at convenience stores are also common.
Some K-dramas have convenience stores as their main settings. One notable example is “Backstreet Rookie” (편의점 샛별이), released in 2020 and adapted from the webtoon “She’s Too Much for Me” (편의점 샛별이) by Hwalhwasan. This drama is a romantic comedy which revolves around Dae-hyun, who manages his family-owned convenience store but struggles to keep up with the daily operations of the store due to fatigue. He hires Saet-byul as a part-time employee for the late-night shifts, leading to a mix of humorous and heartfelt moments. Watch the drama’s trailer to see more.
Another K-drama set in a convenience store is the interactive web drama “Convenience Store Fling” (썸타는 편의점) which premiered in 2021. The story follows Joo-ah, a girl who works at a convenience store and becomes a center of affection for the four male leads, each with his own unique personality. What sets this drama apart is its interactive format, allowing viewers to vote on which male lead Joo-ah should end up with in the final episode. Check out the drama’s teaser to meet the characters.
On the K-literature front, the acclaimed Korean author, Kim Ho-yeon (김호연), has written the novel “The Uncanny Convenience Store” (불편한 편의점), which is a heartwarming story about a homeless man working as a night-shift employee at a convenience store in an old neighborhood in Seoul. The Korean novel became a massive hit, and, together with its sequel, has sold over 1.5 million copies. The novel’s success has led to its adaptation into a stage play, webtoon, and an upcoming drama.
The ubiquity of convenience stores in Korean pop culture reflects their integral role in the daily lives of Koreans.
K-convenience stores are also getting famous on social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find countless videos featuring convenience store hauls, food reviews, and challenges like “eating only convenience store food for 24 hours”. These videos highlight the variety and quality of convenience store products, making people more interested. Here are some video clips to show you what Korean convenience stores offer:
Tourism Attraction
Korean convenience stores are not just places to purchase daily necessities; they are an integral part of Korean daily life and culture. For tourists, they offer a peek into local lifestyle and consumer trends. They provide affordable food, unique souvenirs, and practical services. Many tourists now visit different convenience stores as part of their Korea experience.
Have you visited a convenience store in Korea? What are your favorite items? Mine are ramyeon and bento-style lunch boxes. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Happy eating, drinking, and exploring the vibrant world of Korean convenience stores! 😍🏪
Note: A video version of this post is available on “Korean Culture Village” YouTube channel.
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References:
“K-convenience with a View, Enjoy MORE at GS25!“, Korea Tourism Organization, 2024-08-20
Jessie Yeung, “Instant ramen and influencers: Inside the world of South Korean convenience stores”, CNN, 2024-07-18
John Lee, “Why South Koreans pursue convenience store dreams in an oversaturated market”, KOREA PRO, 2024-02-27
“Convenience stores in South Korea – statistics & facts”, Statista, 2024
CK Shin, “Korean Convenience Stores: A Must-Read Guide for Travelers”, Kollectionk, 2023-09-13
“Popular Items in Korean Convenience Store”, Korea Tourism Organization, 2023-12-04
“VK Recommends: Convenience Store Must-Eats!”, Korea Tourism Organization, 2023-07-10
