Convenience store snacks gain traction amon... > 경제기사 | economics

Foreign tourists in South Korea are increasing their spending at local convenience stores as they crave not only ramyeon and sweets but also lunch boxes, cream buns, and soft-boiled eggs among others.

According to industry sources on Sunday, foreign credit card usage at major convenience store chains such as CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, and Emart24 has doubled in 2023 from the previous year.

Binggrae’s Banana Milk and ice cube cups were among the top 5 products by sales.

The products gained traction after a method of enjoying banana milk with ice from a Korean convenience store was shared on social media.

At CU, Paik Jong-won Dosirak and Yonsei Milk Cream Bread also emerged as popular items. While Shin Ramyun and Buldak stir-fried noodles dominated sales in 2019, newly introduced convenience store products that gained attention domestically have surpassed the popularity of ramyeon among foreign tourists.

GS25 also saw high sales for Kim Hye-ja Dosirak, known for its affordability.

At GS25, 7-Eleven, and Emart24, snacks like soft-boiled eggs were also popular.



At 7-Eleven, following the top-selling banana milk, soft-boiled eggs, strawberry milk, and Seven Select yogurt jelly were among the popular items.

Emart24’s top-selling products included Epresso Ice Cup, 500ml bottled water, banana milk, and soft-boiled eggs.

The background behind convenience stores emerging as a must-visit for foreign tourists includes not only K-food but also factors like SIM cards and currency exchange services.

The convenience store industry is adapting to the demand by opening separate stores for foreign tourists or enhancing currency exchange services to increase convenience.

CU, for instance, opened a flagship store at Inspire Resort on Yeongjong Island earlier this year, offering products targeting foreign tourists.

▶ “의사 관두고 용접이나” 발언에…용접협회장 “용접이 우습나”

▶ 할아버지 약 섞였다더니…러시아 발리예바가 2년간 먹은 약물 ‘경악’

▶ 오타니 거짓말했다…평범하다던 미모의 아내, 놀라운 과거 ‘깜짝’

▶ 족집게들? ‘수동’에서 10명 나왔다…17.1억 로또 1등 당첨자들 보니

▶ “다이소에서 파는 테이프랑 똑같다”…400만원짜리 명품 ‘테이프팔찌’에 갑론을박