I'm telling you about Korea
Everything in Korean convenience stores
Convenience stores in Korea are not just retail stores, but important social spaces deeply rooted in the daily lives of modern Koreans. The 24-hour convenience store is loved by many people for providing various services and convenience as well as being able to buy the things they need at any time. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of convenience stores in Korea, major brands, services they offer, product types, and cultural meanings.
History of Korean Convenience Stores
Introduction and early growth
1980s: Korea's first convenience store started in 1989 when 7-Eleven opened in Seoul. Later, Ministop, run by Lotteria, and Family Mart, a Japanese company, entered Korea.
1990 s: the early to mid 1990 s was the introductory period of the Korean convenience store industry. During this time, several brands appeared and competition began.
rapid growth and proliferation
2000s: Entering the 2000s, the number of convenience stores increased dramatically. Major brands such as CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven expanded their market share and spread nationwide.
2010 s: as the convenience store industry enters maturity, major brands have implemented differentiation strategies, offering premium services and a wide range of product lines.
major convenience store brands
CU
History: CU, which started out as 'Boguang Family Mart' in 1990, took a new leap forward by changing its brand name in 2012.
Features: Membership benefits are provided through mobile apps along with a variety of PB products (own-brand products).
GS25
History: Starting with 'LG25' in 1990, GS25 is using its current brand when it changed to GS Retail in 2005.
Features: Leading the trend of 'convenience store lunch boxes', we offer a variety of convenience food and premium products.
7-Eleven
History: 7-Eleven, which entered Korea in 1989 when it opened its first store in Seoul, has worldwide brand power.
Features: Taking advantage of the strengths of global brands, we provide differentiated services with a variety of imported products.
Ministop
History: Ministop, run by Lotteria, opened its first store in Korea in 1990 in an alliance with Japan's Family Mart.
Features: Fresh fried chicken and a variety of hot foods are served in the store for a unique store experience.
Convenience store services and functions
Open 24 hours a day
Convenience: 24-hour operation provides great convenience to consumers by allowing them to purchase what they need at any time.
Safety: It has become a safe place to buy things late at night or at dawn.
a variety of services
Delivery service: Convenience stores add convenience to logistics by providing small courier delivery and receipt services.
ATM: Each convenience store has an ATM installed so you can withdraw cash at any time.
Charging your phone: You can use the charging service at convenience stores when your phone's battery is low.
Utility Payment: You can pay utility bills such as electricity, water, and gas at convenience stores.
Printing service: Simple documentation tasks such as printing, copying, and faxing are also possible.
convenience food and fresh food
Convenience store lunch box: We offer a wide variety of lunch boxes to provide a convenient meal solution for busy modern people.
Sandwich and Gimbap: Fast and easy sandwiches and gimbap are also popular.
Fresh Food: Fresh fruits, salads, milk, eggs, and more are also readily available these days.
rest area
Tables and Chairs: Some convenience stores have tables and chairs so you can have a simple meal or relaxation.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi offers make it convenient for customers to use the Internet.
the variety of convenience store products
Food
Snacks and Drinks: We offer a variety of snacks and drinks, including snacks, chocolate, gum, and various drinks.
Ramen: We have a variety of ramen products such as cup noodles and bag ramen, and you can cook them right in the store.
Instant food: We offer a variety of ready-to-eat foods that can be easily cooked in a microwave.
Daily supplies
Toiletries: Easy to get basic toiletries for travel, such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, and razors.
Daily necessities: We also always have daily necessities such as toilet paper, sanitary pads, and detergents.
Stationery: There are also simple stationery such as ballpoint pens, notebooks, and post-its.
Guitar
Souvenirs: They are popular with tourists by selling local specialties or souvenirs.
Magazines and Newspapers: You can buy the latest magazines and newspapers, so you can enjoy simple reading.
Convenience stores and Korean culture
a social role
Community Hub: Convenience stores serve as community hubs for the community, and are positioned as communication spaces between people.
Youth Culture: It is gaining popularity among teens as a meeting place and a place to buy snacks and drinks.
Trends and Innovations
New Product Testing: Many food companies test-launch new products through convenience stores to check consumers' reactions.
Food Trends: Leading the latest food trends, including convenience store lunch boxes, various flavors of cup noodles, and exotic snacks.
Media and convenience stores
Dramas and Movies: In Korean dramas and movies, convenience stores are background spots that often appear, and they serve as a stage for various stories.
Advertising and Marketing: Advertising and marketing set in convenience stores are actively conducted, contributing to raising brand awareness.
conclusion
Convenience stores in Korea are not just places to sell goods, but are essential places deeply located in the lives of modern people. Convenience stores that offer convenient services, various products, and trendy culture will continue to evolve and be loved by many people. It will be interesting to understand the Korean lifestyle through convenience stores and find new experiences in them.