Convenience store snacks gain traction among tourists in Korea

Foreign customers are choosing snacks at CU, a convenience store located in Myeong-dong, Seoul. [Photo by MK DB]

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.

Foreign customers visiting Myeongdong 7-Eleven. [Photo by 7-Eleven]

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.