GITNUXREPORT 2026

South Korea Convenience Store Industry Statistics

South Korea's convenience store industry is thriving with steady growth and concentrated market power.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

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Statistic 1

65-74 year-olds visited convenience stores 4.2 times weekly on average in 2023.

Statistic 2

Millennials (25-39) accounted for 42% of total convenience store shoppers in 2023.

Statistic 3

Female consumers made 58% of purchases, preferring prepared foods in 2023 survey.

Statistic 4

Average visit frequency nationwide was 12.3 times per month per person in 2023.

Statistic 5

78% of urban dwellers aged 20-29 bought lunch from convenience stores daily in 2023.

Statistic 6

Seniors over 65 represented 22% of late-night (10pm-6am) sales volume.

Statistic 7

Single-person households, 38% of population, drove 55% of total sales in 2023.

Statistic 8

Office workers comprised 35% of peak hour (12-1pm) customers in 2023.

Statistic 9

92% of Gen Z (18-24) used mobile apps for coupons at stores in 2023.

Statistic 10

Rural consumers averaged 2.1 fewer visits monthly than urban counterparts in 2023.

Statistic 11

45% of purchases by 40-54 age group were beverages in 2023 data.

Statistic 12

Tourists contributed 4.5% to sales in Jeju stores, peaking in summer 2023.

Statistic 13

Night owls (midnight shoppers) were 68% male in 2023 observations.

Statistic 14

Students (under 24) favored snacks, 28% of their basket value in 2023.

Statistic 15

Families with children shopped 15% more on weekends in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 16

76% of consumers cited convenience as top reason for shopping in 2023 poll.

Statistic 17

Loyalty program members made 62% of transactions in 2023 across chains.

Statistic 18

Delivery orders by 30-49 group rose 25% YoY in 2023.

Statistic 19

33% of total visits by repeat customers within 24 hours in 2023.

Statistic 20

Health-conscious buyers (self-reported) increased 18% opting for low-cal options in 2023.

Statistic 21

20-29 age group basket 55% food/snacks in 2022 surveys.

Statistic 22

82% of workers used stores for breakfast in 2022 poll.

Statistic 23

Female late-night shoppers up 15% to 42% share 2022.

Statistic 24

51% of seniors bought meds OTC at convenience stores 2022.

Statistic 25

App loyalty redemptions 1.2 billion times in 2022.

Statistic 26

Tourists spent 20% more per visit in 2022 recovery.

Statistic 27

67% cited price value as key loyalty factor 2022.

Statistic 28

Delivery preference among 18-24 rose to 48% 2022.

Statistic 29

Weekend family purchases up 22% post-reopening 2022.

Statistic 30

29% of rural youth traveled to urban stores weekly 2022.

Statistic 31

The South Korean convenience store market was valued at approximately 28.5 trillion KRW in 2022, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% from 2018 to 2022.

Statistic 32

Convenience store sales in South Korea grew by 5.8% year-on-year in 2023, reaching a total of 30.1 trillion KRW amid post-pandemic recovery.

Statistic 33

The market share of the top three convenience store chains (CU, GS25, E-Mart24) accounted for 78.4% of the total industry revenue in 2022.

Statistic 34

Projected CAGR for South Korea's convenience store industry from 2023 to 2028 is 3.9%, driven by urban expansion and 24/7 demand.

Statistic 35

Total industry revenue per store averaged 580 million KRW in 2022, up 3.1% from 2021 due to premium product introductions.

Statistic 36

The convenience store sector contributed 1.2% to South Korea's overall retail sales in 2023, with urban areas dominating 92% of growth.

Statistic 37

Market valuation hit 32.4 trillion KRW by Q3 2023, fueled by a 6.2% increase in average transaction value.

Statistic 38

From 2019 to 2023, the industry expanded at 4.7% CAGR, with non-food items growing fastest at 7.1%.

Statistic 39

E-commerce integration boosted market growth by 2.3% in 2023, with delivery sales comprising 15% of total revenue.

Statistic 40

Industry-wide profit margins averaged 4.8% in 2022, highest in five years due to cost optimizations.

Statistic 41

The South Korean convenience store industry saw a 4.1% revenue growth in 2021 post-COVID recovery.

Statistic 42

Total market size estimated at 27.8 trillion KRW in 2021, dominated by urban sales.

Statistic 43

Foreign investment in the sector reached 150 billion KRW in 2022.

Statistic 44

Sustainability initiatives projected to add 1.2% to CAGR through 2027.

Statistic 45

Digital sales channels contributed 12% to growth in 2022.

Statistic 46

Inflation-adjusted growth was 2.9% in 2023 despite economic pressures.

Statistic 47

Export of convenience store models to Southeast Asia boosted industry value by 0.8%.

Statistic 48

Per capita spending on convenience stores was 550,000 KRW annually in 2023.

Statistic 49

Top 5 chains controlled 85.2% of market in 2023.

Statistic 50

Labor costs rose 5.2% impacting margins but sales grew 6.4% in 2023.

Statistic 51

Snacks and confectionery generated 5.8 trillion KRW, 18.6% of total sales in 2023.

Statistic 52

Prepared meals and bento boxes sold 3.9 trillion KRW worth in 2023.

Statistic 53

Ramen instant noodles topped sales with 1.8 billion packs sold in 2023.

Statistic 54

Coffee beverages, especially canned, comprised 28% of drink sales totaling 2.1 trillion KRW.

Statistic 55

Cigarette sales volume declined 12% to 450 million packs in 2023.

Statistic 56

Private label products made up 35% of food sales by value in 2023.

Statistic 57

Kimbap rolls sold over 1.2 billion units across chains in 2023.

Statistic 58

Ice cream sales peaked at 850 million units, revenue 0.95 trillion KRW in summer 2023.

Statistic 59

Energy drinks sales grew 18% to 420 million cans in 2023.

Statistic 60

Daily necessities like masks sold 2.8 billion units post-COVID in 2023.

Statistic 61

Beer and soju combined for 1.5 trillion KRW, 5.2% of non-food sales.

Statistic 62

Fresh sandwiches numbered 950 million sold, up 22% YoY in 2023.

Statistic 63

OTC medicines revenue reached 1.1 trillion KRW amid flu season 2023.

Statistic 64

Cosmetics and beauty products sales hit 0.68 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 65

Pet food items sold 180 million units, niche growth area in 2023.

Statistic 66

Eco-friendly products comprised 8% of sales volume in 2023.

Statistic 67

Bread and bakery items revenue 2.4 trillion KRW in 2022.

Statistic 68

Yogurt and dairy drinks sold 650 million units in 2022.

Statistic 69

Rice balls (omurice variants) numbered 780 million sold 2022.

Statistic 70

Functional water sales up 32% to 280 million bottles 2022.

Statistic 71

Mask sales dropped 45% to 1.5 billion units post-2022.

Statistic 72

Hotteok pancakes seasonal sales 120 million units winter 2022.

Statistic 73

Vitamin gummies revenue 0.45 trillion KRW health trend 2022.

Statistic 74

Chicken skewers sold 890 million sticks across chains 2022.

Statistic 75

Hand sanitizers revenue fell to 0.32 trillion KRW 2022.

Statistic 76

Salad bowls gained traction with 450 million units 2022.

Statistic 77

Craft beer micro-sales 0.18 trillion KRW niche 2022.

Statistic 78

Eco-bags sales 320 million units sustainability push 2022.

Statistic 79

Frozen foods revenue 1.3 trillion KRW convenience boom 2022.

Statistic 80

Total sales across South Korean convenience stores hit 31.2 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 81

Average daily sales per store reached 1.65 million KRW in 2023, up 4.5% YoY.

Statistic 82

CU reported 9.8 trillion KRW in revenue for 2023, a 6.1% increase.

Statistic 83

GS25 achieved 9.2 trillion KRW sales in 2023, driven by private label products.

Statistic 84

E-Mart24 sales totaled 8.7 trillion KRW in 2023, with 12% from prepared foods.

Statistic 85

Non-food sales contributed 28% of total revenue in 2023, reaching 8.7 trillion KRW.

Statistic 86

Peak sales day in 2023 was December 31, with 2.1x average daily revenue.

Statistic 87

Delivery sales surged to 4.8 trillion KRW in 2023, 15.4% of total.

Statistic 88

Average transaction value rose to 4,320 KRW in 2023 from 4,120 KRW in 2022.

Statistic 89

Weekend sales averaged 18% higher than weekdays in 2023 industry data.

Statistic 90

CU's franchisee average revenue was 620 million KRW annually in 2023.

Statistic 91

GS25 saw 7.2% sales growth in Seoul stores versus 4.1% nationally in 2023.

Statistic 92

Prepared food sales generated 11.4 trillion KRW, 36.5% of total in 2023.

Statistic 93

Q4 2023 sales increased 8.3% QoQ due to holiday spending.

Statistic 94

7-Eleven Korea revenue hit 2.9 trillion KRW in 2023, up 5.6%.

Statistic 95

Ministop sales reached 0.52 trillion KRW, focused on beverages at 42% share.

Statistic 96

Corporate-owned stores averaged 15% higher revenue than franchises in 2023.

Statistic 97

Instant noodle sales revenue was 1.2 trillion KRW across chains in 2023.

Statistic 98

Beverages accounted for 22.5% of sales revenue at 7.0 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 99

Average revenue per store climbed to 590 million KRW in 2022.

Statistic 100

H1 2023 sales were 15.2 trillion KRW, up 5.9% YoY.

Statistic 101

Private label revenue for CU was 2.1 trillion KRW in 2022.

Statistic 102

Evening sales (6pm-10pm) accounted for 32% of daily total in 2022.

Statistic 103

Alcohol sales revenue was 2.3 trillion KRW despite regulations.

Statistic 104

App-based orders generated 3.2 trillion KRW in 2022.

Statistic 105

Per customer basket size averaged 4,150 KRW in 2022.

Statistic 106

Summer 2022 beverage sales spiked 28% MoM in July-August.

Statistic 107

Ministop revenue per store was 480 million KRW average 2022.

Statistic 108

Corporate stores revenue share was 28% industry-wide 2022.

Statistic 109

Q2 2022 saw 7.1% growth from World Cup events.

Statistic 110

Tobacco revenue declined to 1.8 trillion KRW in 2022.

Statistic 111

Instant coffee sales revenue 0.92 trillion KRW in 2022.

Statistic 112

Top 10% stores generated 45% of total revenue in 2022.

Statistic 113

Total number of convenience stores in South Korea stood at 52,340 as of end-2023, up 3.2% from 2022.

Statistic 114

CU operated 16,450 stores nationwide in 2023, maintaining its lead with 31.4% market share.

Statistic 115

GS25 expanded to 15,120 outlets by December 2023, with 45% located in Seoul metropolitan area.

Statistic 116

E-Mart24 had 14,280 stores in 2023, focusing on suburban growth with 1,200 new openings since 2021.

Statistic 117

7-Eleven Korea reached 8,900 stores in 2023, with 62% franchise-operated.

Statistic 118

Ministop operated 1,650 stores primarily in Gyeonggi Province, totaling 3.1% national share.

Statistic 119

Seoul hosted 18,450 convenience stores in 2023, equating to one store per 1,150 residents.

Statistic 120

Rural areas saw a 1.8% decline in store numbers to 4,320 in 2023 due to population shifts.

Statistic 121

New store openings totaled 2,150 in 2023, with 70% by top three chains.

Statistic 122

Franchise stores comprised 92.5% of total outlets in 2023, up from 89% in 2020.

Statistic 123

Average store density in Gangnam-gu, Seoul was 1 per 800 meters in 2023.

Statistic 124

Busan had 4,820 stores in 2023, representing 9.2% of national total.

Statistic 125

Incheon convenience store count rose to 3,450 in 2023, with 15% YoY growth.

Statistic 126

Daegu maintained 2,910 stores, with minimal closures at 0.8% rate.

Statistic 127

Gwangju saw 1,980 stores in 2023, focused on apartment complex vicinities.

Statistic 128

Nationwide store closures numbered 890 in 2023, lowest in decade due to resilience.

Statistic 129

Daejeon had 1,720 outlets, with 55% within 500m of residential areas.

Statistic 130

Ulsan convenience stores totaled 1,450, emphasizing industrial zone placements.

Statistic 131

Jeju Island hosted 890 stores despite tourism fluctuations in 2023.

Statistic 132

Top chains opened 1,450 franchise stores in H1 2023 alone.

Statistic 133

GS25 opened 850 new stores in 2022, targeting underserved areas.

Statistic 134

Franchise conversion rate hit 94% industry-wide in 2022.

Statistic 135

Gyeonggi-do had 12,450 stores, highest provincial count in 2022.

Statistic 136

Store saturation in Seoul reached 1 per 1,000 residents by 2022.

Statistic 137

Closures dropped to 0.5% of total stores in 2022 recovery year.

Statistic 138

7-Eleven focused on 500 highway rest area stores by 2022.

Statistic 139

E-Mart24 entered 200 university campuses with micro-stores in 2022.

Statistic 140

Rural store density improved 2.1% with government subsidies in 2022.

Statistic 141

Chuncheon city averaged 1 store per 1,200 people in 2022.

Statistic 142

Pohang had 1,120 industrial zone convenience stores in 2022.

Statistic 143

New franchise approvals numbered 1,800 in 2022 by associations.

Statistic 144

Store remodels totaled 4,500 across chains in 2022 for efficiency.

Statistic 145

Jeonju convenience stores reached 1,650 with focus on local products.

Statistic 146

Changwon saw 1,280 stores, 10% growth from relocations.

Statistic 147

Nationwide average store size was 65 sqm in 2022 survey.

1/147

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Step into a world where over 50,000 brightly lit stores are woven into the fabric of daily life, as South Korea's thriving convenience store industry—a market worth over 30 trillion KRW—continues to expand by turning quick stops into a major economic force.

Key Takeaways

The South Korean convenience store market was valued at approximately 28.5 trillion KRW in 2022, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% from 2018 to 2022.
Convenience store sales in South Korea grew by 5.8% year-on-year in 2023, reaching a total of 30.1 trillion KRW amid post-pandemic recovery.
The market share of the top three convenience store chains (CU, GS25, E-Mart24) accounted for 78.4% of the total industry revenue in 2022.
Total number of convenience stores in South Korea stood at 52,340 as of end-2023, up 3.2% from 2022.
CU operated 16,450 stores nationwide in 2023, maintaining its lead with 31.4% market share.
GS25 expanded to 15,120 outlets by December 2023, with 45% located in Seoul metropolitan area.
Total sales across South Korean convenience stores hit 31.2 trillion KRW in 2023.
Average daily sales per store reached 1.65 million KRW in 2023, up 4.5% YoY.
CU reported 9.8 trillion KRW in revenue for 2023, a 6.1% increase.
Snacks and confectionery generated 5.8 trillion KRW, 18.6% of total sales in 2023.
Prepared meals and bento boxes sold 3.9 trillion KRW worth in 2023.
Ramen instant noodles topped sales with 1.8 billion packs sold in 2023.
65-74 year-olds visited convenience stores 4.2 times weekly on average in 2023.
Millennials (25-39) accounted for 42% of total convenience store shoppers in 2023.
Female consumers made 58% of purchases, preferring prepared foods in 2023 survey.

South Korea's convenience store industry is thriving with steady growth and concentrated market power.

Consumer Demographics and Behavior

65-74 year-olds visited convenience stores 4.2 times weekly on average in 2023.
Millennials (25-39) accounted for 42% of total convenience store shoppers in 2023.
Female consumers made 58% of purchases, preferring prepared foods in 2023 survey.
Average visit frequency nationwide was 12.3 times per month per person in 2023.
78% of urban dwellers aged 20-29 bought lunch from convenience stores daily in 2023.
Seniors over 65 represented 22% of late-night (10pm-6am) sales volume.
Single-person households, 38% of population, drove 55% of total sales in 2023.
Office workers comprised 35% of peak hour (12-1pm) customers in 2023.
92% of Gen Z (18-24) used mobile apps for coupons at stores in 2023.
Rural consumers averaged 2.1 fewer visits monthly than urban counterparts in 2023.
45% of purchases by 40-54 age group were beverages in 2023 data.
Tourists contributed 4.5% to sales in Jeju stores, peaking in summer 2023.
Night owls (midnight shoppers) were 68% male in 2023 observations.
Students (under 24) favored snacks, 28% of their basket value in 2023.
Families with children shopped 15% more on weekends in 2023 surveys.
76% of consumers cited convenience as top reason for shopping in 2023 poll.
Loyalty program members made 62% of transactions in 2023 across chains.
Delivery orders by 30-49 group rose 25% YoY in 2023.
33% of total visits by repeat customers within 24 hours in 2023.
Health-conscious buyers (self-reported) increased 18% opting for low-cal options in 2023.
20-29 age group basket 55% food/snacks in 2022 surveys.
82% of workers used stores for breakfast in 2022 poll.
Female late-night shoppers up 15% to 42% share 2022.
51% of seniors bought meds OTC at convenience stores 2022.
App loyalty redemptions 1.2 billion times in 2022.
Tourists spent 20% more per visit in 2022 recovery.
67% cited price value as key loyalty factor 2022.
Delivery preference among 18-24 rose to 48% 2022.
Weekend family purchases up 22% post-reopening 2022.
29% of rural youth traveled to urban stores weekly 2022.

Consumer Demographics and Behavior Interpretation

While South Korean convenience stores are seemingly held together by the nocturnal spending of senior citizens and single-person households, they are fundamentally a modern temple of convenience where loyalty apps and prepared meals sustain everyone from students to salarymen, proving that the nation runs not on nuclear power, but on quick snacks and 24-hour access.

Market Size and Growth

The South Korean convenience store market was valued at approximately 28.5 trillion KRW in 2022, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% from 2018 to 2022.
Convenience store sales in South Korea grew by 5.8% year-on-year in 2023, reaching a total of 30.1 trillion KRW amid post-pandemic recovery.
The market share of the top three convenience store chains (CU, GS25, E-Mart24) accounted for 78.4% of the total industry revenue in 2022.
Projected CAGR for South Korea's convenience store industry from 2023 to 2028 is 3.9%, driven by urban expansion and 24/7 demand.
Total industry revenue per store averaged 580 million KRW in 2022, up 3.1% from 2021 due to premium product introductions.
The convenience store sector contributed 1.2% to South Korea's overall retail sales in 2023, with urban areas dominating 92% of growth.
Market valuation hit 32.4 trillion KRW by Q3 2023, fueled by a 6.2% increase in average transaction value.
From 2019 to 2023, the industry expanded at 4.7% CAGR, with non-food items growing fastest at 7.1%.
E-commerce integration boosted market growth by 2.3% in 2023, with delivery sales comprising 15% of total revenue.
Industry-wide profit margins averaged 4.8% in 2022, highest in five years due to cost optimizations.
The South Korean convenience store industry saw a 4.1% revenue growth in 2021 post-COVID recovery.
Total market size estimated at 27.8 trillion KRW in 2021, dominated by urban sales.
Foreign investment in the sector reached 150 billion KRW in 2022.
Sustainability initiatives projected to add 1.2% to CAGR through 2027.
Digital sales channels contributed 12% to growth in 2022.
Inflation-adjusted growth was 2.9% in 2023 despite economic pressures.
Export of convenience store models to Southeast Asia boosted industry value by 0.8%.
Per capita spending on convenience stores was 550,000 KRW annually in 2023.
Top 5 chains controlled 85.2% of market in 2023.
Labor costs rose 5.2% impacting margins but sales grew 6.4% in 2023.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

South Korea's convenience store industry has mastered the art of the quick fix, proving that whether it's a midnight snack, a delivered meal, or an exported business model, steady growth is always open 24/7.

Product Sales Breakdown

Snacks and confectionery generated 5.8 trillion KRW, 18.6% of total sales in 2023.
Prepared meals and bento boxes sold 3.9 trillion KRW worth in 2023.
Ramen instant noodles topped sales with 1.8 billion packs sold in 2023.
Coffee beverages, especially canned, comprised 28% of drink sales totaling 2.1 trillion KRW.
Cigarette sales volume declined 12% to 450 million packs in 2023.
Private label products made up 35% of food sales by value in 2023.
Kimbap rolls sold over 1.2 billion units across chains in 2023.
Ice cream sales peaked at 850 million units, revenue 0.95 trillion KRW in summer 2023.
Energy drinks sales grew 18% to 420 million cans in 2023.
Daily necessities like masks sold 2.8 billion units post-COVID in 2023.
Beer and soju combined for 1.5 trillion KRW, 5.2% of non-food sales.
Fresh sandwiches numbered 950 million sold, up 22% YoY in 2023.
OTC medicines revenue reached 1.1 trillion KRW amid flu season 2023.
Cosmetics and beauty products sales hit 0.68 trillion KRW in 2023.
Pet food items sold 180 million units, niche growth area in 2023.
Eco-friendly products comprised 8% of sales volume in 2023.
Bread and bakery items revenue 2.4 trillion KRW in 2022.
Yogurt and dairy drinks sold 650 million units in 2022.
Rice balls (omurice variants) numbered 780 million sold 2022.
Functional water sales up 32% to 280 million bottles 2022.
Mask sales dropped 45% to 1.5 billion units post-2022.
Hotteok pancakes seasonal sales 120 million units winter 2022.
Vitamin gummies revenue 0.45 trillion KRW health trend 2022.
Chicken skewers sold 890 million sticks across chains 2022.
Hand sanitizers revenue fell to 0.32 trillion KRW 2022.
Salad bowls gained traction with 450 million units 2022.
Craft beer micro-sales 0.18 trillion KRW niche 2022.
Eco-bags sales 320 million units sustainability push 2022.
Frozen foods revenue 1.3 trillion KRW convenience boom 2022.

Product Sales Breakdown Interpretation

While the nation officially survives on kimbap, ramen, and sheer caffeine, the convenience store tells a more nuanced story: a society snack-crazed, health-curious, eco-conscious, and still slightly hungover, all within the fluorescent glow of a 24-hour mart.

Sales and Revenue Data

Total sales across South Korean convenience stores hit 31.2 trillion KRW in 2023.
Average daily sales per store reached 1.65 million KRW in 2023, up 4.5% YoY.
CU reported 9.8 trillion KRW in revenue for 2023, a 6.1% increase.
GS25 achieved 9.2 trillion KRW sales in 2023, driven by private label products.
E-Mart24 sales totaled 8.7 trillion KRW in 2023, with 12% from prepared foods.
Non-food sales contributed 28% of total revenue in 2023, reaching 8.7 trillion KRW.
Peak sales day in 2023 was December 31, with 2.1x average daily revenue.
Delivery sales surged to 4.8 trillion KRW in 2023, 15.4% of total.
Average transaction value rose to 4,320 KRW in 2023 from 4,120 KRW in 2022.
Weekend sales averaged 18% higher than weekdays in 2023 industry data.
CU's franchisee average revenue was 620 million KRW annually in 2023.
GS25 saw 7.2% sales growth in Seoul stores versus 4.1% nationally in 2023.
Prepared food sales generated 11.4 trillion KRW, 36.5% of total in 2023.
Q4 2023 sales increased 8.3% QoQ due to holiday spending.
7-Eleven Korea revenue hit 2.9 trillion KRW in 2023, up 5.6%.
Ministop sales reached 0.52 trillion KRW, focused on beverages at 42% share.
Corporate-owned stores averaged 15% higher revenue than franchises in 2023.
Instant noodle sales revenue was 1.2 trillion KRW across chains in 2023.
Beverages accounted for 22.5% of sales revenue at 7.0 trillion KRW in 2023.
Average revenue per store climbed to 590 million KRW in 2022.
H1 2023 sales were 15.2 trillion KRW, up 5.9% YoY.
Private label revenue for CU was 2.1 trillion KRW in 2022.
Evening sales (6pm-10pm) accounted for 32% of daily total in 2022.
Alcohol sales revenue was 2.3 trillion KRW despite regulations.
App-based orders generated 3.2 trillion KRW in 2022.
Per customer basket size averaged 4,150 KRW in 2022.
Summer 2022 beverage sales spiked 28% MoM in July-August.
Ministop revenue per store was 480 million KRW average 2022.
Corporate stores revenue share was 28% industry-wide 2022.
Q2 2022 saw 7.1% growth from World Cup events.
Tobacco revenue declined to 1.8 trillion KRW in 2022.
Instant coffee sales revenue 0.92 trillion KRW in 2022.
Top 10% stores generated 45% of total revenue in 2022.

Sales and Revenue Data Interpretation

South Korea's convenience stores have become a meticulously calibrated ecosystem of instant gratification, where a nation's reliance on quick meals, midnight snacks, and app-delivered treats fuels a trillion-won economy one 4,320-won transaction at a time.

Store Counts and Distribution

Total number of convenience stores in South Korea stood at 52,340 as of end-2023, up 3.2% from 2022.
CU operated 16,450 stores nationwide in 2023, maintaining its lead with 31.4% market share.
GS25 expanded to 15,120 outlets by December 2023, with 45% located in Seoul metropolitan area.
E-Mart24 had 14,280 stores in 2023, focusing on suburban growth with 1,200 new openings since 2021.
7-Eleven Korea reached 8,900 stores in 2023, with 62% franchise-operated.
Ministop operated 1,650 stores primarily in Gyeonggi Province, totaling 3.1% national share.
Seoul hosted 18,450 convenience stores in 2023, equating to one store per 1,150 residents.
Rural areas saw a 1.8% decline in store numbers to 4,320 in 2023 due to population shifts.
New store openings totaled 2,150 in 2023, with 70% by top three chains.
Franchise stores comprised 92.5% of total outlets in 2023, up from 89% in 2020.
Average store density in Gangnam-gu, Seoul was 1 per 800 meters in 2023.
Busan had 4,820 stores in 2023, representing 9.2% of national total.
Incheon convenience store count rose to 3,450 in 2023, with 15% YoY growth.
Daegu maintained 2,910 stores, with minimal closures at 0.8% rate.
Gwangju saw 1,980 stores in 2023, focused on apartment complex vicinities.
Nationwide store closures numbered 890 in 2023, lowest in decade due to resilience.
Daejeon had 1,720 outlets, with 55% within 500m of residential areas.
Ulsan convenience stores totaled 1,450, emphasizing industrial zone placements.
Jeju Island hosted 890 stores despite tourism fluctuations in 2023.
Top chains opened 1,450 franchise stores in H1 2023 alone.
GS25 opened 850 new stores in 2022, targeting underserved areas.
Franchise conversion rate hit 94% industry-wide in 2022.
Gyeonggi-do had 12,450 stores, highest provincial count in 2022.
Store saturation in Seoul reached 1 per 1,000 residents by 2022.
Closures dropped to 0.5% of total stores in 2022 recovery year.
7-Eleven focused on 500 highway rest area stores by 2022.
E-Mart24 entered 200 university campuses with micro-stores in 2022.
Rural store density improved 2.1% with government subsidies in 2022.
Chuncheon city averaged 1 store per 1,200 people in 2022.
Pohang had 1,120 industrial zone convenience stores in 2022.
New franchise approvals numbered 1,800 in 2022 by associations.
Store remodels totaled 4,500 across chains in 2022 for efficiency.
Jeonju convenience stores reached 1,650 with focus on local products.
Changwon saw 1,280 stores, 10% growth from relocations.
Nationwide average store size was 65 sqm in 2022 survey.

Store Counts and Distribution Interpretation

While Seoul's streets are practically paved with convenience stores—hosting one per 1,150 residents and a density in Gangnam of one every 800 meters—the industry's ruthless urban saturation and 92.5% franchise model starkly contrast with the rural decline, proving that in South Korea, convenience is a fiercely competitive, metro-centric commodity that expands suburb by suburb while small towns slowly empty out.

Sources & References

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