E-coupons gaining popularity for Chuseok holidays

Models present Chuseok gift sets at Emart's Seongsu branch in Seongdong District, eastern Seoul. [NEWS1]

To celebrate the Chuseok harvest festival, Koreans traditionally visit their hometowns to enjoy family time and exchange gifts. This year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, e-coupons are becoming the gift of choice.

Amid the concern over the spread of the coronavirus, people consider gift e-coupons as a good alternative to visiting families and taking Chuseok gift sets, such as premium Korean beef sets or fruit sets.

According to a survey conducted Aug. 3 to 5 by Lotte On, an e-commerce app operated by Lotte Shopping, 50.1 percent said e-coupons were the gift they want most during this year’s Chuseok holiday. A full 32.9 percent said they prefer fresh food, such as premium Korean beef sets or fruits, while another 21.1 percent picked health food products.

Of the respondents, 50.1 percent said they plan to stay home during the Chuseok holiday due to concerns over the Covid-19 pandemic. Among this group, 62.5 percent said they would get gifts for their families and acquaintances online.

Applying the results of the survey, Lotte On plans to strengthen its mobile gift coupons service for several Lotte companies, including Lotte Department Store, Lotte Mart and Lohbs.

Lotte On will add new Chuseok gift sets, such as fresh food or health food products, to their online lineup. The company will also hold a drawing for people who purchase products through their online gift system Sept. 14 to 25, and 1,000 of them will be rewarded with 5,000 Lotte L.Points.

BY KIM KYUNG-HEE [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]