Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Local market saturation, global K-culture popularity fuel overseas franchisee interest

As Korea’s convenience store market reaches saturation at home, chains like CU and GS25 are increasingly drawing interest from would-be entrepreneurs looking abroad.

2026-01-12

CU becomes first Korean convenience store brand to enter U.S. market with Hawaii store

CU, a Korean convenience store chain, opened its first U.S. location in Hawaii on Wednesday, marking the first time a Korean convenience store brand has entered the U.S. market.

2025-11-13

Scent of roasted sweet potatoes returns as Korean convenience stores roll out winter items early

Convenience store chains are wasting no time in welcoming winter lineups, rolling out roasted sweet potatoes, fish-shaped pastries and hot packs weeks earlier than usual as cooler weather sets in and consumers tighten their wallets amid inflation.

2025-09-25

Banana milk a hit at Incheon airport as Chinese tourists snap it up by the cooler bag

At Incheon International Airport, convenience store fridges are turning into banana milk depots, as Chinese tourists snap up Korea’s iconic yellow-bottled drink by the armful.

2025-09-22

Consumer coupons boost sales of ready-to-eat meals

Sales of meat and ready-to-eat meals at convenience stores surged on the day that Korea’s new consumer coupons first took effect, reflecting a shift in spending patterns as more shoppers avoid rising dining-out costs.

2025-07-23

Pop-up popularity: CU celebrates Tomorrow X Together's fourth album

CU launched pop-up stores to celebrate Tomorrow X Together's fourth album.

2025-07-21

Korean convenience stores give tattoos now. I got two.

CU convenience stores launched temporary tattoo kiosks at Myeong-dong Station and Incheon Airport, offering affordable tattoos with FDA-approved ink, aiming to attract more customers through the trendy service.

2025-07-02

Get healthy, conveniently, as CU gets into health supplements

Convenience store chain CU will begin selling health supplements and similar products as it joins the race to stock its shelves with offerings that align with the health and wellness trend.

2025-07-01

BGF Retail launches industry's 1st 'tattoo kiosk' at CU stores

BGF Retail, the operator of CU convenience stores, said Wednesday that it has introduced the industry's first-ever "tattoo kiosk" aimed at enhancing the in-store customer experience.

2025-06-11

CU abroad: Convenience stores look to greener pastures on saturation back home

Korea’s major convenience store chains are accelerating their push overseas, seeking growth in mature markets like the United States and Japan after posting their first-ever quarterly decline this year.

2025-05-27