GS25 in Korea Sees Surge in K-Pop Album Purchases by Foreigners, Accounting for 54% of Sales

GS25 in South Korea is emerging as a new cultural consumption space for global K-pop fans. An analysis of K-pop album pre-order sales data through the 'Our Neighborhood GS' application, available at GS25 convenience stores operated by GS Retail, revealed that foreign customers accounted for 54% of sales. This figure reflects the global popularity of K-pop and demonstrates how convenience stores are evolving from simple shopping spaces into new platforms for consuming cultural content.

GS25's 'Our Neighborhood GS' / Source: Google Play Store

Foreign customers purchased an average of 47 albums per person, 2.6 times higher than the average of 18 albums purchased by Korean customers. GS25 attributes this to foreign tourists purchasing multiple albums to obtain random goods included with the albums, such as photo cards and stickers, or buying in bulk as gifts for friends and family overseas.

In response, GS25 is strengthening K-pop album sales at stores near Incheon Airport and major tourist attractions. By offering easy access to desired K-pop albums upon arrival at the airport, GS25 aims to make K-pop albums the first shopping experience for these tourists, enhancing accessibility.

Image for illustrative purposes only, not related to the article / Source: AI-generated image

Since last year, starting with ENHYPEN, GS25 has sold albums from various K-pop idols and artists on a total of eight occasions. Recognizing the potential of K-pop albums to attract new foreign customers alongside domestic customers, GS25 plans to strengthen collaborations with entertainment companies with the goal of selling K-pop albums at least once a month next year.

Until the 4th of next month, GS25 will be selling the second mini album, ‘O(오)’, by K-pop artist Hwasa. This album will be available at six stores with a high foreign customer base: Incheon Airport T1 West Side Store, Incheon Airport T2 Departure Store, New Annyeong Insadong Store, Yonsei University 2 Store, Konkuk University Store, and DXLAB Store. At the Yonsei University 2 Store, Konkuk University Store, and DXLAB Store, customers who purchase the album will receive a lottery ticket. Those with a ticket marked with 'keyring' will receive a limited-edition mini CD keyring, offering a special bonus.

GS25 plans to continue providing unique experiences to domestic and international customers through collaborations with various cultural content, including K-pop. Choi Da-eun, MD of the GS Retail Service Product Team, stated, “GS25 is becoming a consumption space where overseas K-pop fans can experience new cultures,” adding, “We will continue to introduce various cultural content, including K-pop, through differentiated services and provide more enjoyment to our customers.”

With a wider range of cultural content, including K-pop albums, now easily accessible at convenience stores, anticipation is building for the diverse services and content that GS25 will introduce in the future. We hope that GS25 will become the first destination for both foreign tourists visiting Korea and K-pop fans worldwide.

※ This article is based on a press release from the company and has been reorganized for clarity.