Foreign Shopper Boom in Busan: Centum City Sales Surge 226%
Creatrip Team
a month ago
Retailers in Busan are seeing a sharp rise in foreign-customer sales, outpacing many Seoul locations. Shoppers from abroad are flocking to department stores, marts, and convenience stores as Busan becomes a key destination, aided by repeat visitors (N차, multiple visits) and more cruise port calls. Shinsegae Department Store’s Centum City branch recorded a 226% increase in foreign sales (higher than its national average and even Seoul Myeongdong), while Lotte Department Store’s Busan flagship rose 125%. Convenience store GS25 and Lotte Mart locations in Busan also reported strong foreign spending gains. The Korea Tourism Organization data show foreign visits to Busan rose 44.9% year-on-year for Jan–May. Retailers are expanding foreign-focused services—K-food and souvenir “K-station” displays in convenience stores and foreigner memberships at department stores—to capture this growing market. Industry players expect continued growth by targeting popular non-Seoul destinations like Busan, Jeju, Gyeongju, and Gangneung.
