Local Korean Corner Shops Become Nationwide 'Pilgrimage' Spots for Alcohol Lovers
Creatrip Team
a month ago
In Seoul and nearby regions, small neighborhood supermarkets have reinvented themselves by specializing in alcoholic beverages and becoming destination shops for drink enthusiasts. Stores like 'Woosung Green Mart' in Yangcheon and long-standing 'Joyang Mart' in Gwangjin display over 2,000 bottles of whiskey, wine and sake, while others such as 'E-Pyeonhan Mart' focus on craft beer. These shops attract customers from across the country because they offer rare products and lower prices than big supermarkets. Restrictions on online platforms (which cannot sell alcohol) and the ability to accept local vouchers give these small retailers a competitive edge. Many of the stores have gained popularity on social media, turning into informal “pilgrimage” stops for aficionados and helping struggling neighborhood businesses survive by using a high-volume, low-margin strategy.
