# South Korean convenience store market trends

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-convenience-store-market-trends
> Updated: 2026-10-28T01:32:22.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Major South Korean convenience store chains, specifically GS25 and CU, are adapting their retail strategies to address slowing sales growth. Retailers are increasingly utilizing weather and consumer data to optimize product variety and timing. 

GS25 has accelerated seasonal offerings, such as launching instant fish cake sales earlier in response to temperature drops, and is expanding its ‘Wine25 Plus’ platform to meet rising demand for international alcohol, including significant increases in Chinese Baijiu and Japanese sake sales. Meanwhile, CU is focusing on volume-based food trends, with its ‘Big Triangle Kimbap’ representing over 50% of its total triangle kimbap sales, while also introducing multi-pack products to suit changing consumer preferences.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-28: GS25 convenience store history and brand philosophy

GS25 evolved from LG25 following a 2005 corporate split. Its name signifies the GS Group and a commitment to service that goes beyond the 24 hours of a standard day.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gs25-convenience-store-history-and-brand-philosophy

### 2026-09-28: GS25 and CU adjust retail strategies amid slowing sales growth

South Korean convenience stores GS25 and CU are refining food and alcohol strategies, including early seasonal launches and expanded international liquor selections, to address slowing sales growth.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gs25-and-cu-adjust-retail-strategies-amid-slowing-sales-growth

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Cite as: South Korean convenience store market trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-convenience-store-market-trends