South Korea Retail Sales Index Plummets 14.1%: Sharpest Drop in 13 Years

Is the era of traditional big-box stores in South Korea coming to an end? In November, sales at large discount stores saw their steepest decline in over a decade, signaling a massive shift in consumer behavior.

South Korea Retail Sales Index November 2025: A Historic Slump

According to the Ministry of Data and Statistics, the retail sales index for large discount stores fell to 83 in November, a 14.1% drop compared to the previous month. This marks the most significant monthly contraction since March 2012, when a 19.8% plunge followed the implementation of mandatory store closures.

The Unstoppable Rise of Online Shopping Transactions

While brick-and-mortar stores struggled, the digital economy hit new heights. Online shopping transactions surged 6.8% year-on-year, reaching a record 24.2 trillion won ($16.7 billion). The data highlights a long-term structural pivot as consumers increasingly prefer the convenience of home delivery over physical shopping trips.