South Korea Retail Sales Index Plummets 14.1%: Sharpest Drop in 13 Years
South Korea's retail sales index for large discount stores fell 14.1% in November, the sharpest drop in 13 years, as online shopping transactions hit a record high.
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.
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