Retail Sales in South Korea decreased 0.20 percent in May of 2025 over the same month in the previous year. This dataset provides - South Korea Retail Sales YoY - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Retail Sales in South Korea decreased 0 percent in May of 2025 over the previous month. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - South Korea Retail Sales MoM - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Graph and download economic data for Sales: Retail Trade: Total Retail Trade: Volume for Korea (SLRTTO01KRQ657S) from Q2 1990 to Q2 2023 about Korea, retail trade, sales, and retail.

In 2024, retail sales in South Korea grew by 8.2 percent compared to the previous year. Online retail sales recorded about 15 percent of the growth that year, while offline retail sales also continued to record only small growth rates during the last years. Retail channels Online retail spearheads the retail market and due to COVID-19 the popularity of online retailing was accelerated, leading to a major increase in online retail sales in 2020. At the same time, offline retail suffered from social distancing measures and afterward, the want for convenience. However, in retail sales showed growth in both categories, likely due to pent-up demand. Department stores are one offline retail channel that still flourish and try to bring innovation to the offline retail market in the shape of pop-up stores. Most popular items The product group with the highest share in retail sales was food and groceries, making up for over a third of sales. As with other consumer goods, shopping for groceries online has become a trend. Other popular product groups were services and living or family related expenses. For example, the expenses for home appliances online have grown.

Retail sales index in South Korea, April, 2025 The most recent value is 101.4 index points as of April 2025, a decline compared to the previous value of 102.3 index points. Historically, the average for South Korea from January 1995 to April 2025 is 76.18 index points. The minimum of 40.7 index points was recorded in May 1995, while the maximum of 109.1 index points was reached in September 2021. | TheGlobalEconomy.com

Graph and download economic data for Sales: Retail Trade: Total Retail Trade: Volume for Korea (KORSLRTTO01GPSAM) from Feb 1995 to May 2025 about Korea, trade, retail trade, sales, and retail.

Korea Retail Sales Index: sa: RN: Other Retail Sales Not in Stores data was reported at 136.000 2005=100 in Dec 2012. This records an increase from the previous number of 132.700 2005=100 for Nov 2012. Korea Retail Sales Index: sa: RN: Other Retail Sales Not in Stores data is updated monthly, averaging 104.100 2005=100 from Jan 2000 (Median) to Dec 2012, with 156 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 140.400 2005=100 in Jul 2012 and a record low of 53.200 2005=100 in Jan 2000. Korea Retail Sales Index: sa: RN: Other Retail Sales Not in Stores data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics Korea. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Korea – Table KR.H015: Retail Sales Index: 2005=100: By Business Type.

Korea Retail Sales: Major Discount Outlets: Clothing data was reported at 8.300 % in Sep 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of -8.000 % for Aug 2018. Korea Retail Sales: Major Discount Outlets: Clothing data is updated monthly, averaging -2.450 % from Feb 2003 (Median) to Sep 2018, with 188 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 26.800 % in Sep 2007 and a record low of -26.400 % in Jan 2013. Korea Retail Sales: Major Discount Outlets: Clothing data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Korea – Table KR.H019: Retail Sales: YoY%.

In 2024, the food sector accounted for the largest share of the total retail sales in South Korea. During the measured period, the share of food retail sales took up around **** percent, followed by the service and fashion sector with **** and **** percent respectively. Food shopping behavior Food takes up the largest percentage of sales in retail and the sales are steadily increasing. The average monthly spending on food and soft drinks amounted to around ******* South Korean won. Koreans mostly buy their groceries in large supermarkets, such as e-mart, Hanaro Mart, and Costco. Rising popularity of online grocery shopping Online shopping has become increasingly popular over the years. This trend can also be seen in the food sector, as a lot of people choose to shop for groceries online at least once every two weeks or once a month. One of the reasons for shopping for groceries online was the quick delivery. This is especially convenient for people who have little time due to work or who do not have supermarkets nearby.

Retail sales Y-on-Y in South Korea, May, 2025 The most recent value is -0.29 percent as of May 2025, a decline compared to the previous value of -0.1 percent. Historically, the average for South Korea from January 1996 to May 2025 is 3.2 percent. The minimum of -17.32 percent was recorded in July 1998, while the maximum of 18.08 percent was reached in May 2000. | TheGlobalEconomy.com

In 2024, the retail sales value of clothing in South Korea amounted to approximately ***** trillion South Korean won, a decrease compared to the previous year. In 2022 clothing sales experienced an increase and retail sales levels have been elevated compared to before ever since.

Korea Retail Sales: Major Department Stores: Purchase Amount per Customer data was reported at 5.800 % in Sep 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 1.600 % for Aug 2018. Korea Retail Sales: Major Department Stores: Purchase Amount per Customer data is updated monthly, averaging 0.900 % from Feb 2003 (Median) to Sep 2018, with 186 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 15.300 % in Jan 2006 and a record low of -8.900 % in Aug 2015. Korea Retail Sales: Major Department Stores: Purchase Amount per Customer data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Korea – Table KR.H019: Retail Sales: YoY%.

In 2024, the offline retail sales in South Korea increased by 2 percent compared to the previous year. However, the retail sector of the country saw around 8.2 percent of growth. This was mostly driven by the strong online sales growth.

Graph and download economic data for Production, Sales, Work Started and Orders: Retail Trade Volume: Economic Activity: Retail Trade, Except of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles for Korea (KORSARTAISMEI) from 1995 to 2023 about Korea, retail trade, sales, and retail.

Korea Retail Sales: Major Discount Outlets: Home and Living Goods data was reported at -0.400 % in Sep 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of -12.000 % for Aug 2018. Korea Retail Sales: Major Discount Outlets: Home and Living Goods data is updated monthly, averaging -1.550 % from Feb 2003 (Median) to Sep 2018, with 188 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 27.700 % in Feb 2010 and a record low of -27.100 % in Feb 2003. Korea Retail Sales: Major Discount Outlets: Home and Living Goods data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Korea – Table KR.H019: Retail Sales: YoY%.

South Korea Retail Sector market size was valued at USD 423.6 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 628.4 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2024 to 2031.

South Korea Retail Sector Market Drivers

Rapid Growth of E-commerce and Digital Transformation: South Korea's robust internet infrastructure and high smartphone penetration have contributed greatly to e-commerce growth. In 2022, internet retail sales represented 35% of overall retail sales in the country, ranking among the highest in the world. Furthermore, e-commerce revenue is predicted to reach $114 billion by 2025, thanks to creative online-to-offline methods and strong logistical networks.

Rising Urbanization and Consumer Spending Power: With nearly 81.4% of the population residing in cities by 2023, South Korea has a concentrated consumer base with significant purchasing power. Urban families are increasingly spending on luxury and convenience products, contributing to a 4.2% yearly increase in retail sales, according to OECD estimates.

Government Initiatives Supporting Retail Modernization: The South Korean government is actively promoting smart retail technologies through initiatives such as the Digital New Deal. These measures are intended to automate conventional marketplaces and support retail technology firms. Over 5,000 small retail shops will have smart payment systems installed by 2023, thanks to government-backed schemes.

Graph and download economic data for Production, Sales, Work Started and Orders: Retail Trade Volume: Economic Activity: Retail Trade, Except of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles for Korea (SLRTTO01KRQ661N) from Q1 1995 to Q1 2024 about Korea, retail trade, sales, and retail.

Korea Retail Sales: Major Department Stores: Food data was reported at -5.200 % in Oct 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 6.700 % for Sep 2018. Korea Retail Sales: Major Department Stores: Food data is updated monthly, averaging 3.300 % from Feb 2003 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 189 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 89.800 % in Feb 2007 and a record low of -50.700 % in Feb 2003. Korea Retail Sales: Major Department Stores: Food data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Korea – Table KR.H019: Retail Sales: YoY%.

In 2024, online retailing was leading the South Korean retailing market with its share of **** percent. That year, the sales of offline shopping channels decreased, while that of online retailers slightly increased compared to the previous year.

In 2023, e-retail sales accounted for over ** percent of the total retail sales in South Korea. This indicated an increase from the **** percent recorded in 2020. Online shopping has become prevalent in South Korea, and its growth was only accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.