Halloween 'Hot Places' Seen Through Convenience Stores... Hangover Remedies in Hongdae, Alcoholic Beverages in Itaewon

Bars and Club Districts Show 'Strength'
Yongridan-gil Also Bustling with MZ Generation
CU Halloween Promotional Product Sales Up 40.8%

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] During last year's Halloween period, hangover relief products sold the most in Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, while alcoholic beverages such as beer and whiskey had the highest sales in Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Convenience stores, with their nationwide 50,000 outlets, serve as a barometer reflecting the consumption patterns of the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z) and the characteristics of local commercial districts.

According to CU's analysis comparing sales data by region (at the eup, myeon, dong level) in Seoul from the 29th to 31st of last year, Seogyo-dong in Mapo-gu ranked highly in multiple categories: beer (5th), soju (4th), wine (5th), whiskey (2nd), hangover relief products (1st), and Halloween promotional items (4th). This area, centered around Hongdaeipgu Station, is bustling with people in their 20s and 30s, living up to its reputation as a youthful district. Traditionally, it has developed as a commercial area with eateries, bars, and clubs catering to university students.

Itaewon-dong in Yongsan-gu is a nightlife district with many clubs and bars. The commercial area formed around Itaewon Station, along with the Gyeongridan-gil and Haebangchon districts north of Itaewon and Noksapyeong Stations, are key hubs. Every year, the Itaewon area attracts young crowds, enjoying a Halloween Day boom. In fact, last year Itaewon-dong showed high convenience store sales in beer (1st), soju (5th), whiskey (1st), hangover relief products (4th), and Halloween promotional items (3rd).

Hangangno-dong in Yongsan-gu is home to the currently hottest area, Yongridan-gil. Located near Samgakji Station, this area blends exotic restaurants and long-established shops, drawing in people in their 20s and 30s. According to the data platform Datas, the floating population in Hangangno-dong, Yongsan-gu, averages 353,930 on weekdays and 282,837 on weekends. During the Halloween period, convenience store sales also ranked high in multiple categories such as wine (1st), whiskey (3rd), and Halloween promotional items (2nd).

Models are introducing Halloween products at the convenience store CU. (Photo by BGF Retail)

This year, the number of people seeking Halloween products at convenience stores is increasing. CU has significantly strengthened related products as Halloween Day has established itself as a new festival culture among the MZ generation. According to CU, sales of Halloween promotional items from the 24th to 26th of this month increased by 40.8% compared to the previous year. In particular, demand for finger foods and snacks rose, with candy and chocolate sales increasing by 16% and 26.3%, respectively, and desserts and snacks rising by 180.1% and 24.6%. By commercial district, sales growth rates were highest in university areas at 99.5%, followed by office districts at 29.8%, entertainment districts at 29%, single-person households at 25.2%, and residential areas at 19.5%.

A BGF Retail official said, “Halloween Day has become a new play culture centered on the MZ generation, so we prepared products to help customers easily and conveniently prepare for parties,” adding, “We will continue to enhance fun and convenience with various products and services tailored to customers’ changing demands and lifestyles.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.