Gathering in Myeongdong, Hangover Relief in Gangnam? Convenience Store Christmas 'Hot Spots' Revealed

Hoehyeon-dong Beer and Wine Sales Rank 1st
Hongdae, Sinchon, and Gangnam Also Bustling
Residential Area Commercial Districts Show Strength on Last Day

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Last Christmas season, beer and wine sales were highest in Hoehyeon-dong, Jung-gu, soju sales topped in Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, and cake sales led in Sinchon-dong, Seodaemun-gu at convenience stores in Seoul. On the last day of the year, neighborhoods densely populated with residential areas ranked high. Convenience stores, with 50,000 stores nationwide, serve as a barometer revealing the consumption patterns of the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z) and the characteristics of local commercial districts.

According to CU’s analysis comparing Seoul area sales data by region (eup, myeon, dong units) from December 24-25 last year, Hoehyeon-dong, Jung-gu recorded the highest sales of beer and wine. Hoehyeon-dong is adjacent to Myeongdong, one of Seoul’s major commercial districts, and houses the Shinsegae Department Store main branch. Especially last year, the media facade installed on the exterior of the Shinsegae Department Store main branch became a popular SNS photo spot, attracting many visitors.

Soju sales were highest in Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu; Christmas cake sales led in Sinchon-dong, Seodaemun-gu; and hangover relief drinks topped in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu. Seogyo-dong, around Hongdae Entrance Station, is a youthful area bustling with people in their 20s and 30s. Sinchon-dong, home to Yonsei University and Ewha Womans University, has developed a commercial district with eateries, bars, and clubs catering to university students. Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, is a large office district served by Gangnam, Yeoksam, Seolleung, and Sinnonhyeon stations, with many commuters and a large number of single-person households living in officetels and villas.

On December 31 last year, beer sales were highest in Gayang-dong, Gangseo-gu; wine sales in Hangangno-dong, Yongsan-gu; soju sales in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu; and hangover relief drinks in Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu. Gayang-dong, Yeoksam-dong, and Seocho-dong are all residential commercial districts, suggesting many people spent the last day of the year resting at home with family, friends, or alone. Hangangno-dong, near Samgakji Station, features Yongridan-gil, currently one of the hottest spots. It is bustling with young people, blending exotic restaurants and long-established shops.

A customer is purchasing wine at CU.

Every year during the Christmas and year-end season, convenience stores see an increase in consumers seeking alcoholic beverages, cakes, and various other products. CU is holding a home party promotion at offline stores and its membership app PocketCU until the 25th. This event features 33 carefully selected products including snacks, side dishes, carbonated drinks, and processed foods, with promotions such as 1+1, 2+1, and 2+2 per product. Popular beer bundles like 6 cans of Gompyo Wheat Beer and Heineken are discounted from 16,500 won to 12,000 won, and 4-can bundles are also reduced from 11,000 won to 8,000 won. Truffle cheese cake and vanilla pecan cake from Jeongsikdang, a Korean fusion dining restaurant, as well as holiday whole cakes from the 5-star Mayfield Hotel, are also available.

A BGF Retail official said, “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, home party culture has taken root, so we planned gift-with-purchase promotions centered on popular products. We will continue to offer seasonal customized promotions that enhance customer benefits based on analysis of purchasing trends.”

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