The number of Japanese travelers has increased recently but the slow return of Chinese tourists keeps full recovery at bay

South Korea's food delivery app Baedal Minjok, or Baemin, has been charging the highest fees to its vendors among the country's top nine e-commerce platforms, according to government data released on Friday. The Financial Supervisory Service, the country's financial regulator, unveiled commission rates of nine online e-commerce platform operators that generate transaction volumes exceeding 100 billion won ($77 million) a month. In terms of transactions made by credit card, Baemin,

South Korea’s top brewer, Oriental Brewery, said Wednesday it is releasing an upgraded version of Hanmac, its Korean rice-based lager beer that made its grand debut in 2021. Hanmac was launched as “Korea’s most representative lager project” to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the nation’s beer history. Being loved for its unique refreshing flavor and softness, the beer is making a comeback under the slogan, “Smooth Korea.” The brewer said the new Hanma

GoldenBlue, a South Korean whiskey maker and distributor of imported liquor products, said Tuesday that Carlsberg Group "unilaterally" terminated their contract for the distribution of Carlsberg beer in Korea earlier this month. The company said it will stop selling Carlsberg beer products from Friday, labeling the unilateral notice “tyrannous.” According to the Korean firm, it had distributed Carlsberg beer products under a three-year contract between 2018 and 2021, but si

Mask sales are still growing a week since the lifting of the mask mandate for public transportation, according to sales data compiled from online shopping sites Monday. The South Korean government has been gradually easing mask-wearing rules starting with wearing masks outdoors last May and in most indoor spaces earlier this year. Most recently, last Monday, the indoor mask rule for public transportation, including subways, buses and taxis, was lifted as well, though experts still strongly advis

Shortlist of bidders for W100b deal to be announced in coming weeks

South Korean food and bakery giant SPC Group said Thursday that Paris Baguette has opened its first store in Canada. Paris Baguette, the nation’s No. 1 bakery chain, operates some 450 stores in a total of 10 countries around the world, with its latest Canadian opening adding to the list. The latest Canadian store is located on the first floor of the Yonge Sheppard Center in Toronto. “SPC will accelerate its international expansion, targeting the $9 trillion global food market,”

More than 90% of global consumers recognize soju now, says Korea’s No. 1 soju exporter

Bernard Arnault, CEO of luxury products behemoth LVMH, accompanied by his daughter and the CEO of Christian Dior Delphine Arnault, visited South Korea for the first time in three years after the COVID-19 pandemic, in a bid to discuss the brand's plans regarding duty-free and department store business with major South Korean retailers. During his three-day trip to Korea which ends on Wednesday, Arnault met with Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin at the Lotte World Tower in Jamsil, southern S

Shinsegae DF and Hotel Shilla remain as candidates for main operation of duty-free biz at Incheon Airport

After stellar growth in US, Asia, South Korea’s No. 1 kimchi exporter seeks expansion in Europe

Korean food giant denies developing 'bungeoppang mandu' product

Koreans drink an average of 2 to 3 cups of coffee every day; Coffee consumption highest among those in 40s, 50s

The government will examine the liquor tax system, which has been propelling recent increases in beer prices amid the persistent inflation. According to the Korean Statistical Information Service’s data on Monday, the price index for beer products at restaurants and outdoor dining establishments has increased to 112.63 in February, up 10.5 percent compared to the same month a year ago. It was higher than the increase of the price index for beer products at discount and convenience stores:

Despite pandemic disruptions, Able C&C sees 15.5% growth in Japan sales in 2020-2022