A quick stop to pick up some beverages or snacks.
That's what convenience stores were limited to in the old days.
But times are changing.
From getting a new cash card or doing the laundry, an ever expanding range of products
and services are offered.
Lee Ji-won turns the spotlight on the continued evolution of these around the clock shops.
Convenience stores in Korea are facing increasingly stiff competition from new players and mergers
between existing brands.
The number of convenience stores in Korea rose to more than 33-thousand in 2016, which
is a jump of almost 20-percent from five years ago.
To stay competitive, they're moving beyond daily necessities to offer a range of unconventional
products and services.
As the stores evolve, customers are turning to them for more than the occasional errand.
"Even with the development of internet banking systems, there are some things that have to
be done at the bank, including getting a new cash card.
But at this convenience store, customers can take care of that and other banking business."
The digital kiosk provides users with over 100 banking options, from simple transactions
to creating online banking accounts.
And with the help of a real-time video consultation, available even on the weekends, no task is
too difficult.
How may I help you?
I would like to get a new cash card.
Please press 'quick menu.'
Now press 'issue new cash card.'
Please insert your identification card.
Your card has been issued successfully.
The service is available at 22 stores nationwide and is open from 7 a.m. until 11:30 p.m.,
which is far later than regular banking hours.
"Customers often need to take care of banking business on weekends and holidays.
We sought to offer the service at places where customers can easily drop by, including convenience
stores."
Other convenience stores are also offering useful services...
including this one at the railway station at Incheon International Airport.
It provides customers, most of whom are tourists, with an immediate tax refund.
"Foreign tourists whose purchases amount to more than 30,000 won, or roughly 25 U.S. dollars,
can get a tax refund right at the counter when they show their passports."
Launched just last month, the service is available at 12 convenience stores along the Arex airport
railway line in Seoul, saving tourists the hassle of having to go to refund counters
inside the airport...
just to get a tax refund on products they bought at the stores.
"Your total is 42,500 won . You can get a tax-free service."
These Japanese tourists just got a tax refund of roughly one dollar and 80 cents.
"The service makes shopping more convenient, which I think is great, and I would choose
to come to this convenience store over others."
"I think it's very helpful for foreign tourists.
Sometimes when you have to check out at the airport, there's a lot of stress, so having
to get the money back from the shop makes things a lot more convenient."
The service made the store more popular with tourists, leading to an increase in sales.
"Foreign tourists who read about this service online drop by to make purchases.
Sometimes, they even buy additional products to make their total purchase amount to over
25-dollars so they can claim their tax refund."
Those aren't the only examples of the unconventional services that convenience stores these days
provide.
This one at a women's university has a study room, a powder room and a dressing room,...
while this one is equipped with a laundry machine to accommodate busy people who live
alone.
Experts say these changes not only reflect the fierce competition in the industry, but
current social trends and a newly emerging culture.
"The increase in elderly and one-person households is the main factor that's led to these changes,
as these people are looking for quick, convenient ways to meet their everyday needs.
Moreover, people these days see convenience stores as more than just a place to shop,
but also as a place to hang out, where a unique culture is created."
Customers and industry insiders alike have praised the stores for engaging in healthy
competition and reflecting social trends,... and they're looking forward to the new services
the stores can provide them in the future.
Lee Ji-won, Arirang News.