GWANGJU < invest Korea

According to Yonhap News,

Last year, Gwangju Shinsegae Department saw an increase in the number of foreign shoppers last year.

According to Shinsegae, about 550 items were purchased by foreign shoppers in 2011, up 2.2 times from 250 in 2010, with sales revenue up 2.5 times (based on tax free fund).   

The nationality of foreign shoppers varies from Asia including China, Japan and Mongol, Europe and Australia.

Among them, the increase in the number of Chinese shoppers is outstanding. About 280 items were bought by Chinese people in 2011, up more than three times from 90 in 2010.

Shinsegae focuses on accommodating Chinese shoppers who will visit Gwangju and southern Jeolla area during China's biggest holiday of New Year (Chunjeol) from Jan. 22 to 28 by providing interpretation service and displaying their favorite brands and products.

Jo Chang-hyeon, CEO of Gwangju Shinsegae, said, "Foreign tourists play a great role in boosting the local economy and vitalizing tourism. We will make utmost efforts to attract foreign customers ahead of the planned international events such as 2010 Yeosu World EXPO and Gwangju Biennale."

Source Text

Source: Yonhap News (Jan. 16, 2012)

** This is an English translation of a Korean news article.