Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Dollar shop Daiso to introduce 100 won sanitary pads amid presidential criticism of high prices

Korea's dollar shop Daiso is introducing its 100 won (70 cents) sanitary pads as retailers hurry to fall in line with the president's stance on the high prices of sanitary pads in Korea.

2026-02-24

ChatGPT logs biggest user growth rate among smartphone apps in Korea in 2025

ChatGPT, a generative AI platform from OpenAI, recorded the biggest rate of increase in its smartphone app users among all apps available in Korea this year, a survey showed Wednesday.

2025-12-10

Korea's tourism numbers spike as visitors flock to lifestyle stores and museums

The APEC summit held in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang late last month drew attention not only for its diplomatic significance but also for a series of shout-outs to Korean tourism favorites from high-profile dignitaries.

2025-11-29

Video of Daiso worker kneeling in apology before yelling customer goes viral

A video showing a Daiso employee kneeling before a customer in a store in Suncheon, South Jeolla, has gone viral, fueling accusations of abusive customer behavior.

2025-11-27

So good, and sold out: Daiso can't keep up with demand for 5,000 won appliances

Shoppers across Korea are scouring Daiso stores for its new 5,000 won home appliances — but most are being told the same thing: sold out.

2025-09-24

From perfumes to passport cases, 'KPop Demon Hunters'-branded merch is driving traditional purchases

Netflix’s "KPop Demon Hunters" is driving a surge in demand for products inspired by Korea’s royal palaces, folk paintings and traditional patterns, as brands from cosmetics makers to discount retailers race to capture the K-culture boom.

2025-09-13

Five for fighting high prices

Models showcase “5K Price” products, all priced under 5,000 won ($3), at Emart’s Yongsan branch in Seoul on Aug. 13.

2025-08-13

Antitrust watchdog eyes sanctions on pharma lobby after vitamins withdrawn from Daiso shelves

Korea’s top pharmaceutical lobby is under fire for allegedly strong-arming the removal of health supplements from Daiso shelves, with the country’s antitrust watchdog eyeing sanctions.

2025-07-30

Dollar store no more: Miniso is back in Korea, and now it sells Harry Potter merch

Miniso reentered the Korean market, targeting young consumers with character merchandise and diverging from its previous budget offerings.

2025-07-29

Local businesses struggle with low patronage from foreign workers amid record ship orders in Korea

Local businesses in Geoje struggle despite booming shipbuilding orders, as foreign workers predominantly purchase necessities without contributing significantly to the local economy.

2025-06-18