Retail in Asia

In Markets

Korea’s online shopping up 24.9 percent in July

online shopping

Online shopping in South Korea hit a record high in July, as there was a strong demand for food delivery services and the purchase of foodstuffs amid the pandemic, data showed.

SEE ALSO : Online shopping in Korea up 25 percent in second quarter

The value of online shopping transactions stood at US$14 billion in July, up 24.9 percent from a year earlier, according to the data from Statistics Korea.

Amid an economic recovery and stricter virus restrictions, online purchases of goods and services gained ground, led by demand for foodstuffs, food delivery and electronics, the agency said.

Purchases made through smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices rose 33.8 percent on-year to US$9.9 billion in July. Mobile shopping accounted for 72.3 percent of the total value of online shopping.

Online transactions of food delivery services jumped 72.5 percent on-year to US$2.03 billion, and those of food and beverages rose 30 percent to US$1.768 billion.

Purchases of electronic goods increased 48.3 percent on-year to US$1.76 billion thanks to demand for home appliances, including air conditioners.

SEE ALSO : What are Korean duty-free operators doing to survive the pandemic?

Online shopping of travel-related services inched up 2.1 percent to US$703.1 million in July due largely to last year’s low base and increased activity.