GS25 Sees 74% Surge in Foreign Payments... Alipay and WeChat Dominate

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The number of foreign tourists visiting South Korea has recovered to pre-pandemic levels, and foreign consumer spending is rapidly expanding in the domestic retail market.

GS Retail announced on January 29 that, according to an analysis of foreign payment data from its convenience store chain GS25, the amount of payments made by foreigners in 2025 increased by 74.2% compared to the previous year, showing a sharp growth trend. According to data released by a travel platform, the number of foreign tourists visiting South Korea in 2026 is expected to exceed 20 million, reaching an all-time high.

This growth is attributed to a combination of improved Korea-China relations and the global spread of K-culture, which has led to increased demand for travel to South Korea. In particular, since 2023, the recovery in foreign tourism demand has resulted in a steady annual increase in GS25’s foreign payment sales.

An analysis of GS25’s foreign payment data shows that mobile-based simple payment methods have driven foreign consumer spending. Among payment methods used by foreigners, Alipay and WeChat Pay accounted for 97.7% of the total transaction amount. This reflects the mobile-centric consumption habits of foreign customers, who favor shopping and messenger apps, as well as the convenience of these payment methods.

In particular, Chinese tourists have continued to visit throughout the year, starting with the Lunar New Year (February), followed by Labor Day (May), summer vacation (July-August), and National Day (October). During these periods, GS25’s foreign payment sales also tended to rise. By region, Seoul, Jeju, and Gyeonggi accounted for about 72% of foreign payment sales. Even within metropolitan areas, sales were concentrated in specific districts and counties that are major tourist destinations, indicating a focus on key tourism commercial zones.

Riding this trend, GS25 is launching a payment promotion for foreign customers during the Lunar New Year season. For Alipay customers, a lucky draw event will be held, offering a range of rewards from large-value vouchers to small discounts. The UnionPay instant discount promotion will be offered exclusively in the domestic convenience store industry. This promotion will be available at approximately 1,400 GS25 stores located in areas frequented by foreigners. Customers can receive a 15% instant discount when they scan a QR code, register their card, and pay with UnionPay.

Ji Byungjoo, Manager of the Partnership Marketing Team at GS Retail, stated, "With the increase in foreign tourists, payment methods, commercial districts, and consumption patterns are changing rapidly. GS25 will continue to strengthen its global convenience store competitiveness to match the era of 20 million inbound tourists by upgrading its foreign payment infrastructure and implementing tailored seasonal marketing."

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