Pharmacies selling K-beauty pharmacies and cosmetic products are seeing a massive surge in popularity among international visitors in Seoul, particularly in shopping hubs like Myeong-dong.
Rapid Growth of Pharmacies in Myeong-dong
According to recent urban data from Seoul, pharmacies located in the Jung-gu districtβwhich includes the bustling Myeong-dong areaβexperienced a 20.9% increase in just one year. This marks the highest growth rate among all 25 districts in Seoul, driven largely by the booming demand for Korean skincare products sold directly in local pharmacies.
Skyrocketing Foreign Tourist Spending
Data from the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute’s Tourism Data Lab reveals that medical and pharmacy-related spending by foreign tourists from January to September surged by approximately 196.1% compared to the same period last year. This highlights a shifting trend where international travelers increasingly turn to pharmacies as essential retail destinations for authentic K-beauty items.
