More sweets for sweeties on White Day

/ Yonhap

Amid the country’s prolonged economic slump, consumers are turning to cheaper sweets ahead of White Day on March.14.

In Korea, women present gifts to their men on Valentine’s Day. The favor is returned on White Day.

According to convenience store chain GS25, sales of gift sets costing less than 10,000 won ($9) accounted for 72 percent of last year’s sales. The figure was 49 percent two years ago.

“Couples are opting for cheaper gifts because of the stagnant economic condition,” a GS25 spokesman said.

Sales of cheap gifts at convenience store chain 7-Eleven also increased, making up 50 percent of the total.

More men are choosing chocolates and sweets as White Day gifts instead of jewelry. Sales of jewelry have risen 7 percent while sales of sweets are up 54 percent, according to online retailer Gmarket.