By Kim Bo-eun
Chinese tourists spent an average of 2.13 million won ($1,845) on shopping in Korea, more than six times the amount spent by Japanese tourists (330,000 won), a survey showed, Thursday.
The Seoul Institute under the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced tourist shopping trends based on a survey of 1,045 tourists visiting Korea last December.
Foreign tourists to Seoul spent an average 1.06 million won shopping. Chinese ranked highest in terms of spending, at 2.13 million won per person, while Southeast Asians spent 790,000 won, those from Americas or Europe 660,000 won and Japanese 330,000 won.
Chinese tourists mostly shopped at duty free shops in the city whereas the Japanese preferred road shops.
Foreign tourists bought mostly cosmetics, food products and apparel, with 94.9 percent of Chinese visitors buying cosmetic products.
Skincare products such as facial masks were among "must-buy items" as the tourists believed the products were effective while reasonably priced.
Shoppers were mostly satisfied with the accessibility of shopping facilities and liked that they were able to experience Korean culture and food at traditional markets.
They also found payment methods convenient as well as the long operating hours of shops, which usually close around 10 p.m.
However, they felt the shopping facilities were crowded and they had difficulty communicating with store employees at traditional markets and discount retailers.
In addition, they felt uncomfortable due to pushy store employees forcing them to buy products.
"I had bought a similar cardigan before I purchased another one, so I asked the employee whether I could get a refund. Her face turned to stone and she said ‘no,'" a Japanese tourist in her 30s was quoted as saying on the survey.
The tourists liked Myeong-dong, because shops, restaurants and food stalls were concentrated in the district.
The Hongik University area was recognized as having a wide array of affordable fashion items for young people and offering various street performances.
Tourists said they liked to shop at stores at Dongdaemun Market because the clothes there are inexpensive and the shops offer large discounts.
However, there were concerns of counterfeit products sold in Myeong-dong and at Dongdaemun Market.
Chinese tourists spent an average of 2.13 million won ($1,845) on shopping in Korea, more than six times the amount spent by Japanese tourists (330,000 won), a survey showed, Thursday.
The Seoul Institute under the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced tourist shopping trends based on a survey of 1,045 tourists visiting Korea last December.
Foreign tourists to Seoul spent an average 1.06 million won shopping. Chinese ranked highest in terms of spending, at 2.13 million won per person, while Southeast Asians spent 790,000 won, those from Americas or Europe 660,000 won and Japanese 330,000 won.
Chinese tourists mostly shopped at duty free shops in the city whereas the Japanese preferred road shops.
Foreign tourists bought mostly cosmetics, food products and apparel, with 94.9 percent of Chinese visitors buying cosmetic products.
Skincare products such as facial masks were among "must-buy items" as the tourists believed the products were effective while reasonably priced.
Shoppers were mostly satisfied with the accessibility of shopping facilities and liked that they were able to experience Korean culture and food at traditional markets.
They also found payment methods convenient as well as the long operating hours of shops, which usually close around 10 p.m.
However, they felt the shopping facilities were crowded and they had difficulty communicating with store employees at traditional markets and discount retailers.
In addition, they felt uncomfortable due to pushy store employees forcing them to buy products.
"I had bought a similar cardigan before I purchased another one, so I asked the employee whether I could get a refund. Her face turned to stone and she said ‘no,'" a Japanese tourist in her 30s was quoted as saying on the survey.
The tourists liked Myeong-dong, because shops, restaurants and food stalls were concentrated in the district.
The Hongik University area was recognized as having a wide array of affordable fashion items for young people and offering various street performances.
Tourists said they liked to shop at stores at Dongdaemun Market because the clothes there are inexpensive and the shops offer large discounts.
However, there were concerns of counterfeit products sold in Myeong-dong and at Dongdaemun Market.
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