?Coupang Group 'Jupjup'... Gmarket Gives 14,900 KRW When You Join 4,900 KRW Membership

Up to 3x Annual Fee Cashback
1-Year Free Membership Extension... 2-Year Retention Period
Exclusive Membership Special Deals Available

Gmarket is offering additional benefits to new members of its paid membership program, 'Shinsegae Universe Club.' The annual fee is reduced by more than 80%, while cash-equivalent rewards (Smile Cash) worth up to three times the annual fee are provided, along with an additional benefit of a free one-year membership extension.

Gmarket's strategy is to gain a competitive edge in the e-commerce membership market through investments aimed at attracting new members.

Gmarket Shinsegae Universe Club, Expanded New Benefits.
[Photo by Gmarket]

First, new members who join the Shinsegae Universe Club through Gmarket and Auction can sign up at a reduced annual fee of 4,900 KRW, down 84% from the original 30,000 KRW. This membership fee reduction event will be held temporarily from 7 a.m. on May 2 to 7 a.m. on June 3. Gmarket explained that this event is held ahead of the 'Big Smile Day,' Gmarket's biggest annual discount event running from June 2 to 20, to secure new membership sign-ups at a time when customer traffic is expected to peak.

Along with the fee reduction, Smile Cash worth up to three times the annual fee will be provided. When paying the 4,900 KRW membership fee, new members will receive up to 10,000 KRW in Smile Cash, which can be used like cash on Gmarket and Auction. Additionally, if the payment is made using Gmarket’s private label credit card (PLCC), the 'Smile Card,' an extra 4,900 KRW in Smile Cash will be granted.

A free one-year membership extension benefit is also offered. If a new member pays 4,900 KRW during the event period, they can enjoy the Universe Club benefits for the following year without paying an additional annual fee. Essentially, members can enjoy membership benefits for two years for just 4,900 KRW. Furthermore, Gmarket plans to offer exclusive membership-only special deals and additional discount coupons for members during the May Big Smile Day event.

A Gmarket representative stated, "We decided to offer exceptional benefits to secure new membership sign-ups," adding, "If members make good use of these benefits, they will receive value exceeding the annual fee, effectively making membership a way to save money. We expect a positive response."

Gmarket Shinsegae Universe Club. [Image provided by Gmarket]

This paid membership competition in the e-commerce industry was recently triggered when Coupang raised the annual fee for its paid membership, Wow Membership, from 4,990 KRW to 7,890 KRW. E-commerce companies are increasing benefits for new paid membership sign-ups to attract members leaving Coupang due to the price hike. Naver has announced a three-month free benefit for first-time subscribers to its 'Naver Plus Membership,' and Kurly is offering a three-month free benefit to new 'Kurly Members' subscribers while providing existing customers with reward points worth 2,000 KRW.

Meanwhile, Gmarket’s Shinsegae Universe Club operates as an annual membership program that provides benefits for one year after signing up. Gmarket explains that since the annual fee is returned in the form of cash rewards, members effectively enjoy a free membership.

Shinsegae Universe Club members receive four types of coupons monthly, including a 12% discount coupon, and unlimited 5% discount coupons. Additionally, members enjoy unlimited free shipping on Gmarket’s next-day delivery service, 'Smile Delivery,' for orders over 15,000 KRW. Daily discount coupons for Smile Delivery and Smile Fresh (a grocery specialty section) are also provided, along with discounts on travel, airline tickets, books, food delivery, and rental cars. Members can also enjoy benefits from Shinsegae Group affiliates such as E-Mart, SSG.com, Starbucks, Shinsegae Department Store, and Shinsegae Duty Free.