Lotte Mart Actively Attracts Foreign Customers with "K-Food Festa"

Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Tourists in October, East Asian Holiday Season
Discounts on Popular Items Like Seaweed Snacks at Stores Specialized for Foreign Customers

Lotte Mart announced on September 24 that it will hold the "K-Food Festa" at 10 stores specialized for foreign customers from September 30 to October 15.

Yoon Yeoryung (left) and Lee Euisub, managers promoting the 'K-Food Festa' at Lotte Mart Zeta Plex Jamsil branch located in Songpa-gu, Seoul. Provided by Lotte Mart.

The participating stores include Zeta Plex Seoul Station Branch, Zeta Plex Jamsil Branch, as well as World Tower Branch, Gwangbok Branch, Dongbusan Branch, Busan Branch, Jeju Branch, Gimpo Airport Branch, Yeongjongdo Branch, and Songdo Branch, totaling 10 locations. These stores are situated near major transportation hubs or tourist attractions frequented by foreign tourists. Lotte Mart has established itself as the leading shopping destination among domestic hypermarkets for foreign customers. In particular, at Zeta Plex Seoul Station Branch, more than 40% of total sales come from foreign customers.

During the event, various discount promotions will be offered on products popular among foreign customers, such as nuts, seaweed snacks, and K-beauty items. The "HBAF Friends 3 Types" will be sold at 14,900 won, a 4,000 won discount from the regular price. The "Mr. Gim Basak 3 Types," "Dongwon Yangban Gim Bugak 6 Types," and "Bibigo Gim Snack 4 Types" will be available under a 2+1 promotion. Additionally, around 40 types of kombucha, well-known as health supplements among foreign customers, will be offered at a 50% discount per bottle when purchasing two. The "Paldo & Yangban Seaweed Soup Ramen (4-pack)" will be sold at a 10% discount per pack when purchasing two. Furthermore, four types of skincare and mask packs from the "VT" and "Mediheal" brands will also be available at special prices.

During the event period, foreign customers who make purchases over 20,000 won will receive a complimentary sticker set featuring Korean cuisine motifs. To claim the gift, customers should present their purchase receipt at the "Customer Service Center" in the store after completing their tax refund process.

To attract more foreign customers, Lotte Mart is strengthening its communication channels by launching overseas outdoor advertisements and opening new social media accounts. Starting September 29, Lotte Mart will run outdoor advertisements on the Shibuya billboard in Tokyo, Japan, for about a month to promote its brand. From October, the company will also promote its brand to both domestic and international customers at Incheon Airport, Hongdae Station, and Airport Railroad. Additionally, by the end of September, Lotte Mart will open an official account on "Xiaohongshu," a major Chinese social media platform, and launch a new Instagram channel targeting Japanese tourists, significantly expanding its reach to East Asian foreign customers.

Furthermore, until December 31, Lotte Mart will provide discount coupon packs for use at its offline stores to foreign guests staying at 64 hotels in Seoul, Busan, and Jeju. The coupon pack contains three coupons: a 3,000 won discount for purchases over 50,000 won, a 5,000 won discount for purchases over 70,000 won, and a 7,000 won discount for purchases over 100,000 won.

Lotte Mart is organizing these events in anticipation of an increase in foreign tourists visiting Korea next month. From September 29, visa-free entry will be allowed for Chinese tourists, and in early October, consecutive holidays such as China’s National Day, Taiwan’s Mid-Autumn Festival, and Japan’s Sports Day are expected to bring more visitors.

Yoon Yoryung, manager of Lotte Mart and Super Commerce Marketing Team, said, "We have prepared this event in anticipation of the increase in foreign visitors to Korea due to the temporary visa-free entry for Chinese tourists at the end of September and the holiday season in East Asia. We hope that foreign tourists visiting Korea will enjoy a pleasant shopping experience with major K-food and K-beauty products at reasonable prices during their trip."