Most Korean and Japanese dramas have at least one scene that is shot at a convenience store. The hero just eating Ramen or the second lead couple falling in love over a shared meal. Sounds all too familiar? Korean and Japanese convenience stores have become the new obsession and there’s a good reason why. What began as a means to ease the lives of people has now become a craze taking over the world, given how ‘convenient’ they are.
Origin of Convenience Stores
In Korea, the trend dates back to 1980. While in Japan the first convenience store opened its doors in the 1970s and is more commonly labeled as Konbini. 7-Eleven was the first convenience store to start the trend in Japan whereas now there are more than 50,000 stores all over. The first convenience store to come into existence was Korea Seven a perfect merger of 7-eleven and the Lotte group. Currently, the count has crossed over 55,000 and we’re not surprised.
Why Is The World Obsessed With Convenience Stores?
From socks and sauce medical supplies and ramen – you’ll find all your essentials in one place. These stores are usually just around the corner, catering to each block and more or less all remain open 24×7. Talk about convenience.
Korean & Japanese Foods
Ramen, Tteokbokki, Bento, Gimbap, you name it. There’s an array of Korean and Japanese food that you can sample from. Brands from Korea and Japan primarily dominate the wave of convenience stores that is slowly taking over the world (sorry 7-Eleven). All thanks to the world of K-drama, Korean and Japanese staples like instant noodles, Bento, Ramyun, and Tteokbokki are becoming personal favourites. Best part? You don’t have to move a muscle.
Sit And Eat
Mostly the Korean stores, but even the Japanese counterparts allow people to grab their food and enjoy them piping hot, indoors. Some even have chairs lined outside for customers to eat outside if you’re in a group. Heat up your instant noodles (they have microwave ovens) as you may have seen in plenty Tiktok videos. Grab a juice or make an instant coffee and hang out with your friends in a convenience store. It’s the experience that counts.
No Time Limit
There’s no time limit, neither for you nor for the store. You can sit for as long you want, and have your food. Pop by whenever you want, even at 3 in the morning and you’ll find them open. During emergencies, these stores are absolute life savers. Hungover at 5? Check.
Free Samples
Mostly for food but applies to other products as well. There are brands that are always giving out free samples, and they call it service. The truth is – everyone loves free samples. Hard to believe as is, but there are live food counters promoting their products and letting customers taste them for free. Yep, we never refuse a free sample.
Images: Pinterest
