Koreans spend more at local duty-free shops than abroad

South Korean overseas travelers spend more at local duty-free shops on the way out than at their actual travel destinations, according to a report by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

A survey conducted on 700 Korean travelers showed that one spends an average of 459,000 won ($405) at duty-free shops per departure and about 389,000 won at their travel destinations, the KCCI said on Monday.

Travelers to the South Pacific region, Southeast Asia or Japan especially spent more at duty-free shops while those who visited Europe or America shopped more in the visiting countries.

Among the total respondents, 49.3 percent answered that they spent more at local duty-free shops than at the actual travel destinations, 33.7 percent said the opposite and 17 percent said that they spend about the same amount in both cases.

As for the reason of their preferences, 49.3 percent among those who shop more at duty-free stores pointed out that it is cheaper thanks to membership discounts and coupons; 52.1 percent of those who prefer to shop at their actual destinations said that there is a wider range of choices overseas.

The most purchased items at duty-free shops were cosmetic goods, which 81.1 percent of the respondents said to have bought. That was followed bags and wallets (48.3 percent), accessories including watches and sunglasses (47 percent) and liquor (45.9 percent).

At the travel destinations, travelers usually purchased scarves and neckties (35.1 percent), food (33.6 percent), accessories (32.2 percent) and clothes (29.4 percent).

By Park Min-young  (claire@heraldcorp.com)