Convenience store chain 7-Eleven announced Wednesday that it has recently opened region-specific flagship stores in Busan and Gwangju.
This marks the first expansion of the company's next-generation franchise model "New Wave," previously operated only in the Seoul metropolitan area, to regional markets. The company explained that these stores will serve as "reference stores" showcasing the New Wave platform's operational methods, product offerings and spatial design.
The New Wave The Haeundae store, located near Haeundae Beach, is equipped with unmanned currency exchange kiosks, food stations and K-pop idol photo card machines, catering to both domestic and international tourists. The store exclusively sells three types of "Haeundae T-shirts" produced specifically for the location. It also stocks Maeryo makgeolli, a rice wine from local Busan brewery Gidarim, highlighting the regional character.
The New Wave The Gwangju store, situated near Gwangju Cheomdan Science National Industrial Complex, features a dedicated "Bohae Brewery Zone" showcasing products from the Honam region-based traditional liquor company. The zone prominently displays Ipsaeju and bokbunja wines, as well as products targeting younger consumers such as Gomageuraje, Bokbajeun Brother Hongyeon and Sunhee makgeolli.
"From food, which is the core foundation of convenience stores, to emerging content categories like fashion and beauty, we will provide local residents with new spatial consumption experiences through New Wave stores that combine diverse product offerings and modern design with regional character," a 7-Eleven official said.