Korea vs Japan Convenience Stores: 1+1 Deals vs Private Brands

Korean and Japanese convenience stores look similar but have quite different cultures. Korea's top 3 brands are CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven, featuring '1+1' and '2+1' deals and affordable lunch boxes.

Japan's top 3 are 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson, known for very high-quality private brand (PB) products. Administrative services like resident certificate issuance, package pickup, and bill payment are well-established.

Korea has a strong culture of eating and drinking at tables outside convenience stores, while Japan has separate eat-in spaces or focuses on takeout.