CJ Olive Young Opens New Retail Formats in Busan

CJ Olive Young continues to expand its presence outside the capital region by opening two significant retail formats in Busan. On the 28th, the company re-launched its large town store, Olive Young Nampo Town, in the Jung-gu district, followed by the opening of a design-focused store, Olive Young Millak Derma Market, on the 30th in Suyeong-gu.

Busan is increasingly positioned as a key hub for K-beauty, largely fueled by the surge in international tourist arrivals. Last year, the city welcomed 3.1 million foreign visitors, making it the most visited non-capital city in South Korea. The first half of this year saw a 43.9% increase compared to the same period last year, with 2.42 million visitors. A notable rise in cruise visitors is also anticipated, with projections estimating nearly quadrupling from 257,000 in 2025 to 990,000 this year.

Olive Young’s Millak Derma Market showcases the integration of retail and tourist experiences, featuring a unique store design that reflects the vibrant local culture of Busan. The store, conceptualized as a virtual ship named ‘Ol-Young’ docked at the Millak Hang, exhibits seasonal K-beauty products in an engaging maritime atmosphere, positioned at the heart of a complex cultural venue.

In line with targeting the millennial and Gen Z demographic, this specialized store not only offers curated K-beauty items but also distinctive F&B options. Notably, it has introduced a freezer for light snacks and wellness products catering to late-night visitors, extending operations until 11 PM to enhance shopping convenience in the vibrant nightlife of the area.

Conversely, Olive Young Nampo Town is designed to provide a comprehensive K-beauty experience, showcasing the full range of products the brand has to offer. Established in 2008, the store in Nampo-dong marks its evolution into a landmark, expanding from a single floor of 200 pyeong to a four-story space of 900 pyeong, located prominently along a main street.

Modeling after the brand’s flagship Central Myeongdong Town store, Nampo Town is meticulously designed based on foreign tourist shopping behaviors. The introduction of beauty consultants for personalized skin diagnostics, alongside specialized zones for advanced dermatological products and a 'mask pack library', enhances the consumer experience. Additionally, designed to accommodate cruise tourists, staff will be on hand during peak hours to attend to increased foot traffic.

Looking forward, Olive Young plans to continue investing in regions outside the capital, aiming to establish K-beauty landmarks nationwide. The company intends to expand anchor tenant stores in key areas with increased foreign tourist influx, further enhancing communication with international customers while contributing to regional tourism infrastructure.

An Olive Young representative stated, “Busan, as a gathering point for global tourists, is a crucial stage for the globalization of K-beauty. We will continue to innovate offline experiences that combine the unique charm of local markets with customer data, establishing Olive Young as a representative shopping landmark for K-tourism outside the capital.”