required report public distribution date 2 23 2004 gain number ks4009 korea republic of retail food sector semi annual approved by mr marcus e lower agricultural trade office us embassy seoul prepared sangyong oh highlights the in is undergoing a rapid change as large one stop hypermarkets and convenience stores edge out traditional wet markets mom pop grocers growth advanced mass retailers coupled with changes consumer lifestyle tastes translated into growing opportunities for imported ready products total imports oriented foods from increased 16 percent previous year to reach 1 56 billion cif value 2003 includes psd no matrix unscheduled ato ks2 ks usda foreign service global agriculture information network template version 09 page unclassified table contents i market summary ii road map entry format chain supermarkets department on line shopping strategy