Major Retailers' Closing Days: E-mart, Lotte Mart

Shoppers should note that major large retailers including E-mart, Lotte Mart, Homeplus, and Costco will be closed on Sunday, April 12, 2026, due to legally mandated operating holidays. Under the Distribution Industry Development Act, large retailers in Korea are required to close on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. In April 2026, these dates fall on the 12th and 26th.

The designation of mandatory closing days may vary depending on the discretion of local governments. For instance, Seoul's Jung-gu district designates the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, while Gwanak-gu district has shifted its closing days to weekdays, enabling weekend operations. Differences also exist by region, with Uijeongbu City in Gyeonggi Province opting for Wednesdays, and Busan region changing to the second and fourth Mondays.

The government and ruling party are considering reintroducing regulations for mandatory holiday closures, citing reasons such as protecting traditional markets.

Some major retailers are holding unique discount events on their closing days. E-mart is offering promotions on 'Seasonal Produce,' Lotte Mart on 'PB Festa,' and Homeplus on its 'AI Price Stabilization Project.' E-mart, for example, will offer up to 50% discounts on seasonal vegetables and seafood from the 9th to the 15th, along with special prices on essential cooking vegetables.