Business Daily, Business Daily, South Korea: Why are more stores going staff-free?

Business Daily

Business Daily

South Korea: Why are more stores going staff-free?

April 9, 2025

18 minutes

Available for over a year

A shortage of workers is leading some retailers to forgo hiring altogether. The number of unmanned, or staff-less stores in South Korea has grown rapidly in recent years - from ice cream shops to bustling cafes and bars.

We explore how these unmanned stores operate and if they can offer a solution to the country’s demographic problems. Is this the answer for business to keep things running when there aren’t enough people to work?

Producer/presenter: David Cann

(Image: An unmanned bar in Seoul, South Korea)