Homeplus

Homeplus operates as the second-largest retailer in South Korea, managing a network that includes over 127 hypermarkets, hundreds of Express stores, and the 365 Plus convenience chain. Headquartered in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, the company employs approximately 25,000 people who serve customers across roughly 140 branches nationwide. The brand offers a diverse inventory ranging from fresh groceries and clothing to home appliances and general merchandise.

The company traces its origins to 1997 when Samsung C&T launched a distribution department, opening its first hypermarket in Daegu and a second in West Busan. A pivotal joint venture formed in 1999 between Samsung C&T and Tesco created SamsungTesco, which accelerated growth through the acquisition of 33 Homever stores previously owned by Carrefour starting in 2008. On March 1, 2011, the corporate name officially changed to Homeplus Co., Ltd. after the contract with Samsung expired, followed by the launch of the Homeplus 365 convenience brand on November 22, 2011.

In recent years, the retailer has faced significant financial headwinds. As of October 2026, sales revenue collapsed to just 30% of its annual target, triggering supplier exits and forcing the company to seek workforce cuts and an M&A deal for rehabilitation. This period also saw a violent stabbing attack at the Guwol branch in Incheon in mid-October 2026, which injured eight shoppers and left one person in cardiac arrest, highlighting security concerns within its physical locations. [edit]