Koreans Love Luxury Brands (opens in new tab)

This was a better article than I expected.

Interesting insight towards the end: "Experts have coined the term "ambisumer," a shortened term for ambivalent consumer, to describe the consumer trend currently unfolding. This trend sees people boldly spending on goods they highly value, such as luxury items, while becoming more prudent with discretionary expenses amidst inflation."

Daiso is mentioned at the end. I can attest it's a great place. They have nearly anything for the household short of appliances, and their stuff is good enough that you don't feel an urgent need to find a better replacement. In the big cities, there always seems to be a Daiso not far away.