In South Korea, where convenience stores have become hubs for everything from quick meals to tech accessories, BGF Retail—the company behind CU—is adding a new twist to its offerings: temporary tattoos.
On Wednesday, BGF Retail introduced what it calls the industry’s first-ever “tattoo kiosk,” a unique machine designed to elevate the everyday shopping experience. Installed in select CU locations, the compact and stylish kiosk allows users to apply a temporary tattoo to their skin in just one or two seconds using a rolling applicator.
But the concept goes beyond novelty. The machine boasts over 100 tattoo designs, many reflecting iconic Korean cultural elements. Customers can choose from images of historic palaces, bold tigers, and contemporary street-style motifs infused with traditional aesthetics. To attract global visitors, the kiosk features multilingual support in English, Chinese, and Japanese—making it a fun and accessible experience for tourists as well.
The tattoos themselves are made with cosmetic-grade pigment ink that meets South Korean safety regulations. They typically remain visible for about two days—just enough time to enjoy a creative look or share on social media without the commitment of permanent ink.
BGF Retail says the tattoo kiosk is part of its larger plan to redefine CU stores as more than just retail spaces. “We will continue to introduce services tailored to evolving customer needs, expanding the role of CU convenience stores,” the company noted in a press release.
This isn’t the brand’s first move toward experiential retail. In recent years, CU has introduced capsule toy dispensers and smoothie stations—both of which have resonated well with younger customers seeking fun and variety during routine visits.
With a network of 18,600 locations in South Korea and a growing international presence in countries like Mongolia, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan, CU is positioning itself at the intersection of convenience and cultural engagement. As retail continues to blur the line between shopping and experience, CU’s latest innovation might make your next store visit a little more artistic—literally.
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