South Korean malls remain calm and patient

Panic buying is spreading like wildfire among a number of countries as fear of the coronavirus deepens.

But large shopping malls in South Korea, however, are as peaceful as in the pre-coronavirus era.

Experts argue that prior experiences in dealing with various epidemics, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) in 2003 and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) in 2015, has allowed retailers to maintain a stable supply of everyday necessities at shopping malls.

Rapid technological advancement in online delivery and distribution systems thanks to the fierce competition among retailers has also helped maintain supply despite the surge in demand, some argue.

“Despite the coronavirus outbreak, we are maintaining a delivery speed of half a day or one day at the latest. This is top class even on global standards,” said a source familiar with the e-commerce industry.