The optimistic consumer sentiment in South Korea has not yet boosted demand at South Korean department stores which were dismayed by falling sales in February.

Data from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy showed the top three department store operators have seen sales fall 2.4 per cent in February, the sharpest fall in 13 months.

Sales at discount stores dropped 23.1 per cent.

When combined, the January and February sales of department stores increased 2.4 per cent and declined three per cent at discount stores.