Online shopping during the month of November has driven a 4.6 per cent increase in South Korean retail sales compared to the same period in the previous year, according to government data.

Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy figures showed a 12.7 per cent year-on-year growth in online sales alongside a 0.5 per cent drop in offline retail during the month.

Convenience stores, chain supermarkets and super supermarket sales showed positive growth, while large discount outlets and department stores saw declines of 2.8 per cent and 3.9 per cent respectively.

Online sales in November were largely propped up by e-commerce shopping festivals in China and the US during the period.