Gold bar sales in vending machines surge in Korea

Sales of gold bars in vending machines at GS Retail, a South Korea convenience store chain, totaled $19 million in the past nine months as of May, according to a upi.com report.

The gold bars were introduced at five stores in September and increased to 29 stores, offering five sizes from 0.13 ounces to 1.3 ounces.

Prices fluctuate with the international valuation for gold.

GS Retail, which operates more than 10,000 stores in South Korea, plans to expand the vending machines to 50 stores.