Chinese tourists to Korea are gradually changing their shopping lists to items other than cosmetics, picking up more health and body care products, a tally indicated Wednesday.

Sales records from Olive Young, a leading health and beauty store chain, showed facial sheet masks still topped the bestseller list among Chinese shoppers who came during the April 28-May 3 Labor Day holiday, but unlike before, others in the top five were health and body-related care products. During the holiday last year, all but one of the five bestsellers were facial cosmetics.

Market followers say the new pattern is a result of the age of Chinese travelers getting younger and the availability and sharing of product information over the Internet. Hangover remedy Ready Q Chew, for example, has become a third-most selling product this year from well outside of top 50 after its reputation spread over social networking services. Curling irons ranked No. 5 this year, while moisturizing gel gloves and socks, and toothpastes in pumping bottles have climbed up the list along with air fresheners for cars decorated with characters from mobile messenger service LINE.

"Chinese shoppers have shown a different pattern during the holiday this year, buying more of products that have to do with Koreans' lifestyle and culture," an official at Olive Young said. "The changes are likely to lead to a new K-beauty trend." (Yonhap)