The number of South Koreans who have purchased European upmarket home appliances from online vendors abroad is on the rise, a survey showed Tuesday, representing a growing popularity of high-quality and stylish appliances.

According to the survey by G9, an online shopping website, sales of European kitchen appliances more than quadrupled on year for the July-September period.


Sales of European household appliances also jumped more than six times on year for the quarter, the survey said.

Among popular European brands are SMEG and Delonghi.

In the third quarter, about 170 sets of SMEG toasters and kettles, as well as 100 Delonghi coffee machines, were sold on G9's shopping site. Additionally, around 200 electric convection heaters made by Norway's Mill were sold on the site.

Jeong So-mi, an official at G9, said the European upmarket appliances are becoming increasingly popular among Korean consumers despite their relatively high prices. (Yonhap)