The Korea National Statistical Office says local start-ups doing business online have more than doubled since 2001. This is because people can operate Internet shopping malls on relatively low budgets, with considerably less items than a regular store.

The boom in business comes as increasing numbers of "digital consumers" go online. So it's no surprise to see housewives, students, farmers, seniors and the disabled reaping rewards from selling wares on the Internet.

Domestic online site Gmarket says it has 300,000 to 400,000 registered sellers, from which 100,000 are already doing business.

Experts say online businesses are creating more job opportunities, with one seller hiring an average of three people. The more successful the business, the more openings arise.

Domestic manufacturers hit hard by competition from China are also taking advantage of the digital marketplace. One local shoemaker made a stirring comeback online -- and now rakes in over US$9 million annually.

Local fashion districts Dongdaemun and Namdaemun have found a way to tackle the influx of cheap Chinese goods by selling merchandise online. Online business also helped banks profit on a 3 to 4 percent commissions on Internet banking. And courier services are seeing profits grow as well.

Arirang News