Guide · LIV · 101
Grocery shopping
Hypermarkets, traditional markets, and delivery apps that take foreign cards.
In short
- Big chains are E-Mart, Homeplus, Lotte Mart (hypermarkets with food plus everything else). Costco and Emart Traders for bulk/Western goods.
- Online delivery is very good here. Coupang (Rocket next-morning) and Market Kurly (dawn delivery) are the easiest for foreigners, and Gmarket Global takes foreign cards + PayPal.
- Traditional markets (시장) are cheaper and fresher for produce; small convenience stores are everywhere for quick top-ups.
- Groceries in Korea are relatively expensive. To save, shop at markets, buy store brands (No Brand), and look for evening discounts.
You can shop at hypermarkets, traditional markets, convenience stores, or order from very fast delivery apps. Here's how to shop well and keep costs down as a resident.
The big supermarkets
- E-Mart / Homeplus / Lotte Mart: the three big "hypermarkets", with multiple floors of groceries plus household goods, clothes, electronics, and food courts. E-Mart and Homeplus are the most newcomer-friendly, with English-supported membership apps. Sign up for the membership app, because that's where you get discounts and coupons.
- No Brand / E-Mart Everyday: smaller discount/store-brand shops. Good value on basics.
- Costco & Emart Traders: bulk warehouses and the best source for imported/Western goods (cheese, big cuts of meat, snacks). Costco needs a membership.
Traditional markets (재래시장)
Every neighborhood has a 시장 (sijang). It's the best place for cheap, fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and prepared side dishes, and a good look at everyday local life. Prices are usually lower than supermarkets. There's not much haggling, but portions are generous. Bring cash (many stalls take cards/pay apps now, but not all).
Convenience stores (편의점)
CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, Emart24 are on nearly every corner, open 24/7. They sell more than snacks: quick meals, coffee, cash withdrawal, bill payment, parcel pickup, and district trash bags (종량제 봉투). Pricier than supermarkets, but very handy for a quick top-up. See trash & recycling.
Online delivery
Grocery delivery in Korea is fast and cheap. The problem for newcomers is that most apps are Korean-only and prefer Korean cards. A few are made for foreigners, though:
| Service | Best for / notes |
|---|---|
| Coupang | The "Amazon of Korea." Rocket Delivery = next-day; Rocket Fresh = next-morning groceries. Korean app, but accepts Naver Pay; Wow membership gives free shipping. Cheapest for many staples. |
| Market Kurly | Premium fresh food, dawn delivery (샛별배송). Order by ~11pm and it arrives before breakfast. Foreigner-friendly. |
| Gmarket Global | Fully English + accepts foreign cards & PayPal. Easiest option before you have a Korean card. Enter passport/ARC number. |
| Homeplus / E-Mart / GS Fresh online | Same-day/next-day from the big chains. Korean sites (use Papago/Chrome translate); foreign cards can be fiddly. |
| Shuttle | Made for foreigners, English support, accepts foreign cards. Handy for international groceries. |
Finding foreign / specialty food
- Costco & Emart Traders: cheapest bulk Western staples (cheese, meat, snacks).
- Coupang Rocket Fresh / Gmarket: a fairly wide imported range, often next-morning.
- Itaewon: lots of international supermarkets, halal butchers and specialty bakeries in one area (can be pricey, so compare with Coupang).
- iHerb: supplements, baking supplies, natural/health foods, often cheaper than local shops; English app.
- Big supermarkets have a small "imported foods" aisle, but selection and value vary a lot.
Small things to know
- Trolley coin deposit: carts often need a ₩100 coin (refunded when you return it).
- Bags cost extra and are often district trash bags, which you can then use for your rubbish. Bring your own or reuse.
- Closing days: some hypermarket branches still close 2 Sundays a month (or a weekday), so check before a big trip.
- Portions: produce is often sold in fixed packs; markets and E-Mart's small-portion options are better for one person.
Common questions
Which app is easiest before I have a Korean bank card?
Gmarket Global (English + foreign cards/PayPal) or Shuttle. Once you have a Korean card and Naver/Kakao Pay, Coupang and Market Kurly open up.
Is grocery delivery expensive?
Usually cheap or free over a minimum spend; Coupang Wow membership gives free Rocket delivery. Dawn/same-day is standard, not premium.
Where's cheapest?
Traditional markets for produce, No Brand/store brands for basics, Costco/Traders for bulk, and evening discount stickers at any supermarket.
Can I get Western ingredients?
Yes. Costco, Coupang Rocket Fresh, Gmarket, Itaewon shops and iHerb cover most needs, though usually pricier than Korean staples.
Sources: Foreigner grocery/delivery guides (2026), retailer info (E-Mart, Homeplus, Coupang, Market Kurly, Gmarket Global). Store closing-day policies vary by branch.
Last verified: July 2026. App features, delivery areas and closing rules change, so check the app/store. General information.
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