Best tips if you’re planning to eat from a convenience store in Korea

If you have an upcoming trip to Korea, chances are that you’ve seen the viral videos of people eating unique snacks and delicious meals at local convenience stores.

True to its name, convenience stores are located all around Korea and make for an easy yet special culinary experience. Read on to find out more about how to get the best experience out of convenience stores in Korea!

What can I eat? Why shouldn’t I just go to a restaurant?

Contrary to popular belief, Korea’s convenience stores aren’t just for quick snacks while you’re on the road. Regardless of the time of day or what you’re craving, there will be something for you!

Common convenience stores (편의점) in Korea are: CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, and Emart24. Here are a few things that you can eat (beyond chips and soda):

• Lunch boxes with rice, meat, kimchi, and side dishes

• Instant ramen (using in-store kettles and microwaves)

• Kimbap and triangle rice balls

• Fresh salads and sandwiches

• Korean ice cream

Oftentimes, there will be promotions at convenience stores for meal+drink combos. Keep a look out for these!

What about hot foods?

Microwave and hot water stations are located inside Korean convenience stores, and these can be a game changer for many of the meal options offered here.

A must-do in Korea is to visit one of the convenience stores along the Han River, and enjoy your ramen with a view. Some convenience stores will also sell eggs that you can add to your ramen, and this meal can also be enjoyed with some beer or another beverage of your choice. The hot water dispensers make this experience easy and will make a memory that you won’t forget.

What are some popular combinations?

Here are a few popular ideas that have taken the internet by storm:

• Fire cheese ramen: spicy ramen topped with sliced cheese.

• Buldak + rice ball combo: spicy chicken cup meal and a rice ball.

• Microwaved choco pie with milk: a nostalgic snack.

• Make your own latte with flavored milk! Whether it’s banana milk or black sesame milk, Korea is known for their wide variety in milk.

We recommend looking up more of these ideas on TikTok or YouTube for some more unique, fun ideas.

Where can I eat? What are the seating options? What are some additional tips?

At some convenience stores, there may be counters located inside or benches outside where you can eat. Otherwise, many of the options at Korean convenience stores are easy to carry on the go.

For some last tips, take advantage of and pay attention to this advice:

• Use a T-money card (which is often used for public transportation) to pay at most convenience stores. These can be purchased at convenience stores and reloaded with cash.

• Pay attention to the labels for bins at convenience stores, and be sure to differentiate between food waste, recyclables, and general trash.

We hope you enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience on your next trip to Korea!