I love checking out local supermarkets whenever I travel to other countries. Why? Because, I believe, a supermarket is the best place to meet locals and learn their lifestyle. Sometimes, I find items which are so foreign that I can’t guess what they are. I spend some time studying that item trying to figure out what it could be and ask locals or staff about that thing. It is a fun way to discover local culture and interact with locals. If you are also a fan of exploring local culture at supermarkets, I would love to share some tips about supermarkets in Korea.
First of all, you will have to know where to go. Lotte Mart, E-Mart and Homeplus are the major supermarket chains in South Korea. Supermarkets in Korea are no different from other stores across the globe. But, they have some unique features.
- Free Food Samples
Who wouldn’t like free food? You can try various kinds of dishes for FREE in one place. The salesperson who is usually a friendly lady wearing an apron would be happy to help you try their food samples and you don’t need to feel pressure to buy the food after you try it. It is okay to buy it only when you really enjoy the food and want to have it again next time.
- Liquor
Korean supermarkets cover all kinds of alcohol. Beer, Soju, Makgeolli, wine, whisky, vodka, you name it. We don’t have specialized liquor stores. You can buy alcohol in convenience stores, supermarkets, gas stations, etc. Of course, you will have to carry your ID to prove that you are over 19 years old.
- No Free Plastic Bags
It is not allowed to provide free plastic bags not only in supermarkets but also in other retail outlets. Many Koreans bring their own bags for our environment. The bag costs only 20 won (0.02 USD) so it is not really about saving money but about protecting environment from plastic waste. 🙂
So, what to buy at the Korean grocery store? Here is the list of items I recommend. I hope you give it a try!
- Soju
Do you know what is most sold spirit in the world? The winner may come as a surprise to most people outside Korea. About 71 million cases of Jinro soju were sold in 2014 only. Emperador brandy was second on the list, at 33 million cases. This distilled rice liquor tastes like light vodka but way cheaper than vodka. Soju usually contains 20% alcohol and costs less than 1,500 won at supermarkets. If you like beer and want to try soju with beer, then make somac, a mixture of beer and soju. The most preferred ratio is 30% soju to 70% beer. 😉
- Makgeolli
Makgeolli is a fermented rice wine native to Korea. You should shake Makgeolli before drinking it because it is unfiltered.
- Instant Cooked Rice
Rice is at the center of almost every meal in Korea. If you plan to make Korean food at home after returning from Korea, bringing some instant cooked rice might be a good idea. All you need to do is to put the rice in the microwave for 2 minutes and then you will have Korean style rice.
- Three-in-one Coffee
Three-in-one coffee or instant coffee is called “coffee mix” in Korea. Instant coffee is still very popular in Korea especially at home and office. “Coffee mix” is usually very sweet but there is also black coffee. Maxim Mocha/White gold, French Café and Kanu are major brands.
- Green Tea Bags and Green Tea Powder
Nokcha, green tea, is the most consumed tea in Korea. Green tea has relaxing effects and it is enjoyable served hot or cold. Put a teabag in a cup and then pour water over it. Or you can add green tea powder to water, smoothie, ice cream, bread or anything.
- Oreo O’s
Are you a fan of Oreo? Do you eat cereals for breakfast? Then you should buy Oreo O’s in Korea. It is a cereal consists of many small pieces of Oreo. Its production was ceased in 2007 everywhere outside South Korea. So, it was availably only in Korea until 2017 when it was released worldwide again. I am not so sure which country now has Oreo O’s. If you have never tried it or have never seen it in your home country, why don’t you try it in Korea?
- Instant Ramen
Korean instant noodles are generally quite hot but very tasty. If you enjoy spicy food and dare to try, I would recommend Shin Ramyun (spicy), Samyang Ramyun (oldest ramyun brand), Jjapaghetti (non-soup noodle) and Buldalk Bokkeummyeon (warning! sweet and extremely spicy).
I hope these tips can help you enjoy local supermarkets in Korea and please do let me know if I missed any!
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Hi can you tell me about wine in Korean supermarkets please? I’m really interested to know about imported wines. Thank you
Hi Bob!
You can get various kinds of wines in big supermarkets in Korea.
But wine in general is more expensive than other countries. If you go to a big supermarket there is usually a staff member at the wine section who will help you to choose the wine.
Love your site! I will visiting Seoul March 2019 for 6 days was wondering is I can get some assistance/recommendations f on you on
Good food. (Foodie) nature and history lover….
1. Good tour guide…we are a group of 4, looking to travel in small van/bus not big tour group. 50-100/day per person if possible
2. Places to visit
3. Hotel
Here are somethings base on my research not sure how good it is…hope to get the insider/ local residents view.
Interested in
Chengdeok palace / Gyeongbokgung. And any other historical buildings, folk villages? Interested to try on some traditional clothing.
Gwangjang Market/Namdaemun Market/Myeong-dong/Dongdaemun Food Street
How’s this hotel?Fraser Place Namdaemun Seoul
Also interested in a kimchi making class ?
Thank you for your time and assistance
Hi Tina!
Thanks. 🙂
ohhh you are visiting Seoul next year. March can be still cold but there are still plenty of things to do in Seoul in March. So I am sure you will enjoy your stay in Seoul. 😉
1. I have no idea about group tours. We are just individuals who love to share things we love about Seoul. So we have no connection to any tour operators.
2. Places to visit…
Chengdeok palace, Gyeongbokgung, Korean Folk Village, Gwangjang Market, Namdaemun Market, Myeong-dong, Dongdaemun Food Street….
These Places you mentioned are all fun to visit. In addition, they are kinda close to each other except Korean Folk Village (you will need a full day for this site).
3. Hotel
We don’t have much information about accommodation in Seoul, since we both are residents in Seoul. But Fraser Place Namdaemun Seoul seems like a good choice. It is located in the very center of Seoul. I personally recommend staying either in the center of Seoul or in Hongdae area (especially if you like nightlife).
4. some traditional clothing
You can try on Hanbok, a traditional Korean dress, near palaces. There are so many shops near palaces so you won’t miss it. 😉
5. Kimchi making.
Kimchikan, a Kimchi museum, offers kimchi making classes. you will find more information here. https://www.kimchikan.com/en/?page_id=24
* This is an official travel site run by Seoul City.
http://english.visitseoul.net/
You can contact them for more thorough information on Seoul.
We hope you will have a blast in Seoul next spring!
So cool! I am visiting Seoul in May!
Hello girls. I am from the Philippines. A friend and I will be visiting Seoul on August 2019. Can you suggest an appropriate set of outfits during that period in Korea?
Hello Rea!
I am glad to hear that you are visiting Seoul soon! 🙂
Welcome!
August is actually the hottest month of the year. During the day time it will be something like 35° and even at night it can be over 25°. The problem is humidity. It is very humid and hot in August. So shorts and shirts would be enough. I wouldn’t even bring the light jacket. It won’t be necessary unless your visit is in the end of August.
Hope you have great fun in Seoul regardless of the hot weather. 😉
Hi, do you know about menstural cup? do they sell menstrual cup in the supermarket?
Hi! Unfortunately, they don’t sell any menstrual cup in Korean supermarkets. Menstrual cups were introduced to Korea only very recently so I reckon you will have to check it online.
Hi! I’m visiting Seoul w my 14 month old daughter next next week. Was wondering will I be able to get diapers and infant formula in the supermarket? Thank you so much so for your help!
Hi Selena,
I am sorry for the late reply.
I hope you had a wonderful time in Seoul with your daughter.
And yes you can get diapers and infant formula in supermarkets in Korea. I also do hope that you found what you were looking for!
Happy new year! 🙂
SMart.com is a great online Korean Store.
Hi there, I love your blog. I have a small question. I am moving to Korea in a few weeks and I was wondering how common tree nuts are found in food in Korea. My friend told me the only tree nut she has eaten in Korea was chestnuts. I am very allergic to nuts and was wondering what your experience is with food allergies and nuts?
Hi. You can get all sorts of tree nuts in Korean supermarkets like almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pistachio nuts, walnuts, etc. But it is uncommon to find cooked dish using nuts. Sometimes, pine nuts are used as a garnish but I would say it is not common. So you wouldn’t find any nuts in most Korean dishes. Welcome to Korea and I hope you have wonderful experiences in Korea!