Feeding yourself well in Korea is easy and affordable once you know where to shop. From giant supermarkets to lively traditional markets and lightning-fast delivery apps, you have great options for every budget and schedule.
The big supermarkets
The major chains are your one-stop shops for almost everything — food, household goods, electronics and more:
- E-Mart (and the smaller E-Mart Everyday)
- Homeplus
- Lotte Mart
They carry fresh produce, meat and seafood, a growing range of imported and international foods, and ready meals. Sign up for the membership / points card at the till — it unlocks regular discounts and is free.
Traditional markets
For fresh produce, fish, meat and prepared foods at lower prices, visit a traditional market (sijang). Every city has them, and they are an experience in themselves — bustling, friendly, and great for:
- Cheaper fruit, vegetables and greens
- Fresh fish and meat from specialist sellers
- Street food and home-style dishes
- Bulk spices and dried goods
Bring cash, though many stalls now also take cards and mobile pay.
Convenience stores
CU, GS25, 7-Eleven and Emart24 are on nearly every corner, open 24 hours. They are perfect for essentials, quick meals, drinks, and topping up your T-money card. Slightly pricier than supermarkets, but unbeatable for convenience and late nights.
Grocery delivery (a Korean superpower)
Korea delivery culture is world-class. Two services stand out:
- Coupang (especially Rocket Fresh) — order groceries and almost anything else, often delivered the next day or by dawn
- Market Kurly — known for quality fresh food and dawn delivery if you order the night before
You will need the app, a Korean phone number and a payment card. For busy people, dawn delivery means fresh groceries on your doorstep before you wake.
Asian and international groceries
For ingredients beyond the Korean staple range, look for import marts and Asian grocery stores, plus the African and halal shops covered in the Nigerian food guide. Big supermarkets increasingly stock an international aisle too.
Eating well on a budget
- Buy seasonal produce at traditional markets — it is cheapest and best
- Cook in batches and freeze portions
- Use supermarket points cards and watch for evening discounts on fresh items near closing time
- Share bulk and delivery orders with neighbours or NIDO members
- Convenience-store meal deals and kimbap/bunsik shops are cheap, fast everyday options
Practical tips
- Bring your own bags — shops charge for plastic ones
- Learn a few food words or use Papago to read labels (look out for allergens)
- Note that some products come in large pack sizes — split with others to avoid waste
Use the big supermarkets for the weekly shop (grab the free points card), traditional markets for cheap fresh produce, convenience stores for essentials, and Coupang or Market Kurly when you want it delivered by morning.