🛒 Using Korean Convenience Stores Like a Local

Need a quick bite or forgot your charger? No problem! Korean convenience stores are everywhere—and they're full of surprises. Whether it’s GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, or emart24, each offers food, drinks, household goods, and even places to sit and eat. Here’s how to make the most of them like a local!

1. Why Koreans Love Convenience Stores

Open 24/7, you can find everything from triangle kimbap to frozen dumplings. Many stores have microwaves, hot water dispensers, rest areas, and even ATMs. It’s not just a store—it’s a social and cultural hub.

2. Must-Try Items

🍙 Triangle Kimbap (삼각김밥): A quick rice snack wrapped in seaweed.
🍢 Odeng/ Fish Cake Soup (어묵): Hot, comforting, and cheap!
🧊 Ice Cream: Bungeoppang, Melona, and Jaws Bar are favorites.
🍜 Instant Ramen with in-store hot water or cooked in a pot (라면 조리기기).
🍶 Banana Milk (바나나우유): A classic sweet drink loved by locals.

3. Local Shopping Tips

Look for 1+1 or 2+1 deal tags for free extras.
Microwave your own food—microwaves are available!
Use mobile payment like KakaoPay or NaverPay.
Bring your ID if buying alcohol or cigarettes (must be 19+).

4. Useful Korean Phrases

이거 계산할게요.
Igeo gyesanhalgeyo.
I'd like to pay for this.

봉투 필요 없어요.
Bongtu piryo eopseoyo.
I don't need a plastic bag.

전자레인지 사용해도 돼요?
Jeonjareinji sayonghaedo dwaeyo?
Can I use the microwave?

5. Did You Know?

CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven stores are so ubiquitous that there are over 50,000 convenience stores in South Korea as of 2024! That's about one store for every 1,000 people—more dense than even Tokyo or New York City. It’s no wonder you’ll see students, workers, and even tourists hanging out there all day long.

6. Learn with Me on italki

🎓 Want to explore more real-life Korean expressions and culture? Book a Korean lesson with me on italki and learn to speak like a local!