E-Mart
hyper이마트
Best for
Bulk snacks · K-Beauty mid-market · Frozen foods
English staff: Varies by branch.
Payment: Ask customer service about tax-free sales and foreign cards.
Korean groceries
Eat & drink
Korean groceries & edible gifts
The supermarkets travelers should walk into, 15 must-buys worth packing, and the rules (bags, tax refund, monthly closing days) to know before you push a cart.
Where to shop
Lotte Mart
hyper롯데마트
Best for
Souvenir-packaged snacks · Premium fruit gift sets
English staff: Varies by branch.
Payment: Ask customer service about tax-free sales and foreign cards.
Homeplus
hyper홈플러스
Best for
Everyday groceries
English staff: Varies by branch.
Payment: Ask customer service about tax-free sales and foreign cards.
Costco Korea
wholesale코스트코
Best for
Bulk snacks and groceries
English staff: Varies by branch.
Payment: Members only — ask the membership desk whether your membership and card are accepted.
Six rules at the till
No free plastic bags
Supermarkets don't hand out free plastic bags — bring your own or buy a bag at checkout.
Coin-lock carts
Some carts need a ₩100 coin to unlock; you get it back when you return the cart.
Pack it yourself
At many marts you bag your own shopping at a packing table after paying.
Two closing days a month
By law, large marts close two days a month. Districts usually pick Sundays but can choose weekdays — check the store's notice for its dates.
Tax refund
Only stores registered for tax-free sales can refund tax — look for the Tax Free sign, bring your passport and ask customer service.
Packing liquids for the flight
Carry-on liquids are limited to small containers, so pack sauces and soju in checked bags. Duty-free allowances depend on your destination — check before you fly.
Gift boxes
Choco Pie multipack
초코파이
A classic boxed snack that travels well as a gift.
Buy at: E-Mart · Lotte Mart · Costco Korea
Pepero gift box
빼빼로
Korean Pocky — gift-grade box.
Buy at: E-Mart · Lotte Mart · Homeplus
Soju gift set
참이슬 선물세트
Gift sets with bottles and glasses appear around the holidays. Check your destination's alcohol allowance.
Buy at: E-Mart · Lotte Mart · Costco Korea
Maxim Mocha Gold Mild coffee sticks (box)
맥심 모카골드 마일드
Korean office coffee culture in a box — 3-in-1 sticks.
Buy at: E-Mart · Lotte Mart · Costco Korea
Snacks
Sae-u-kkang (Shrimp Crackers)
새우깡
A decades-old classic Korean kids grew up on.
Buy at: E-Mart · Lotte Mart · Homeplus
Honey Butter Chip
허니버터칩
Sweet-salty potato chip phenomenon.
Buy at: E-Mart · Lotte Mart · Homeplus
Roasted Seaweed Snack Tray (Yangban)
조미김
Kids' side dish, snack and gift in one — small individual packs.
Buy at: E-Mart · Lotte Mart · Homeplus · Costco Korea
Instant meals
Samyang Buldak Multi-pack
삼양 불닭볶음면 멀티팩
The fire noodle from countless mukbang videos — a multipack packs flat.
Buy at: E-Mart · Lotte Mart · Homeplus · Costco Korea
Ottogi Jin Ramyeon multipack
진라면
Mild + savory — easier to share than Shin.
Buy at: E-Mart · Lotte Mart · Costco Korea
Drinks
Sikhye (Sweet rice drink) can
식혜 캔
Traditional rice drink in a can.
Buy at: E-Mart · Lotte Mart · Homeplus
Cooking ingredients
Gochujang (Red Pepper Paste) tub
고추장
Make Korean food at home. Sunchang is Korea's best-known gochujang town.
Buy at: E-Mart · Lotte Mart · Homeplus
Doenjang (Soybean Paste) tub
된장
For stew + dipping sauce.
Buy at: E-Mart · Lotte Mart
Korean Sesame Oil Glass Bottle
참기름
Deeply roasted and nutty — a staple of Korean cooking.
Buy at: E-Mart · Lotte Mart
Frozen / takeaway
Bibigo Frozen Mandu (Dumplings)
비비고 만두
CJ's popular frozen dumplings — pan-fry or steam them at your accommodation.
Buy at: E-Mart · Lotte Mart · Costco Korea
Frozen Hotteok (Sweet Pancake)
냉동 호떡
Microwave 1 min for the street-food classic.
Buy at: E-Mart · Lotte Mart