How to Shop for Groceries in Korea: E-mart, Homeplus & Market Kurly Guide

Everything You Need to Know About Grocery Shopping as a Foreigner in Korea

1. Grocery Shopping in Korea: What Are Your Options?

In Korea, you can shop for groceries in three main ways:

  • Offline big-box stores: E-mart, Homeplus, Lotte Mart

  • Local markets and convenience stores: For quick, small purchases

  • Online grocery apps: Market Kurly, Coupang, SSG.com

Each option suits different needs depending on price, convenience, and delivery preferences.

2. Big-Box Stores: E-mart, Homeplus, Lotte Mart

  • E-mart (이마트)

    • Korea’s largest supermarket chain

    • Offers a wide selection of international and Korean products

    • Some locations include foreign food sections

  • Homeplus (홈플러스)

    • Known for weekly sales and promotions

    • Clean, organized, with big household goods sections

    • Good value for bulk shopping

  • Lotte Mart (롯데마트)

    • Offers fresh produce and imported goods

    • Often located near major transit hubs like Seoul Station

🛍 Tip: Bring a reusable bag or expect to pay KRW 100 for plastic bags at checkout.

3. Best Online Grocery Shopping Apps in Korea

  • Market Kurly (마켓컬리)

    • Premium grocery service with early morning delivery

    • Known for quality produce, meal kits, and imported items

    • English app version available

    • Great for fresh meats, fruits, and organic goods

  • Coupang (쿠팡)

    • Amazon-style one-stop shop for everything, including groceries

    • Rocket Fresh offers next-day grocery delivery

    • Korean-only app but highly rated for speed

  • SSG.com

    • Run by Shinsegae (E-mart)

    • Good for same-day or next-day delivery from E-mart

    • More advanced interface, but requires Korean registration

📦 Most online stores require a Korean phone number and address to sign up.

4. Local Markets & Convenience Stores

  • Traditional markets (시장)

    • Great for fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats at lower prices

    • Bargaining is common and fun

    • Language barrier might exist, but body language works!

  • Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven)

    • Good for small items, snacks, instant meals

    • Open 24/7, found on almost every street corner

    • Prices are slightly higher than supermarkets

🧺 These are perfect for quick grocery runs or when you're out of essentials late at night.

5. How to Pay for Groceries in Korea

  • Korean debit/credit card – Most commonly used

  • Cash – Always accepted

  • Mobile pay – Kakao Pay, Naver Pay, Samsung Pay

  • Foreign cards – Accepted at large stores like E-mart & Homeplus (but not always at local shops)

💡 Online grocery apps usually do not accept international cards.

6. Grocery Shopping Phrases in Korean

  • “계산이요.” — I'd like to pay.

  • “봉투 필요 없어요.” — I don’t need a bag.

  • “카드로 결제할게요.” — I’ll pay by card.

  • “이거 할인되나요?” — Is this on sale?

📱 Use Papago to translate food labels or packaging in real-time.

7. Tips for Grocery Shopping Like a Local

  • Most big marts are less crowded in the morning or late evenings.

  • Check flyers or app notifications for discount days (할인 행사).

  • Join store loyalty programs (e.g., E-mart’s Shinsegae membership) for extra points.

  • Bring small change or Korean cards when visiting local markets.

  • Online grocery delivery often includes ice packs and cold bags, which you can reuse.

With the right apps and a few Korean phrases, you’ll be grocery shopping like a pro in no time.


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