🛒 Grocery Shopping in Korea — My 2025 Guide
Living in Korea means getting used to a lot of new things — language, culture, and yes, grocery shopping! Whether you’re an expat staying long-term or a traveler looking to cook at your Airbnb, Korea offers plenty of options. From big supermarkets like E-Mart and Homeplus to online platforms like Coupang and Market Kurly, here’s everything you need to know about where and how to shop for food and essentials in Korea.
🏬 Major Supermarkets in Korea
Supermarkets in Korea are modern, clean, and well-organized — but they can vary a lot in price and product selection. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main ones you’ll encounter.
1️⃣ E-Mart (이마트)
E-Mart is Korea’s largest retail chain and the go-to for locals. It’s great for fresh produce, meat, snacks, and household items. Prices are moderate, and they often have weekly discounts. You’ll find imported goods like cheese, pasta, and cereal too.
💡 Tip: E-Mart Traders (이마트 트레이더스) is like a Korean Costco — perfect for bulk shopping.
2️⃣ Homeplus (홈플러스)
Homeplus is slightly cheaper than E-Mart and has a strong focus on convenience. Most branches are connected to subway stations or malls. It’s a good choice for ready-made meals and local snacks. Some stores even stay open late, making it great for busy schedules.
3️⃣ Lotte Mart (롯데마트)
Lotte Mart is popular among both Koreans and foreigners for its import section. You’ll find Western sauces, spices, and cereals not available elsewhere. There’s also a tax-free counter for international travelers — perfect if you’re near Seoul Station or Jamsil.
📦 Online Grocery Platforms
In 2025, most Koreans buy groceries online. Delivery is fast, reliable, and often arrives within a few hours — even at midnight!
Coupang (쿠팡)
The Amazon of Korea! Coupang’s “Rocket Delivery” service delivers overnight or same-day to most cities. You can order everything — food, toiletries, electronics, and even international snacks. Prices are usually lower than offline stores.
💬 Personal tip: I order bottled water, cleaning supplies, and imported sauces from Coupang — they arrive by 7 a.m. the next day!
Market Kurly (마켓컬리)
Market Kurly is a premium online grocery store focusing on fresh, organic, and gourmet food. It’s pricier than Coupang but offers high-quality meats, seafood, and produce. The “Morning Delivery” service delivers by 7 a.m. — perfect for busy Seoulites.
SSG.com (신세계몰)
Operated by Shinsegae, SSG.com connects with E-Mart and Starbucks, letting you order your favorite snacks and daily essentials in one place. It’s ideal for expats who want convenience and quality in one app.
🌍 Where to Find International Groceries
Sometimes you just crave home — a jar of peanut butter, a can of chickpeas, or that one hot sauce you miss. Thankfully, Seoul has some amazing international grocery stores.
Itaewon & Yongsan
These neighborhoods are foreigner hubs, full of international supermarkets and import stores. You’ll find ingredients from the U.S., Europe, India, and Southeast Asia. Popular stores include:
- Foreign Food Mart (이태원): Carries Middle Eastern and South Asian ingredients — spices, lentils, basmati rice, and halal products.
- High Street Market (한남동): Western-style supermarket with cheeses, pasta, sauces, and baking goods.
- Kim’s Mart (용산): Offers imported snacks, condiments, and drinks from various countries.
Gangnam & Apgujeong
Upscale areas like Gangnam and Apgujeong also feature smaller specialty markets selling imported wine, organic food, and high-end products for international residents.
💸 Grocery Prices in 2025: My Honest Review
Prices have gone up since 2023, but groceries in Korea are still fairly reasonable depending on your lifestyle. Here’s what I usually pay as of 2025:
- 🍚 Rice (10kg): ₩30,000–₩40,000
- 🥬 Kimchi (2kg): ₩15,000–₩25,000
- 🥩 Beef (1kg): ₩35,000–₩60,000
- 🍗 Chicken (1kg): ₩10,000–₩15,000
- 🥛 Milk (1L): ₩2,500–₩3,000
- ☕ Imported coffee beans (250g): ₩12,000–₩18,000
💬 My tip: Korean produce (like cabbage, tofu, eggs) is affordable, but imported snacks and meats can be pricey. Mix both to balance your grocery budget.
💡 Final Thoughts — Grocery Shopping Made Easy
Shopping for groceries in Korea is now easier than ever. You can combine traditional markets, modern supermarkets, and online delivery for a comfortable and affordable lifestyle. Whether you’re browsing E-Mart aisles or ordering from Coupang at midnight, Korea’s grocery system is designed for convenience. Once you learn where to find what you need, grocery shopping becomes one of the most enjoyable parts of expat life here.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the best supermarket for foreigners in Korea?
E-Mart and Lotte Mart are great for everyday shopping, while Itaewon’s Foreign Food Mart and High Street Market are best for international ingredients.
2. Is grocery delivery common in Korea?
Yes! Most Koreans use Coupang or Market Kurly for next-day delivery. It’s reliable, fast, and supports English-friendly apps.
3. Where can I buy international food in Seoul?
Head to Itaewon, Yongsan, or Hannam for foreign grocery stores. You’ll find imported sauces, spices, and Western snacks easily.
4. Are groceries expensive in Korea?
It depends. Local items are affordable, but imported goods can be pricey. A monthly grocery budget of ₩300,000–₩500,000 is typical for one person.
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