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Although there are convenience stores and small "mart"s (마트 - a common Korean word derived from supermarket) all over the city, there are some large grocery stores that have the widest range of products and offer the best value that all Koreans go to. Most of these grocery stores will either be located within a department store or have their own building.
Lotte Mart
Lotte Mart
If you live in Korea, you'll see the word "Lotte" written everywhere, from buildings to chocolate bars. Lotte is a huge company in Korea that has owns all kinds of businesses including Lotte Mart, Lotte Department Store, Lotte World, Lotte Hotel and many more. You'll be able to buy pretty much anything here, with great discounts too. What’s great about Lotte is that not only do they offer a selection of different brands but also all their house brands that branch over many snack brands (especially confectionaries) and goods.
Find the website here: https://www.lotteon.com/p/display/main/lottemart?mall_no=4&ch_no=100195&ch_dtl_no=1000617
You can get your groceries delivered home online.
You can visit the website here: https://emartapp.emart.com/main/main.do for discounts, participating in various events with which you can earn e-money and learn about what's on sale today.
E-mart
E-mart
E-Mart is Korea's oldest and largest discount store. It caters to a more Korean clientele but still sells a wide-range of imported goods. Its largest store is located in Haeundae and the eight-story building carries 70,000 products with everything from appliances and household goods to fresh and processed food items.
If you have the E-mart app, you can also get food delivered to your house. The products which can be delivered today/tomorrow are marked on the website.
If you buy over 50,000 won, you are legible for a free delivery!
Homeplus
Homeplus
Homeplus is the second biggest retailer in Korea. Like E-mart, you can buy anything in Homeplus from groceries, toys, furniture, clothing, toys, electronics and more. Delivery is also available on the website/app, with minimum spend being 40,000 won for a free delivery.
Homeplus holds a good selction of foreign goods.
Find the website here: https://www.costco.co.kr/
Costco
Costco
While Costco isn't a Korean chain but an American one, there are over 16 Costco stores in Korea. It is a very popular store among Koreans as there are many foreign products you can get nowhere else.
One thing to note is that only people with a membership can enter the store. The price of the Costco Membership starts are 33,000 won and can be used in any Costco around the world!
** Costco only receives a cash payment
Mega Mart
Mega Mart
Mega Mart is another one of Korea's big discount stores. While it doesn't have as many foreign products as E-mart and Costco, it has a decent sized fresh meat department as well as fresh baked goods.
Find the website here: https://www.megamart.com/
Note that every big department store (Lotte, Shinsegae, Galleria, Hyundai) has its own food court and grocery shopping section. These are usually pricier than the stores listed above but they have some unique items which may not be available at other regular Korean supermarkets.
CONVENIENCE STORES IN KOREA
CONVENIENCE STORES IN KOREA
If you just need small items throughout the day or want a snack, these convenient stores are really... well... convenient! You can find them on every corner of every street and although they tend to be a little more expensive than discount stores, they're fun to visit because they release new products every few weeks, so you'll always have something new to try. Most convenience stores provide hot water and microwaves so you can cook your ramen and eat it there, as there will usually be chairs and tables. Convenience stores are loved by kids and adults alike and are a big part of Korean culture. The four below are the most popular and common ones. (Chances are that you've seen them already, it's impossible not to have when they're practically everywhere.)
Check out the website to the right for convenience store tips, tricks, and locations!!
CU
GS25
7-Eleven
Emart 24
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