If you are living in or visiting South Korea, you will quickly realize that convenience stores (편의점) are a huge part of everyday life. Whether it is CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, or Emart24, these little stores are open 24/7 and packed with everything from quick meals to delicious snacks and even emergency travel items.
Here is your go-to guide on what to buy at Korean convenience stores, so you can shop like a local and snack like a pro.
🍱 1. Ready-to-Eat Meals (편의점 도시락)
Korean convenience store meals are shockingly good. You will find:
Dosirak (도시락) lunch boxes with rice, bulgogi, kimchi, and eggs
Kimbap (김밥) – Korea’s version of sushi rolls
Ramyeon (라면) – with free hot water and microwaves for eating on-site
Burgers and sandwiches – cheap, filling, and surprisingly tasty
💡 Tip: Try triangle kimbap (삼각김밥) for a quick on-the-go snack.
🍭 2. Unique Korean Snacks & Candy
Korean snacks make great souvenirs or midnight treats:
Honey Butter Chips – iconic and addictive
Pepero (빼빼로) – chocolate-dipped biscuit sticks
Turtle Chips (꼬북칩) – puffy, layered chips in unique flavors
Yogurt jellies – chewy snacks shaped like drink bottles
💡 Fun fact: Many limited-edition flavors are only available at convenience stores!
🥤 3. Drinks You Have Never Seen Before
You will find both local favorites and wild drink experiments:
Banana Milk (바나나맛 우유) – a nostalgic Korean classic
Aloe Vera Juice – chunks included
All kinds of coffee – canned, bottled, sweet, strong, cold brew, etc. Perfect for coffee lovers!
Soju, beer, and makgeolli – great for hangouts with your friends
💡 Tip: Convenience stores often have 1+1 deals (buy one, get one free)!
🧴 4. Toiletries & Essentials
Forget your toothbrush? No problem.
T-money card (transportation card + you can charge it here too)
Toothpaste, razors, deodorant, and other hygiene products
Heat packs in winter and cooling pads in summer
Phone chargers, cables, batteries
💡 Travelers: Some stores offer international SIM cards!
🎁 5. Quick Gifts & Souvenirs
Last-minute souvenir shopping? Grab:
Cute character socks
Small beauty items (face masks, hand creams)
Korean instant tea or coffee gift sets
Regional snacks if you're outside of Seoul
💡 Bonus tip: Need to send gifts abroad? Use HaeTek to ship directly from Korea — fast, easy, and foreigner-friendly.
📦 Final Tip: Don’t Overpack — Ship It!
It is easy to fall in love with all the fun stuff at Korean convenience stores. If your suitcase is full (again), don’t panic — HaeTek can help you ship everything home:
✅ 20% Discount on Korean EMS shipping
✅ Free pickup in Seoul
✅ Real-time tracking and English support
& much more!
Final Thoughts
Convenience stores in Korea are more than just “convenient”, they are a cultural experience. Stop by anytime, explore new snacks, and grab the essentials you did not know you needed. Just make sure to leave some room in your bag... or let HaeTek help you ship it all back home.
