Korean convenience store guide: GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, what to eat and how to pay
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Korean convenience stores, called pyeonuijeom, are on almost every corner, open around the clock, and far more useful than their size suggests. You can eat a full meal, top up your transport card, buy a phone charger and print a document in the same shop. Here is how they work and what to try.
The main chains
- GS25 and CU are the two biggest, with shops everywhere from city centres to mountain trailheads.
- 7-Eleven is the third big chain.
- emart24 is smaller but common.
They are broadly similar. Each has its own exclusive snacks, ready meals and collaborations, so people have favourites.
What to try
- Triangle gimbap (samgak gimbap): rice triangles wrapped in seaweed, with fillings like tuna mayo, spicy pork or bulgogi. Pull the numbered tabs in order (1, then 2 and 3) so the seaweed wraps the rice without tearing.
- Dosirak: lunch boxes with rice and several side dishes. Heat them in the shop's microwave.
- Cup ramyeon: the shelves of instant noodles are a sight in themselves. Hot water comes from a dispenser in the shop.
- Banana milk: the yellow pot-bellied bottle is a Korean classic. Strawberry and melon versions too.
- Snacks: Honey Butter Chips, Turtle Chips, Pepero, choco pies.
- Ice cream: Melona bars, fish-shaped Bungeoppang ice cream, and a freezer full of others.
- Hangover drinks: small bottles sold by the till, popular after a night out.
- Soju, beer and makgeolli: sold here too, usually much cheaper than in bars, to adults only.
Microwaves, hot water and the eating counter
Most stores have a microwave and a hot water dispenser for customers. Heating times are printed on the packaging. Many shops also have a small counter or a few tables, sometimes outside, where people eat. Clear up after yourself: throw away the rubbish, pour leftover soup into the drain bin if there is one, and put the cup in the right recycling slot.
Deals: 1+1 and 2+1
Look for stickers saying 1+1 (buy one, get one free) or 2+1 (buy two, get a third free). They change monthly and are common on drinks and snacks. You can usually mix different items covered by the same deal.
Paying
- Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including foreign Visa and Mastercard. Contactless works at most tills.
- T-money cards can be used to pay in most stores.
- Cash works too; the staff will usually count change out on the counter.
- Bags cost extra; bring your own or carry things out by hand.
Topping up T-money
This is one of the most useful things a convenience store does. Hand over your T-money card and cash at the till and say how much you want to add, for example "man won chungjeon haejuseyo" (please top up 10,000 won). Top-ups are generally cash only. Many stores also sell new T-money cards, including designs with characters.
Other services
- ATMs: many stores have one; look for those marked "Global ATM" for foreign cards.
- Parcel delivery: send parcels within Korea from the shop.
- Phone accessories, umbrellas, basic medicines: handy when you are caught out. Stronger medicines need a pharmacy.
- Plastic bags, toiletries, socks and underwear: for unexpected overnight stays.
Etiquette
- Staff will often ask if you need a bag or a receipt ("yeongsujeung deurilkkayo?"); "ne" is yes, "aniyo" is no.
- Do not open food before paying, even if you are going to eat it at the counter.
- Alcohol and cigarettes need ID if you look young; foreigners should carry a passport.
What is your favourite Korean convenience store snack, and which chain has the best one? Share it in the comments.