Grocery Shopping in Korea: What to Expect as a Foreigner
Grocery Shopping in Korea: What to Expect as a Foreigner
One of the first everyday experiences that made me realize I was truly living abroad was grocery shopping in Korea. I remember walking into my first Korean grocery store thinking, “Okay, I know what to expect here.”
I absolutely did not.
From unfamiliar vegetables to surprising prices and smaller store layouts, grocery shopping in Korea quickly became a learning experience. If you’re moving to Korea—or just curious about daily life here—this guide breaks down what it’s really like.
First Impressions: Smaller Stores and More Frequent Trips
If you’re coming from Canada (like me), you’re probably used to doing one big weekly grocery run—driving to a huge supermarket, filling up a cart, and calling it a day.
In Korea, it’s completely different.
Most neighborhood grocery stores are smaller, and even large chains feel more compact than Western supermarkets. Instead of weekly hauls, I find myself shopping every couple of days.
Surprisingly, I’ve grown to love this habit. Food feels fresher, and I waste less—no more forgotten produce slowly dying in the back of the fridge.
Grocery Prices in Korea: What’s Cheap vs. Expensive
One of the biggest surprises about grocery shopping in Korea is how uneven prices can be.
Cheap in Korea
- 🍜 Instant noodles (ramyeon heaven)
- 🥬 Local vegetables (especially in season)
- 🍚 Rice
- 🥚 Eggs (generally affordable)
Expensive in Korea
- 🧀 Cheese (still painful every time)
- 🥑 Avocados
- 🥩 Beef (much pricier than in Canada)
- 🌍 Imported foods (cereal, snacks, sauces)
I still remember picking up a block of cheese, checking the price… and then checking it again. It was a moment.
On the bright side, if you stick to local ingredients and shop at traditional markets, groceries in Korea can actually be very budget-friendly.
Where to Buy Groceries in Korea
I don’t rely on just one store—instead, I rotate depending on what I need:
- Convenience stores – quick snacks, drinks, or emergency meals
- Local marts – affordable produce and everyday essentials
- Big chains (like E-Mart or Homeplus) – wider selection and Western foods
- Online shopping (Coupang) – perfect for bulk buying or hard-to-find items
Online grocery shopping—especially Coupang—has honestly been a game changer. If I can’t find something in-store, I just order it and it shows up the next morning. It still feels like magic.
Final Thoughts on Grocery Shopping in Korea
Adjusting to grocery shopping in Korea took time, but now it’s something I genuinely enjoy.
It’s made me:
- More flexible with what I eat
- More creative in the kitchen
- More appreciative of fresh, simple meals
There’s something satisfying about stopping by a local mart, picking up just what you need, and cooking a simple meal at home.
Even if I still occasionally stare at a vegetable and think… “What are you?”
Michelle Duquette, Marketing Assistant
Michelle Duquette is from Toronto, Canada and moved to South Korea in 2015. She has a Bachelors in English literature and a Masters in ESL Education. Michelle has taught at Creverse campuses in Gangneung, Songpa, and Mokdong and currently works as a CDI and April Trainer. Michelle never set out to be a teacher but fell in love with Korean culture and the excitement of being in the classroom. Michelle lives in Seoul with her partner and two cats, Cherry and Frost.
