Are you hungry at 2 AM? Do you want to eat a delicious meal for under $5? Then welcome to the Korean Convenience Store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, Emart24).
In Korea, convenience stores are not just shops. They are 24-hour restaurants, cafes, and hangouts. This Korean Convenience Store Guide will show you the must-try foods and hidden rules.
Quick Table of Contents
- Editor’s Pick: The Magic of 1+1 & 2+1
- Step 1: How to Cook Ramyeon (Cup vs Machine)
- Step 2: The Triangle Gimbap Struggle
- Step 3: The $1 Ice Cup Cafe
- Important: Clean Up Rules
Editor’s Pick: The Magic of “1+1 & 2+1” Labels 🎁
Before you grab a drink, look closely at the price tag on the shelf. You will see colorful tags that say “1+1” or “2+1”.
- 1+1 (Buy 1 Get 1 Free): If you buy one, you get another one for free. It is a 50% discount!
- 2+1 (Buy 2 Get 1 Free): If you bring two items to the counter, you get a third one for free.
💡 Pro Tip: If the cashier gestures for you to go back to the shelf, don’t panic. They are telling you to “Go grab your free item!” because you picked a 1+1 or 2+1 product.
Step 1: Ramyeon (Cup Noodles) 🍜
Eating Ramyeon (Instant Noodles) at a convenience store is a classic Korean experience.
The Standard Way (Hot Water)
In 90% of stores, you will eat Cup Ramyeon. It is simple:
- Buy a cup noodle (e.g., Shin Ramyun, Jin Ramen).
- Open the lid halfway and put the soup powder in.
- Find the Hot Water Dispenser in the store.
- Pour hot water up to the line inside the cup.
- Close the lid and wait for 3 to 4 minutes. Enjoy!
The Special Way (Hangang Machine)
Have you seen the “Ramyeon Cooking Machine” on YouTube? It is a highlight of any Korean Convenience Store Guide tour. You put noodles in a foil bowl, and the machine boils it automatically.
Note: These machines are NOT in every store. They are mostly found at convenience stores near the Han River Parks. Check the location here:
Step 2: Triangle Gimbap (Samgak-Gimbap) 🍙
This is the best friend of Ramyeon. It costs only about $1.
Many foreigners fail to open the package and end up with messy seaweed. Follow the numbers on the package:
- Pull tab #1 straight down to the bottom.
- Pull corner #2 gently to the side.
- Pull corner #3 to the other side.
Step 3: The Pouch Drink & Ice Cup 🧊
Koreans love iced coffee, even in winter. You can make your own cafe drink for $1.
- Go to the freezer and grab a Plastic Cup with Ice.
- Go to the shelf and pick a Pouch Drink (Coffee, Ade, Juice).
- Pay at the counter, then pour the drink into the ice cup.
Important: Clean Up Rules ♻️
Korean convenience stores are self-service. When you finish eating, you must clean up your table.
- Leftover Soup: There is a designated bucket for food waste/soup. Do not pour it in the regular trash.
- Recycle: Separate cans, plastics, and general trash.
Conclusion: Master the Korean Convenience Store Guide
Now you have learned everything about the Korean Convenience Store Guide to eat well for under $5. Whether you want spicy Ramyeon or a cool ice cup drink, these stores are always open for you.
Remember, the Korean Convenience Store Guide isn’t just about food. It is about experiencing the real local culture. Don’t be afraid to try the 1+1 deals or use the microwave like a pro.
If you follow this Korean Convenience Store Guide, you will make great memories even late at night. Enjoy your cheap and delicious meal at a Korean convenience store!
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