It is 11 PM and you want to order food delivery in Korea. You are in your hotel room, and suddenly you crave Korean Fried Chicken (Chimaek). In other countries, restaurants close at night. But here, you can order food delivery in Korea to a park or even a baseball stadium. However, the apps are in Korean, and you are afraid the driver will call you.
In other countries, restaurants close at night. But in Korea, the “Nation of Delivery,” anything is possible. You can order food to your hotel, a park, or even a baseball stadium.
However, the apps are in Korean, and you are afraid the delivery driver will call you. Don’t worry. This guide will teach you how to order food delivery in Korea without speaking a single word.
Prerequisites: What You Need First 📋
Before downloading apps, make sure you have these two things. Without them, ordering is very difficult.
- 1. A Korean Phone Number (010): Most delivery apps require identity verification via text message. If you only have a data-only SIM, you might not be able to sign up.
- 2. A Credit Card: You must pay in the app (Pre-payment) to avoid meeting the driver. International cards work on Coupang Eats, but sometimes fail on other apps.
Option 1: Coupang Eats (The Savior for Foreigners) 🇺🇸
If you don’t know any Korean, just download Coupang Eats. It is the “Uber Eats” of Korea.
Why is it the best?
- English Interface: If your phone’s system language is English, the app automatically translates menus (though sometimes the translation is funny).
- Real-Time Tracking: You can see the motorcycle moving on the map via GPS. You know exactly when to open the door.
- Fast Delivery: It is famous for “Cheetah Delivery” (very fast).
📥 Download Coupang Eats:
🤖 Android (Google Play)
🍎 iOS (App Store)
Option 2: Baedal Minjok (Baemin) 🇰🇷
Baemin (Baedal Minjok) is the No.1 delivery app in Korea. It has the most restaurants and reviews.
The problem? It is 100% in Korean. There is no English setting. But if you want to try authentic local food that isn’t on Coupang Eats, you need this.
💡 Pro Tip: Use two phones or a “Screen Translate” app (like Papago) to read the menu. Also, finding your exact address can be tricky. If you are struggling with the address, check my Guide to Naver Map first to copy your address in Korean.
📥 Download Baemin:
🤖 Android (Google Play)
🍎 iOS (App Store)
Editor’s Pick: The “Don’t Call Me” Trick 🤫
Are you afraid the driver will call you and speak Korean? Or are you just an introvert? Here is the ultimate cheat key to order food delivery in Korea.
When you are at the Checkout page, look for “Request to Rider” (요청사항).
You must check or write this phrase:
문 앞에 두고 가세요
(Moon-ap-ae Doo-go Ga-se-yo)
= “Please leave it in front of the door.”
If you select this option, the driver will leave the food at your door, ring the bell (or send a photo), and leave. Zero face-to-face interaction!
FAQ: Delivery Survival Guide
Q: Can I pay with cash?
A: Most apps now require pre-payment by card. Paying cash to the driver is becoming very rare and inconvenient.
Q: How do I order to a hotel?
A: Put your hotel name in the address. IMPORTANT: Drivers usually cannot go up to your room. You must go down to the Lobby (1st Floor) to pick it up.
Q: Is it open 24/7?
A: The apps are open 24/7, but it depends on the restaurant. In Seoul, you can easily find chicken, pizza, or pork feet (Jokbal) even at 2 AM.
Conclusion: Ready to Order Food Delivery in Korea?
Now you know exactly how to order food delivery in Korea. You have the power to summon food anywhere.
Don’t be afraid of the language barrier. With this guide, anyone can order food delivery in Korea like a local. In the next post, I will recommend the Best 5 Delivery Foods you must try.