(Image: Stripes Korea)
Coupang is Korea’s most beloved shopping app, often referred to as “Amazon in Korea” by Americans. You can find everything from groceries and beauty products to electronics and home essentials. It offers discounts on many products, and more importantly, most items arrive the next day, sometimes within hours! Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s part of daily life for millions of Koreans, including myself.
The good news is Coupang now supports English and accepts foreign cards. Your experience may vary, however, depending on whether you have an Alien Registration Card or not. So, here’s a guide to help you make the most of Korea’s top shopping app. Once you get used to how to use it, Coupang might become your new favorite Korean life hack!
(Coupang logo)
Quick note: What is ARC?
Alien Registration Card (ARC) is a foreigner’s ID used in Korea like a social security number. While SOFA members are not required to obtain one, applying for an ARC can make life significantly easier when using Korean services. Check out the Tip of the Day on how to get your ARC.
Using Coupang without ARC
You might not want to get an ARC due to a short stay in Korea, but you can still use Coupang for fast delivery on thousands of items. Believe me, it’s still much more efficient than in-person shopping when it comes to finding good deals. Here’s what to expect:
The app supports English, and foreign credit/debit cards are accepted.
A minimum order of 19,800 won is required per purchase.
Features like Rocket Wow, Rocket Fresh and Coupang Play are not available for non-ARC holders.
Tip: If you have Korean friends or coworkers with Rocket Wow, they can always help you out, especially for items that are difficult to find in stores.
Those with ARC
Once you register your ARC and link to your phone, you can unlock Coupang’s full features through a Rocket Wow membership. If you’re living off-base or staying longer than a few months, this version of Coupang could truly transform your daily routine.
Rocket Wow membership
This service offers diverse features, including Rocket delivery, discount offers, free return within 30 days, access to a streaming service and free delivery with Coupang Eats, all for a monthly fee of 7,890 won.
Why Coupang is special
1. Fast delivery
Coupang is beloved for the lightning-fast delivery. If you’re a Rocket Wow member, most items will arrive by the next morning or day. Even without the membership, delivery is still quick, usually within a day or two.
2. Discount offers
I used to browse cosmetics, clothing, and shoes in stores, but now I simply grab my phone. Items are usually 10–30% cheaper on Coupang. After a few price checks, I gave up in-person shopping.
3. Free return policy
Online shopping is convenient, but comparing multiple items can make it hard to choose the right one and returns are costly. With Wow membership, you can return any item, even if it’s already open and undamaged, within 30 days.
4. Rocket Fresh
Place a grocery order by midnight and receive the delivery by 7 a.m. the next morning. Even your ice cream stays frozen! In many cases, the grocery items are even fresher than what you’d find at local supermarkets. Also, Rocket Fresh includes hard-to-find items in stores like organic products, protein snacks and sugar-free foods.
(Screenshot of Rocket Fresh website.)
5. Coupang Play
Rocket Wow members get free access to Coupang Play, a streaming service with dramas, movies and variety shows, both Korean and global. Many Korean programs include English subtitles, and the platform features many American TV shows, sometimes making it better than Netflix.
(Screenshot of Coupang Play website.)
6. Coupang Eats
Baemin may be Korea’s top food delivery app, but Coupang Eats is quickly gaining ground. With Wow membership, delivery is free and since tipping isn’t customary in Korea, you just browse, order and enjoy. Without a Wow membership, delivery fees range from 2,000 to 4,000 won.
(Screenshot of Coupang Eats website.)
7. Reliable customer service
Coupang offers 24/7 customer support and is one of the most trusted platforms in Korea since they are constantly monitoring to reduce delays and flag fake sellers.
How to use Coupang
1. Download the app
Search for “Coupang” on Android or iOS or go to www.coupang.com.
2. Create an account
Sign up with your email and phone number.
3. Switch to English mode
Tap the user icon, scroll down to “Language” and switch to English.
4. (Optional) Join Rocket Wow
If you have an ARC and plan to live more like a local, you can consider subscribing to Rocket Wow for a more convenient life.
5. Start shopping!
Browse by category or use the search bar. Foreign cards are accepted for purchase. Enter your address in Korean for better accuracy. If your building has an entry code, make sure to include it in the address details. Once you place an order, it’s already on the way!
(Screenshot of Coupang website.)
(Screenshot of Coupang website.)
If you live on base
Coupang and most Korean delivery apps can’t deliver directly inside U.S. military bases, so here are a few workarounds to consider:
Convenience store pickup
Many convenience stores like CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven offer pick-up locker services. Just make sure to visit and see if the nearby store supports this service and how it works before selecting it as your delivery address.
Use a friend’s off-base address
If you have Korean coworkers or friends who live off base, ask if you can use their address for deliveries. I often help my American friends with this, especially for urgent deliveries.
