Small baskets make shopping easy. (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
Like passing through customs when arriving in Korea, there is one stop that all visitors to Korea will have in their trip itinerary: visiting a convenience store! Korean convenience stores have everything you could possibly want, and more. Open 24 hours, you can visit them at any time and expect to find a lively experience. Let’s experience K-convenience with GS25!
Feeling hungry, but not up for a restaurant? Enjoy a full meal at a convenience store
Like passing through customs when arriving in Korea, there is one stop that all visitors to Korea will have in their trip itinerary: visiting a convenience store! Korean convenience stores have everything you could possibly want, and more. Open 24 hours, you can visit them at any time and expect to find a lively experience. Let’s experience K-convenience with GS25!
Feeling hungry, but not up for a restaurant? Enjoy a full meal at a convenience store
Ramyeon made at the push of a button. Self-cooker adds just the right amount of water.
Food plays an important role in how you enjoy your trip. Many people will look for restaurants popular with the locals to experience the true dining culture. In Korea, look no further than to the nearest convenience store! A meal of ramyeon and a samgak gimgap (triangle gimbap) may appear simple, but it will fill you up. To get the complete experience, be sure to eat your ramyeon at the convenience store.
Cup ramyeon that only needs hot water added is super convenient, but instant noodles from a package taste better and are actually quite fun to make. All you have to do is put your packaged ramyeon in a special container and then put it on the self-cooker. Press the start button and the machine does all the work for you! If just ramyeon won’t be enough, a samgak gimbap will fill the empty space.
With so many ramyeon types to choose from, you might need a little help making a choice. Items popular among Koreans include Omori Kimchi Stew Ramyeon and Gonghwachun Jjajang Ramyeon.
TIP) Korean convenience stores always have hot water for preparing ramyeon available for free.
I’m the barista! Fill up on caffeine at Cafe25
During your busy trip, the time will come when you’ll need a caffeine boost to keep you going. For a quick recharge, use Cafe25 within a GS25 convenience store. Cafe25 uses an advanced espresso machine, and the finest specialty coffee beans for quality coffee. The espresso machine can make a variety of coffee drinks from espresso and Americano to café mocha, vanilla latte, and more. Just choose your drink and whether you want it hot or iced. To protect the environment, Cafe25 uses eco-friendly recyclable cups.
Have a sweet tooth? Satisfy it with a traditional Korean treat
Local food is a broad category, and includes desserts. In Korea, the traditional dessert is tteok, or rice cake. In the past, tteok was served on special occasions, like weddings and birthdays. These days, you can experience that same party vibe at GS25 thanks to Cookatmarket. With unique flavors like strawberry milk, mango milk, or peach with colors that match, these sweet, chewy treats are popular among Korean Millennials and Generation Z.
One more treat before heading back to your room. Relieve travel fatigue with a ‘pyeonmaek'
Craft beers only available at GS25
A beer called Namsan? Gwanghwamun? Jeju Baengnokdam?! Aren’t those all attractions in Korea? That’s true, but they’re also the name of unique craft beers, only sold at GS25. The unique Korean flavor and style can be felt from the moment you look at the packaging. Buy a can of beer and enjoy it on the patio table of the convenience store for a taste of pyeonmaek. A common scene in K-dramas, this is actually a pretty normal sight you can see during your time in Korea. What could be more relaxing than a cold beer while sitting outside a convenience store at the Hangang Park?
TIP) The term ‘pyeonmaek' refers to the culture of enjoying beer at a convenience store. Similar to ‘chimaek,’ meaning chicken and beer, pyeonmaek is a term used by the Millennial and Generation Z population of Korea
Shopping List! GS25’s Best-Sellers! - Omori Kimchi Stew Ramyeon: Enjoy kimchi, Korea’s signature food, in ramyeon. The rich, spicy flavor is unlike anything else. - Gonghwachun Jjajang Ramyeon: Jjajang Ramyeon tastier than jjajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce). This is a hit among all ages. - YOUUS Nacho Combo: Enjoy dipping your nacho chips in either tomato and jalapeño salsa or smooth, spicy cheese. The dips come in separate packaging so you can enjoy nachos anywhere. - Omori Kimchi Fried Rice Nuguji?: Feel Korean sentiment in this spicy, crunchy snack. It comes in two versions: the original sauce or a spicy stir-fried chicken noodle sauce. - YOUUS Movie Theater Popcorn / Butter Garlic Popcorn: With this popcorn, you’re always movie-ready! The salty treat makes every location a movie theater. - Premium Craft Beer (Gwanghwamun, Jeju Baengnokdam, Gyeongbokgung, Seongsan Ilchulbong, Namsan): Each beer holds a story about Korea’s major attractions. Pick the one that suits your taste best. - Won Soju: Traditional alcohol created by K-pop artist Jay Park. It’s known for its smooth finish.
Operating hours: Open 24/7, all year round (* Hours vary by location)
Inquiries: +82-1644-5425 (Toll line; Korean only) - Call center hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-18:00
Website (Korean, English, Chinese)
More Info 1330 Korea Travel Helpline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Malay)
* This column was last updated in April 2023, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check details before visiting.
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