CU (Photo by Hyemin Lee)
I’m the type of soldier to always skip the Army chow halls for lunch and dinner. I survived mostly from convenience-store snacks and chicken during my time in South Korea. Now that I live in Japan, I see the similarities and differences between the two country’s convenience stores.
Lawson (Photo by Luis Samayoa)
Lawson (Photo by Luis Samayoa)
Lawson (Photo by Luis Samayoa)
When I was stationed at Camp Casey in Korea, my mindset was very different than it is now. I lived in the barracks and couldn’t own a car because I was junior enlisted and single. Just work, party and chill.
I remember going to CU convenience stores quite frequently for snacks, soju and recharging my T-money card (Korean transit card). I always liked the CUs, especially the one in The Ville outside Casey. Most CU stores have tables and chairs outside, making them a great place to meet up with friends or to socialize with locals and friendly strangers.
CU (Photo by Hyemin Lee)
CU (Photo by Hyemin Lee)
The snacks and drinks at Korean convenience stores are like those in Japan: chips, pastries, candy, ice cream, cups of ramen, tea, soda, beer and alcohol. Plastic store bags and cups of ice are even similar. And if you are out of money, convenience stores in both countries have ATM machines.
For the hot meal selections, I remember CU having a fried chicken snack, but not much else. And that’s where I see a big difference between convenience stores in the two countries.
Now that I’m a bit older, made rank and in Japan, I own a car and live off base. I’m adulting and can see that convenience stores are about more than just drinks and snacks. They definitely make life more… convenient, as well as tasty.
I like how I can buy a full-course breakfast, lunch and dinner at a Japanese “conbinni.” The selection of sandwiches, salads, pasta, onigiri rice balls, pastries and so much more is amazing.
While the food at Japanese convenience stores is the talk of the town (and internet) amongst foreigners, there’s other advantages. I can pay my utility bills and even buy tickets for ballgames, concerts and amusement parks.
Usually, the stores in Japan are very calm and quiet. I don’t see many gatherings, and at stores that have seating, people are usually working on their laptop, studying, reading or just enjoying a meal or drink by themselves.
Overall, convenient stores are a blessing when you are stationed in either Korea or Japan. They are at the top of the list of things that people miss when they head back to the States or another country. What I miss about Korea’s convenience stores are the social gatherings and fun atmosphere. And I know I will miss the selection of food (especially the egg salad sandwiches) at convenience stores when my tour in Japan ends.
(Luis Samayoa)
