Korean Convenience Stores: What You Must Try at CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven
Korean convenience stores are more than just a place to grab a quick snack—they’re a cultural experience.
Open 24/7, stores like CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven offer a wide variety of affordable, delicious, and sometimes surprising foods that are perfect for travelers.
Whether you need a late-night meal, a quirky dessert, or just want to try something new, here’s what you shouldn’t miss.
▌Ready-to-Eat Meals : Instant Korean Food, Hot and Fresh
One of the most impressive features of Korean convenience stores is their selection of ready-to-eat meals. You can find full meal boxes (도시락/dosirak) with rice, meat, side dishes, and even kimchi for under 5,000 KRW. Popular options include bulgogi beef bowls, spicy chicken, and curry rice.
Microwaves are available in-store, and staff will usually heat the food for you. Pair it with a bottled drink, and you’ve got a satisfying meal on the go.
▌Triangle Kimbap (삼각김밥) : The Ultimate Korean Snack
A classic staple, triangle kimbap is a rice snack wrapped in seaweed, filled with options like tuna mayo, spicy pork, or bulgogi. It’s cheap (around 1,200–1,500 KRW), portable, and perfect for light meals or snack breaks between sightseeing.
They’re typically found in refrigerated sections, with clear English labels for most varieties.
▌Instant Ramen : Customize Your Noodles on the Spot
Korean convenience stores are famous for their ramen corner. You’ll find rows of instant noodles—from spicy Shin Ramyun to creamy Jin Ramen. Many stores have hot water dispensers and seating areas where you can prepare and eat your noodles right there.
Some even offer ramen-cooking machines for the perfect texture. Don’t forget to add extras like boiled eggs, cheese, or dumplings, sold nearby.
▌Unique Drinks and Desserts : From Banana Milk to Ice Cream
Don’t leave without trying Korea’s beloved banana milk, often found in its iconic round yellow bottle. Other popular drinks include aloe juice, flavored soju, and cold-brew coffee.
For dessert lovers, check out ice cream selections like Samanco (fish-shaped ice cream with red bean), Melona (melon-flavored ice bar), and limited-edition snacks that change by season.
▌Surprising Combos and Convenience Store Culture
Korean convenience stores are known for their unexpected food combinations. Some popular hacks include:
- Heating instant rice with curry packs
- Combining triangle kimbap and instant ramen for a quick meal
- Making “convenience store bibimbap” using individual toppings
Many stores even have tables and microwaves, making them social spaces for students, late-night workers, and travelers.
▌Final Thoughts : A Delicious Stop on Every Corner
Whether you’re short on time or just curious about Korean daily life, convenience stores offer a window into local food culture. They’re affordable, accessible, and full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Next time you pass by a CU, GS25, or 7-Eleven, step in—you might just find your new favorite snack.
“Discover Korea, one story at a time.”
“하나의 이야기로 한국을 만나보세요.”
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