Are you exploring the vibrant streets of South Korea and curious about the unique offerings of Korean grocery stores? Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, navigating the aisles of a Korean supermarket can be an enriching experience. In this guide, we will introduce you to these stores and provide you with valuable shopping tips.

Korea’s leading grocery store : Emart, Costco, and Homeplus

If you’re in South Korea and looking for a one-stop shopping experience, you’ll find a trio of popular hypermarkets that cater to all your needs: Emart, Costco, and Homeplus.

1. Emart (이마트)

Emart (이마트) is a household name in Korea, providing an extensive range of products from groceries to household items, clothing, and electronics. With its convenient locations throughout the country, it’s the go-to place for everyday shopping needs. Emart is especially known for its fresh food selection and competitive prices.

In recent years, Emart has introduced its own brand called ‘No Brand’, which has gained immense popularity, even leading to the establishment of standalone No Brand stores. No Brand is known for its strategy of cost-saving by reducing marketing and promotional expenses. This approach allows them to offer high-quality products at affordable prices, making it particularly popular among housewives and students.

In addition, E-Mart has a separate store called “E-Mart Traders” in the form of selling large-capacity groceries like Costco, and if you have to go to Costco, it is recommended to use E-Mart Traders.

Go to official website E-Mart Online Mall

2. Costco

Costco is a global retail giant, and it’s no different in South Korea. Here, you can buy in bulk and enjoy significant savings. A Costco membership provides access to a treasure trove of imported goods, from high-quality meats and cheeses to electronics and furniture. The food court is a must-visit for its affordable yet delicious meals, and the free samples throughout the store are a favorite among shoppers.

Go to official website Costco Online Mall

3. Homeplus (홈플러스)

Homeplus is another significant player in the Korean retail landscape. While it may have a slightly smaller footprint compared to E-mart, it stands out with its distinct offerings. Homeplus is renowned for its unique promotions and a wide variety of on-the-go food items. The store has gained popularity for its special promotions and the convenience of purchasing ready-to-eat meals and snacks. Despite having fewer stores, Homeplus manages to captivate shoppers with its innovative approach to shopping and attractive product lineup.

Go to official website Homeplus Online Mall

Discover the Best Grocery Store Locations in Seoul

Since Emart, Costco, and Homeplus have stores all over Seoul, you can simply visit the one closest to you. However, each store has its unique features, so let me introduce one of the best locations in Seoul for each of them.

#Emart Wolgye Branch

Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기

이마트 월계점(@emart_wolgye)님의 공유 게시물

◆ Location and Operating Hours

🚩 Address: 15, Madeul-ro 3-gil, Nowon-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Go to Google map)

⏰ Operating Hours: 11:00 ~ 22:00 (Closed on the second and fourth Sundays of every month.)

Emart Wolgye is a top-ranking retail hub in Seoul, offering:

Quality products.
Cultural center for activities.
Eco-friendly EV charging.
Ample parking.
Molly’s Pet Shop.
Electromart for electronics.

#Costco Yangjae Branch

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코스트코 코리아(@costco.korea)님의 공유 게시물

◆ Location and Operating Hours

🚩 Address: 159, Yangjae-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea(Go to Google map)

⏰ Operating Hours: 8:00 ~ 20:00 (Closed on the second and fourth Sundays of every month.)

Situated in the vibrant city of Seoul, Costco Yangjae is one of the prime warehouse stores in the area. With a strong presence in the local market, it offers a unique shopping experience. The store boasts a well-rounded selection of products, and its spacious layout makes for a comfortable shopping experience. Notable features include a food court, optical services, a tire center, and photo printing services.

Shopping Tips

💡Warehouse Shopping for Long-Term Stay in South Korea – Nobrand or Costco?

When it comes to buying groceries in bulk and you’re planning on residing in South Korea for over a month, Koreans often prefer wholesale shopping over retail. Two popular destinations for purchasing food items in larger quantities are Costco and No Brand stores.

Costco: Costco operates a total of four branches in Seoul, located in Sangbong, Yangjae, Yangpyeong, and Gochuck. It’s known for offering a vast range of products at remarkably low prices. This makes it a top choice for larger households or restaurants. However, please note that you need a Costco membership to shop here.

NoBrand: No Brand is a wholesale grocery store created by E-mart. It boasts a larger number of locations compared to Costco and doesn’t require a membership. One of its strengths is the affordability of E-mart’s in-house brand, No Brand products. However, it’s somewhat smaller in scale compared to Costco, and you won’t find on-site dining or resting areas inside No Brand stores.

These options make it convenient for long-term residents in South Korea to stock up on essential items without breaking the bank. Whether you choose Costco or No Brand largely depends on your specific needs and whether you have a Costco membership.

💡Late-Night Dining Convenience at Hotels

If you’re traveling and looking to enjoy a late-night snack or a simple dinner at your hotel, consider visiting E-mart or Homeplus. These stores offer a wide variety of ready-to-eat meals made from ingredients available in the store. The advantage is that these meals are not only more affordable than food delivery options but are also known for their great taste.

You can find a range of dishes, including chicken, sushi, skewers, sweet and sour pork, bibimbap, and more. What’s even better is that after 8 PM, these stores often have clearance sales, making your late-night dining experience even more budget-friendly.

💡Check the Unique Closing Days!

If you’re planning to visit South Korea’s large hypermarkets on the weekends, make sure to check their closing days. South Korea has a unique regulation for large retailers, which requires them to be closed on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. To avoid any disappointment, be sure to confirm their closing schedules before heading out!

Exploring Korean grocery stores is not only a practical way to shop for your daily needs but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in Korean culture through its culinary treasures. Enjoy your grocery adventure, and don’t be shy to try something new during your next visit to a Korean grocery store!

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