Korean Convenience Store Foods
Today, I’d like to introduce “convenience store foods” — a favorite among Japanese visitors — in a Korean-style recommendation ranking format✨
In Korea, there are many convenience store chains such as CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven, and the quality of the food available there has been improving year after year!
They’re perfect as snacks during your trip or as late-night treats to enjoy at your hotel♪
1st Place: Kimchi Fried Rice
Spiciness Level: ★★★☆☆
Price: About 4,500 KRW (≈ 500 JPY)
A true classic among convenience store meals! Korean kimchi fried rice has a deeper and spicier flavor compared to the Japanese version.
Especially, CU’s “Grilled Kimchi Fried Rice (직화 김치볶음밥)” has a delicious smoky aroma, as if it were freshly stir-fried in a restaurant!
2nd Place: Samgak Gimbap (Triangle Rice Ball)
Spiciness Level: ★☆☆☆☆ ~ ★★★☆☆
Price: About 1,500 KRW (≈ 150 JPY)
Korea also has its own version of rice balls! The shape is triangular like in Japan, but the fillings are uniquely Korean.
Popular fillings include “Tuna Mayo + Kimchi,” “Bulgogi,” and “Spicy Stir-fried Pork (Jeyuk-bokkeum)”.
Some varieties can be quite spicy, so watch out! 🔥
3rd Place: Cupbap (Cup Rice)
Spiciness Level: ★★☆☆☆ ~ ★★★★☆
Price: About 3,500–5,000 KRW
Just heat it up in the microwave, and you’ve got an easy yet satisfying meal! 🍚
It’s a type of Korean-style rice bowl, and there’s a wide variety to choose from — such as sweet & spicy chicken, bibimbap, and cheese buldak (spicy chicken with cheese).
Perfect for a quick but hearty meal!
4th Place: Instant Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)
Spiciness Level: ★★★★☆
Price: About 3,000–4,500 KRW
Korea’s beloved street food, tteokbokki, can also be easily enjoyed from convenience stores!
The chewy rice cakes are coated in a spicy, flavorful sauce — and some versions even come with egg or cheese toppings.
Just add water to the cup, heat it in the microwave, and it’s ready to eat! 🍜
5th Place: Korean Convenience Store Desserts (Sweets)
Recommended: Roll Cake, Cheesecake, Mini Parfait
Price: About 2,500–4,000 KRW
Recently, the quality of Korean convenience store desserts has become impressively high! 🍰
Especially popular are GS25’s “Milk Roll Cake” and 7-Eleven’s “Chocolate Parfait”, both rich and creamy — flavors that Japanese visitors love as well.
Summary
Korean convenience stores are not just for “quick snacks” — they’re places where you can enjoy a mini gourmet experience! 🍱✨
If you’re worried about spicy food, be sure to check for labels that say “Mild” or “For Kids.”
Next time you feel a little hungry during your trip, definitely stop by a convenience store! 😊
And let us know in the comments which Korean convenience store food is your favorite!
Bonus: Korean Convenience Store Tips
Many Korean convenience stores have eat-in spaces where you can enjoy your food right away! 🍽️
If you need chopsticks or a spoon, just ask at the counter by saying,
👉 “Jjeot-ga-rak ju-se-yo (젓가락 주세요),” which means “Please give me chopsticks.”
Microwaves are usually self-service, so you can heat up your food yourself! ♨️
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