Korean Supermarket Sales
When living in or traveling to Korea, many Japanese visitors want to save as much as possible while buying good products.
In this article, we’ll explain in detail the latest techniques to make the most of sales and discounts at Korean supermarkets.
By following these tips, you might be able to save tens of thousands of won every month!
1. Get to Know Korea’s Major Supermarkets
The major supermarkets in Korea include E-Mart, Lotte Mart, and Homeplus.
These are similar to Japan’s AEON or Ito Yokado, offering a wide range of products from groceries and daily necessities to electronics.
They are essential stores for life in Korea, and each regularly holds various sales and promotional events.
2. Types of Supermarket Sales in Korea
Korean supermarkets often hold the following types of sales:
- Time Sales
Conducted during specific afternoon hours (usually around 3–5 PM).
Meat, fish, and frozen foods can be discounted by 30–50%, making it a great time to shop. - Weekend Sales
Held from Friday to Sunday, attracting many families. - Holiday & Special Occasion Sales
Large discount events are held around Seollal (Lunar New Year), Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), and other national holidays. - Member-Only Sales
Discounts offered exclusively to app members or those with a supermarket loyalty card.
3. 10 Detailed Money-Saving Tips
① Use the Official Apps! Get Sale Information Here
All major Korean supermarkets provide their own apps.
- For example, the E-Mart app shows the latest flyers, sale items, and downloadable coupons, similar to Japan’s AEON app.
- Many apps now support English and Japanese, making them easy to use.
② Target Time Sales
- Most stores hold time sales from 3–5 PM.
- During this period, fish, meat, and vegetables can often be bought at nearly 50% off.
- Make a shopping list in advance to shop efficiently despite the crowd.
③ Check Expiration Dates and Shop Smart
- Discounted items are often near their expiration dates.
- Frozen foods or ready-to-cook items are safe to buy.
- For example, purchase discounted meat or fish, cook immediately, and freeze for later use.
④ Buy in Bulk to Reduce Unit Price
- Bundled deals like 1+1 or 2+1 are common for frozen foods and daily necessities.
- Stock up on items that can be stored to save both money and shopping trips.
⑤ Get a Point Card
- Supermarket point cards or app membership are essential.
- Points accumulate with each purchase (1 point = 1 KRW) and can be used for future shopping.
- Using affiliated credit cards can increase point accumulation rates.
⑥ Use E-Money & QR Payments
- Services like KakaoPay, Naver Pay, and Payco are widely used.
- These often offer discounts or cashback, making them more advantageous than cash.
- Recharge via app and simply scan at checkout for convenience.
⑦ Utilize Online Supermarkets
- Major supermarkets allow online shopping.
- Online-only sales and coupons help achieve the lowest prices.
- Heavy or bulky items can be delivered directly to your home.
⑧ Use the Supermarket Sale Calendar
- Monthly sale calendars show which items are discounted and when.
- Check in advance to plan shopping.
- Seasonal trends exist: e.g., vegetables are cheaper in March, meat sales are frequent in May.
⑨ Don’t Miss Member-Only Discounts & Coupons
- Member-only sales often offer higher discounts than regular promotions.
- Enable app notifications to stay updated on coupons and special sales.
- Special birthday month coupons are also available.
⑩ Turn Discounted Items into Easy Remake Dishes
- Cook near-expiration items immediately and freeze for later.
- For example: discounted vegetables → soups or stir-fries; meat → stews or curry.
- This reduces food waste while maximizing savings.
4. Money-Saving Techniques You Can Use Outside Korea
These strategies aren’t limited to Korea — they can also be applied in Japan or other countries:
- Always check sale information via apps or websites
- Maximize point accumulation using loyalty cards and e-money
- Buy near-expiration items and cook or store them immediately
- Take advantage of bundle deals (1+1, 2+1 campaigns) wisely
5. Summary: The Key to Saving is Information and Planning
Supermarkets in Korea hold sales more frequently and offer higher discounts than in Japan.
To make the most of them, it’s important to focus on:
- Keeping up-to-date with the latest information
- Timing your shopping for time sales
- Using points and payment methods effectively
Try out the 10 techniques introduced here, and enjoy a fun, smart, and budget-friendly life in Korea!
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