[Lifehacks] Savvy shopping is key to budget living in Korea

K-campus

Published: 14 Apr. 2022, 14:42 Updated: 03 Mar. 2023, 17:35

[Lifehacks] Savvy shopping is key to budget living in Korea

Inside a Daiso shop [MARILYN ASSAN]

International students quickly get used to living on a budget whilst studying abroad. Although paying for food is unavoidable, it doesn’t always have to be expensive. Cooking your own food is an easy way to save money, but navigating the shops isn’t always easy.

As well as the ever-present convenience stores, there are three main categories of store for grocery shopping in Korea: Supermarkets, big-box stores and cut-price discount stores.

This guide helps you decide where to shop and how to save while living, and eating, in Korea.

Supermarkets

Emart Wonju branch in Gangwon [MARILYN ASSAN]

The three major supermarket chains in Korea are Emart, Lotte Mart and Homeplus.

Selling mostly similar products, prices are competitive across the three chains with regular discounts and sales running. Choosing your supermarket of choice is more a case of what’s closest and most convenient, rather than any specific benefits offered at one or the other.

Typically, these stores are closed on the second and fourth Sunday of every month. However, this is not a fixed rule and is subject to change so it is recommended to check their individual websites before planning a visit in order to avoid disappointments.

Emart is one of the largest retailers in Korea with 138 stores across the country. Founded in 1993 by Shinsegae, it was the first discount retailer in Korea. Emart stocks a variety of products ranging from clothing and cosmetics to food, household items, electronics and gardening products.

Lotte Mart Wonju branch in Gangwon [MARILYN ASSAN]

Lotte Mart is a supermarket company under Lotte Corporation. Much like Emart, food, electronics, toys, clothing and household items can be found at Lotte Mart. There are 112 stores located across the country.

Homeplus Wonju branch in Gangwon [MARILYN ASSAN]

Homeplus was originally known as ‘Homever’ and was rebranded as ‘Homeplus’ in 2008 when it was acquired by British retail chain Tesco. Although Tesco has since sold Homeplus, traces of its influence can still be seen in the second largest retailer in Korea. There are 135 stores located across the country.

Homeplus still sells Tesco’s clothing brand F&F and the store’s logo is reminiscent of the British chain. Groceries, electronics, toys, clothing, furniture and more can be found at Homeplus.

Big-box stores

Emart Traders Kintex branch in Ilsan, Gyeonggi [YONHAP]

There are two main big-box chains in Korea: Costco and Emart Traders.

One of the main differences between Costco and Emart Traders is that the latter store does not require membership. Another difference is that while Costco favors imported products, Emart Traders is more focused on Korean goods.

Shoppers who love buying in bulk will find exactly what they’re looking for at both of these big-box stores.

A Costco store in Gyeonggi [YONHAP]

Costco has 16 stores in Korea and three of these are located in Seoul. A Costco membership card is a must to enter and shop at the store, with basic membership costing 33,000 won ($27) per year.

The great thing about Costco memberships is once you have a membership card, it can be used worldwide, wherever there is a Costco. In Korea, however, you need either a Samsung credit card or a wad of cash in order to purchase items. Both Koreans and foreigners are able to sign up for the Samsung credit card in store.

There are 20 Emart Traders operating around Korea as of 2022, with only one of these stores located in Seoul. Similar to Costco, Emart Traders mainly targets bulk-buyers offering large quantities of products.

Cut-price discount stores

No Brand Wonju branch in Gangwon [MARILYN ASSAN]

Own-brand products are a sure-fire way to save a bit of money, and Emart has taken that concept one step further by opening entire dedicated stores to its own-brand line No Brand.

No Brand stores do exactly what it says on the tin: Offer non-branded products at cheaper prices. No brand items can be found at both Emart and the dedicated No Brand stores. The brand's motto — “It’s not about the brand, it's about the consumer!” — is clearly represented through its range of simple products at consumer-friendly prices.

Having launched in 2015, No Brand’s independent stores can now be found in roughly 200 locations across the country. No brand sells all sorts of goods such as ready meals, snacks, frozen food, cosmetics, household products, small electronics and more.

The brand’s focus is on value and quality, so although you may not necessarily find popular branded items, you can still trust the quality. Discounts are often big — an 18-inch saucepan can be found at Emart for 19,900 won, while a 20-inch version sells at No Brand for 11,800 won.

Daiso Wonju branch in Gangwon [MARILYN ASSAN]

Daiso is another budget-friendly store. Originally a Japanese retail chain, some 1,300 stores can now be found in various locations across Korea.

Known as Korea’s dollar store, Daiso doesn’t really sell groceries but it does offer a multitude of household items, often for less than 5,000 won.

Homeplus also has its own budget-friendly brand Simplus. Although not all items throughout the store are available in a Simplus version, a lot of daily necessities can be purchased at a cheaper price by buying Simplus.

For example, Homeplus’ signature brand offers a 30 roll pack of toilet roll at 12,500 won, while the Simplus brand offers a similarly-sized package for 9,900 won.

For those looking for quality products at a discounted price, these stores are a must when grocery or household shopping.

BY STUDENT REPORTER MARILYN ASSAN [kjd.kcampus@joongang.co.kr]