Grocery Shopping, Delivery Apps, and Recycling in Korea
Three things you’ll deal with from day one: buying food, ordering delivery, and taking out the trash.
Where to Buy Groceries
| Store Type | Best For | Price Level |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Markets (재래시장) | Fresh produce, seasonal fruit, cheap meals | Low |
| No Brand / Emart Everyday | Budget basics, single-portion items | Low–Medium |
| Large Marts (이마트, 홈플러스, 롯데마트) | Full grocery runs, imported food | Medium |
| Convenience Stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) | Quick meals, snacks, drinks | Medium–High |
| Coupang (Rocket Delivery) | Bulk items, household goods, next-day delivery | Varies |
| Daiso | Kitchen tools, cleaning supplies, basic homeware | Very Low |
Using Delivery Apps
The two dominant apps are Baemin (배달의민족) and Coupang Eats (쿠팡이츠). Both are primarily in Korean.
Getting Started
- Download the app from your phone’s app store
- Register with a Korean phone number
- Enter your address in Korean (copy from Naver Map or KakaoMap)
- Link a Korean bank card or use Kakao Pay / Naver Pay
For English Users
Shuttle is a delivery app designed for non-Korean speakers. It supports English fully and accepts international credit cards.
Waste Sorting and Recycling
Key Terminology
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 종량제 봉투 | Jong-ryang-je bong-tu | Designated waste bag |
| 음식물 쓰레기 | Eumsigmul sseuregi | Food waste |
| 재활용 | Jaehwal-yong | Recyclables |
| 대형폐기물 | Daehyeong pyegimul | Large/bulky waste |
How to Sort
- General waste: Must go in official 종량제 봉투 (sold at convenience stores — buy the ones for your specific district)
- Food waste: Drain all liquid first. Goes in dedicated food waste bins. Bones, shellfish shells, and hard seeds are general waste.
- Recyclables: Rinse and separate — plastics (remove labels from PET bottles), cans, glass, paper, vinyl.
- Large items: Apply for a disposal sticker from your district office (구청) website or app.
Quick Reference
- Buy 종량제 봉투 for your district at any convenience store
- Drain food waste before disposal
- Rinse recyclables and remove labels
- Check your building for posted collection schedules
- For large items, get a disposal sticker from 구청 first
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