What to buy, the famous combos, and how hot water, microwaves, T-money and 1+1 deals work at GS25, CU, 7-Eleven and emart24.
Short answer: Korean convenience stores (편의점, pyeonuijeom) work like tiny restaurants: free hot water for cup noodles, microwaves for lunch boxes and a counter to eat at. Try banana milk, a triangle gimbap and a cup of ramyeon — or a famous combo like Mark’s Meal.
How it works
Hot water for cup noodles is free at a dispenser — fill to the line inside the cup, then wait the time on the lid.
Microwaves are free for anything you buy. Lunch boxes (도시락) show the heating time on the lid.
Eat in at the counter by the window or the tables outside. Pour leftover soup and throw rubbish into the bins provided.
1+1 and 2+1 stickers mean buy one, get one free — or buy two, get one free.
T-money: GS25, CU and 7-Eleven sell the T-money transport card and top it up at the counter (cash only). It pays for your shopping too. At CU’s Incheon Airport stores, transport cards were the top seller by number sold in 2026.
Alcohol and cigarettes: sold from 1 January of the year you turn 19, under the Youth Protection Act. Staff may ask for ID — carry your passport.
The chains: GS25, CU, 7-Eleven and emart24 are everywhere, and many stores are open 24 hours.
What to buy
The convenience store foods on MenuSum — what they are, how spicy, and whether you can eat them.
What visitors buy: banana milk is a top seller at the airport stores, averaging over 1,200 a day (Money Today, Aug 2026). Store owners and social media posts also mention strawberry milk, Ottogi Sesame Ramen, protein milk and sausages (Asia Economy, Jun 2026). Cup and bag ramyeon: see the ramyeon guide.
Famous convenience store combos 편의점 꿀조합
Mixes Koreans and visitors make from a few things on the shelves.
The ingredient list (원재료명) and allergens (알레르기 유발물질) are printed on every package. Words to look for: 돼지고기 (pork), 쇠고기 (beef), 닭고기 (chicken), 새우 (shrimp), 밀 (wheat), 대두 (soy), 우유 (milk), 난류 (eggs), 땅콩 (peanuts). See the full label word list, or make a diet card.
Useful phrases
Where is the hot water?
뜨거운 물 어디 있어요?
tteugeoun mul eodi isseoyo?
Can I use the microwave?
전자레인지 써도 돼요?
jeonjareinji sseodo dwaeyo?
Chopsticks, please.
젓가락 주세요.
jeotgarak juseyo.
I don’t need a bag.
봉투 필요 없어요.
bongtu piryo eopseoyo.
Please top up my T-money card.
티머니 충전해 주세요.
timeoni chungjeonhae juseyo.
I’ll pay in cash.
현금으로 할게요.
hyeongeumeuro halgeyo.
FAQ
Is the hot water at Korean convenience stores free?
Yes. There is a free hot water dispenser for cup noodles: fill to the line inside the cup and wait the time printed on the lid.
Can I use the microwave?
Yes, for food you buy in the store. Lunch boxes (dosirak) print the heating time on the lid.
Can I buy and top up a T-money card at a convenience store?
Yes. GS25, CU and 7-Eleven sell T-money transport cards and top them up at the counter — top-ups are cash only. You can also pay for your shopping with T-money.
How old do you have to be to buy alcohol in Korea?
Under Korea’s Youth Protection Act you can buy alcohol and cigarettes from 1 January of the year you turn 19. Staff may ask for ID, so carry your passport.
What does 1+1 or 2+1 mean?
Buy one, get one free (1+1), or buy two, get one free (2+1). Look for the stickers on the shelf.
What should I buy at a Korean convenience store?
Start with banana milk, a triangle gimbap and a cup of ramyeon. Store owners and social media also point to strawberry milk, Ottogi Sesame Ramen, protein milk and sausages.
What is Mark’s Meal?
A famous combo: cup tteokbokki and instant spaghetti mixed together, topped with sausage and melted cheese. It is named after Mark of the K-pop group GOT7.