If you’ve spent any time on social media, you’ve probably seen it: someone standing in a Korean convenience store cooking up a cup of ramen and loading it with toppings or mixing Powerade with soda and making it look like the greatest thing ever invented. Chains like CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven are on every corner, stocked with a surprisingly solid spread of meals, drinks, and snacks, and you can eat well for under ₩10,000 (about $7 USD).
The Ramen Customization Trend
Ramen Aisle
Most stores have a hot water station and microwave you can use to cook up anything you choose. Start with a cup of ramen; Shin Ramyun and Buldak are both worth trying if you’re curious about the spice levels Korea is known for. Then raid the shelves for toppings. Cheese slices melt straight into the broth, Vienna sausages and fishcake skewers from the warm pot near the counter are popular additions, and a boiled egg ties everything together. The more you pile on, the better it gets.
The Drink Wall
Banana Milk and Coffee
This alone is worth the stop. Milkis is a creamy, fizzy soda that comes in flavors like strawberry and melon, and Banana Milk in the little barrel-shaped bottle is an iconic Korean classic worth trying. It also pairs really well with iced coffee, a combination locals swear by. Speaking of which, many stores sell bagged teas and coffees alongside cups of ice, so you can pour your own drink right there and customize it however you like. Pocari Sweat is a go-to electrolyte drink that locals reach for constantly. For mixing, Chilsung Cider (Korea’s lemon-lime soda) pairs well with a lot, including Powerade if you want something lightly sparkling. If you’re experimenting with soju, mixing it with Milkis is a combination a lot of visitors end up loving.
Hot Food and Snacks
Example Meal
Near the register there’s sometimes a heated display with rotating options. Samgak gimbap, triangular rice balls in flavors like tuna mayo or spicy pork, are very affordable and a great quick bite. Korean corn dogs with stretchy mozzarella are another one people tend to go back for. On the snack side, Jagabee potato sticks from Calbee are a popular grab, as they’re light, crispy, and easy to snack through before you even get back to the hotel. The freezer section is worth a look too — Melona ice cream bars are a refreshing pick, especially in the summer heat.
A Few Tips Before You Go
Look for the 1+1 and 2+1 signs! Buy one get one deals are everywhere and easy to miss. Grab the free item before checkout because the cashier won’t always remind you. Some deals are also tied to the store’s app, so it’s worth downloading CU or GS25’s before your trip; both are simple to set up and save you more than you’d expect.
Once you’ve got your haul, grab a spot outside and take it all in. The convenience store run ends up being one of those small things that sticks with you long after the trip.
Ready to explore Korea for yourself? Visit eTourism Korea to start planning your trip.