Top 10 Things to Buy from a Mart in Korea

During a trip to South Korea, the bustling street food, trendy shopping, and deep cultural immersion might be on your radar. But there's another cultural treasure tourists tend to miss: Mart in Korea. From traditional Korean snacks to skin care products and daily Korean cuisine, Korean marts are more than grocery stores that experience everyday Korean life.

Whether you're a tourist loading up on mementos or an expat moving into your new place, a flying visit to a Korean mart can catch you off guard with a stash of wonderful products. This guide covers the top 10 things you must get when visiting a Korean mart.

1. Korean Instant Noodles (Ramyeon)

Korean instant noodles are a must-have product. They are not only fast and convenient to cook but also full of taste. Shin Ramyeon, Samyang, and Nongshim are some labels with spicy, cheesy, and savory noodles. Some have extra elements, such as dried vegetables or fish patties.

You'll discover limited-time or regional flavors, ideal souvenirs, or late-night snacks. If you're feeling adventurous, attempt the fire noodle challenge!

2. Korean Snacks – Sweet, Savory, and Everything In Between

Korean snacks take it to another level. Think seaweed chips, honey butter almonds, rice crackers, and cheese tteokbokki puffs. Sweet or savory, Koreans have a snack to suit every taste.

The best bets are:

• Pepero: Chocolate-dipped biscuit sticks come in various flavors.

• Choco Pie: Cake coated with chocolate and served with marshmallows.

• Honey Butter Chips: Salty and sweet.

Attractive packaging and fun tastes make these snacks wonderful gifts to bring home.

3. Ready-to-Cook Korean Meals

Are you busy but want to taste real Korean food? The ready-to-cook section in Korean marts is a gift. There are vacuum-sealed Korean dishes like bulgogi, kimchi jjigae, japchae, and even samgyetang.

They generally have primary instructions and need the tiniest cooking, making them perfect for hostels, Airbnb backpacking tourists, or even individuals who want to recreate the Korean dining experience in their houses.

4. Kimchi – The Quintessential Korean Side Dish

No list would be finished without kimchi, Korea’s national dish. You’ll find dozens of types at Martin Korea, including radish, cabbage, cucumber, and more.

Some are spicy, tangy, and full of probiotics that are great for digestion. If you’re passing home, look for vacuum-sealed packs to make the journey more comfortable.

5. Traditional Korean Teas and Beverages

Korea has a long history of nutritious and delicious teas. At the mart, try to find:

• Yuja tea (Citron tea): Famous for its immunity-boosting.

• Barley tea: Home staple drink and restaurant beverage.

• Ginseng tea: Health-dense.

You might also see Korean beverages such as banana milk, aloe vera beverages, and rice punch (sikhye), all of which are worth a sample.

6. Korean Beauty Products

Although not food products, beauty products greatly contribute to the fun of shopping at a Mart in Korea. Most of the bigger markets have popular beauty brands like sheet masks, BB creams, and cleansers available inexpensively.

Seek out:

• Sheet masks containing snail mucin, green tea, and hyaluronic acid.

• Cleansers and toners for their gentle, skin-friendly ingredients.

Korean skincare is renowned for a reason, and the mart is the perfect place to find it at an affordable price.

7. K-BBQ Must-Haves

Hosting a Korean BBQ dinner at home? You can quickly procure all the must-haves at a nearby mart.

Don't miss:

• Marinated meats include galbi (beef short ribs) and bulgogi (sweet soy-marinated beef).

• Lettuce and perilla leaves for wrapping.

• Doenjang (soybean paste) and ssamjang (spicy dipping sauce).

There’s something magical about recreating the K-BBQ experience in your kitchen, and Korean marts make it easy.

8. Rice and Korean Side Dishes (Banchan)

You can’t talk about Korean food without mentioning Banchan, the side dishes served with every Korean meal.

Many marts sell pre-packed banchan, such as pickled radish, seasoned spinach, dried anchovies, and spicy tofu. Pair them with a steaming rice bowl, and you’ll have a traditional Korean meal in minutes.

And yes, do not omit the premium short-grain rice, renowned for being sticky and soft and ideal for regular meals.

9. Seaweed (Gim) and Fish Products

Gim (seaweed sheets) is an item that both children and adults enjoy. They are useful for preparing kimbap (Korean sushi rolls) or having a light snack.

Also interesting are:

• Dried anchovies for soups and stews.

• Fish cakes (eomuk) are commonly included in tteokbokki or soups.

Tourists buy many of these because of their umami-flavored goodness and long shelf life.

10. Traditional Confections and Korean Sweets

Cap off your shopping experience with something sweet. Traditional sweets in Korea combine centuries of recipes with contemporary tastes. Try to look for:

• Hangwa: Classic Korean confection from rice flour, honey, and sesame.

• Yakgwa: Honey cookies that are deep-fried until they melt in your mouth.

• Tteok: Rice cakes with flavors of mugwort, red bean, and sesame.

These are perfect souvenirs that taste Korean heritage in every bite.

Conclusion

Shopping at a Martin in Korea is not just about groceries—it’s a cultural experience. You’ll find some of everything: spicy noodles, soul-warming soups, tasty Korean snacks, and unique beauty products. It’s one of the best ways to get an authentic taste of Korean life without spending a fortune.

Whether traveling short-term or settling long-term, don't pass up the opportunity to shop at a local mart. If online shopping is convenient for you, Lotte ON is a reputable website where you can purchase many of these convenient Korean items with the click of a button.

So the next time you're in Korea, grab a cart, go to a local mart, and stuff it with flavors and finds you won't forget.