Can I Really Find my Favorite Foods in Korea?
Posted on Thu, Mar 24, 2011 @ 01:02 PM
If you're like me when I was first entertaining the idea of living abroad in South Korea, you probably don't have a clue about the ROK's grocery or convenience stores. I assumed that when I arrived, there would be some small, single level, grocer, from which I would have the option of buying only rice, vegetables, and fish.
Think again!
Just like America and Canada, South Korea boasts several, multi-level department and grocery stores reminiscent of Super Targets or Walmarts. Read on for information on two of the ROK's most popular stores.
In Korean grocery stores, like E-Mart and Home Plus, ex-pats can find many of the American and Canadian brands they crave!
E-MART: The E-Mart in my city is 5 levels of shopping and foodie fun. The lower level consists of home decor, toiletries, beauty products, clothing, electronics, and stationary. The main floor is entirely devoted to groceries and is complete with an organics section, deli, bakery, and wine collection (typically my first stop on any shopping trip). The third level is an international food court, spa, florist, and dry cleaners, and the top floor is a parking garage.
Curious about the brands and foods that you can find at E-Mart? You can find Dole products, Chiquita bananas, Sunkist, Velveeta, Coca-Cola, Ragu sauce, Yoplait yogurt, Tropicana, Special K cereals, and StarBucks coffees and snacks! Also, you will have no trouble finding bread, bagels, pasta, fruits, vegetables, chips, cookies, eggs, ready made sandwiches, herbal tea, milk (dairy and soy), and rice (of course!).
Tip: When you visit E-Mart, try Skin Food: This local brand of beauty products such as nail polish, face masks, body scrubs and make-up is the affordable favorite Korean brand amongst Koreans and ex-pats alike.
Homeplus: Often the cheaper alternative, Homeplus is another multilevel department store where you can purchase food, clothing, and household necessities. Furthermore, you will often find more "western style" foods and brands, as well as the following skin, haircare, and toiletry products like Vidal Sassoon, Clearasil, Herbal Essences, Aveeno, Neutrogena, Listerine, Arm and Hammer, and even Venus razors.
Tip: When you arrive in Korea, find out if your city hosts an E-mart and Homeplus. Visit both to compare prices, try out different brands, and get the best deals.
So, for those of you who are concerned that you won't be able to find anything that you want to eat or your typical hair and skin care products, rest assured that South Korea has a plethora of familiar brands and foods that will make your experience here comfortable and affordable.
Stay tuned for my upcoming video, where I give you a personal tour of Emart and show you how to navigate the Korean brands!
After receiving her degree in Secondary English Education from Indiana University, Hope Gately wanted to experience Korea's famous educational system, which is currently ranked #2 worldwide. She began teaching at the Pohang-Namgu branch of ChungDahm Learning in Korea last year, after being recruited by Aclipse. Since Hope is an avid hiker, foodie, and fashion enthusiast, she loves living in Korea and enjoys the mountains, cuisine, and "Kill-Heels." Questions about teaching in Korea? Follow Hope on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AclipseHope and email her at AclipseHope@gmail.com!