Korean convenience stores are more than just shops — they function as daily life hubs for parcel delivery, bill payments, ATMs, and hot food.
1. Major Korean Convenience Stores Compared
| Store | Locations (2026) | Highlights | App |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU | ~17,000 | Character goods, strong PB products | CU Membership App |
| GS25 | ~16,500 | Wine pick-up, delivery service | GS Pay / GS Retail App |
| 7-Eleven | ~12,000 | Lunchboxes, instant foods | My7 App |
| Emart24 | ~6,000 | Fresh foods, wine focus | Emart24 App |
2. Available Services
| Service | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Parcel drop-off/pick-up | CU and GS25 partner with couriers | CJ Logistics, Lotte Delivery |
| Bill payment | Electricity, gas, water, telecoms | Cash or card |
| ATM | 24-hour cash withdrawal | Foreign cards accepted |
| Printing | Photocopy machines at select stores | B&W and color |
| T-money top-up | Recharge transit card | At register or dedicated terminal |
| Ticket printing | Event and sports tickets | Purchase and print |
3. Popular Food and Products
Ready-to-Eat
- Triangle kimbap (Onigiri) — ₩1,000–2,000
- Cup ramen (microwave or hot water)
- Lunchbox — ₩3,000–5,500
- Corn dog / sausage — ₩1,500–2,500
Drinks and Desserts
- Banana milk / strawberry milk
- Ice cream bars
- Brewed coffee (Americano ₩1,200–1,500)
4. Membership and Points
| Store | Program | Earn Rate | Where to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU | CU Membership (OK Cashbag) | 0.5–1% of purchase | OK Cashbag points |
| GS25 | LPoint / GS Pay | 0.5–1% of purchase | GS Retail affiliates |
| 7-Eleven | My7 Points | Stamp collection | Product discounts |
5. ATM and Financial Services
- Most convenience store ATMs accept Visa/Mastercard foreign cards
- Fee: ~₩2,000–3,000 per transaction
- T-money top-up: request at the register
- Some GS25 and 7-Eleven ATMs support overseas card deposits
See Hana Card for cards with waived convenience store ATM fees.
6. Unmanned Convenience Stores
- Enter using QR code or card tap
- Self-checkout: scan barcodes and pay by card, Samsung Pay, or Kakao Pay
- Press staff call button for age-verified purchases (alcohol)
- Open 24/7
7. Receipts and Tax Refunds
- Cash receipt (현금영수증) available for cash purchases — link to phone number or Kakao Pay
- Tourist tax refunds available at select stores displaying TAX FREE signs
- Refund conditions: ₩30,000+ per transaction, within 3 months of departure
8. FAQ
Q. Can I pay without cash?
A. Yes. Card, Samsung Pay, Kakao Pay, and Naver Pay are all widely accepted.
Q. Is Wi-Fi available?
A. GS25 and some stores offer free Wi-Fi, though speeds can be slow.
Q. Can I heat up lunchboxes?
A. Yes. Microwave ovens are freely available in-store.
Q. Can I top up my T-money card?
A. Yes. Ask at the register to top up any amount.
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