Korea's hypermarkets offer one
Korea's hypermarkets offer one-stop shopping for everything from groceries to electronics. This guide covers the major chains — Emart, Homeplus, Lotte Mart, Costco, and MarketKurly — from a foreigner's perspective, including what to expect, how to pay, and how to save.
1. Korea's Major Supermarket Chains Compared
| Store | Parent Company | Highlights | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emart | Shinsegae | Largest chain; integrated with SSG.com | ~160 |
| Homeplus | MBK Partners | Mall-style layout with tenants | ~140 |
| Lotte Mart | Lotte | Strong Lotte brand products | ~110 |
| Costco | Costco (US) | Membership-based; bulk/imported goods | ~16 |
| Emart Everyday | Shinsegae | Smaller neighborhood supermarket format | ~200 |
| GS The Fresh | GS Retail | Fresh produce-focused supermarket | ~340 |
Official sites: E-mart (emart.com), HomePlus (homeplus.co.kr), Lotte Mart (lottemart.com)
2. Emart Shopping Guide
Emart is Korea's largest hypermarket chain, with strong online-offline integration.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Usually 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Closed days | 2nd and 4th Sunday each month (varies by branch) |
| Membership | Shinsegae Points card (email sign-up available) |
| Apps | Emart app, SSG.com |
| Special sections | Emart Electro Mart (electronics), Traders (warehouse-style) |
| Foreign cards | Visa / Mastercard accepted |
Emart shopping tips:
- Use the app to check same-day flash deals and end-of-day markdowns
- Look for "1+1 / 2+1" promotional bins near the entrance
- Traders stores sell in bulk — similar concept to Costco
3. Homeplus & Lotte Mart Guide
| Item | Homeplus | Lotte Mart |
|---|---|---|
| Opening hours | 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Closed days | 2nd and 4th Sunday | 2nd and 4th Sunday |
| Membership | Homeplus Membership | Lotte Members |
| Specialty | UK-origin Tesco PB products | Lotte brand snacks and food |
| Payment | Visa / Mastercard accepted | Visa / Mastercard accepted |
Highlights:
- Homeplus: Large mall format with cinemas, restaurants, and shops inside. UK-heritage private label (Homeplus Signature) known for quality
- Lotte Mart: Shares facilities with Lotteria, Lotte Cinema, and other Lotte affiliates. Lotte Members points work across the entire Lotte group
4. Costco — Membership Warehouse Store
Costco is one of the most popular stores among foreigners in Korea, thanks to its wide imported goods selection and bulk pricing.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual membership fee | Gold Star: ₩38,500 / Business: ₩38,500 |
| Entry | Members only — non-members cannot enter |
| Payment | Costco Samsung Card (credit); debit cards and cash accepted |
| Opening hours | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Closed days | 1st and 3rd Sunday each month |
Why Costco is popular with foreigners:
- Wide range of imported foods, snacks, and drinks (US and European products)
- Excellent value on bulk cleaning supplies, detergent, and household items
- Popular food court: rotisserie chicken, hot dogs, pizza slices
- US-brand clothing and electronics available
Important payment note:
- Credit card payments require a Costco Samsung Card (Korean-issued only)
- Foreign Visa/Mastercard credit cards are not accepted → use cash or a Korean debit card
5. MarketKurly & SSG Dawn Delivery
Shop without leaving home — Korean dawn delivery services:
| Service | Specialty | Delivery | How to Sign Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| MarketKurly | Premium fresh produce, organic | Dawn delivery (before 7 AM) | Email sign-up available |
| SSG.com | Emart products + luxury | Dawn + same-day | Shinsegae Points integration |
| Coupang Rocket Fresh | Fresh + everyday groceries | Dawn delivery | Rocket Wow membership |
| Oasis Market | Organic, eco-friendly | Dawn delivery | Email sign-up available |
How dawn delivery works:
1. Place your order before 11 PM – midnight
2. Goods arrive at your door before 7 AM the next morning
3. Refrigerated and frozen items are packed with ice packs and insulated packaging
6. Payment Methods and Membership Programs
Payment Methods
| Payment Method | Emart | Homeplus | Lotte Mart | Costco |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Visa/MC | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ (cash/debit only) |
| Cash | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Transit card | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| KakaoPay | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Samsung Pay | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (debit only) |
Membership Sign-Up for Foreigners
| Store | Program | Foreign Sign-Up | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emart | Shinsegae Points | ✅ Email sign-up | 0.1% cashback on purchases |
| Homeplus | Homeplus Membership | ✅ Email sign-up | Discount coupons and points |
| Lotte Mart | Lotte Members | ✅ Email sign-up | Points across all Lotte affiliates |
7. Money-Saving Strategies
1. End-of-day markdowns
- After 8–9 PM, fresh produce, bakery items, and prepared foods get 30–50% markdown stickers
- Check the fish and meat counters near closing time for discounted items
2. App coupons and flash deals
- Download weekend special coupons in advance from each store's app
- Emart app → "Today's Deals" section
3. Buy in bulk
- Instant noodles, canned goods, detergent, and toilet paper are significantly cheaper per unit in bulk
- Use Costco or Emart Traders for the best bulk prices
4. Know the closed days
- Emart, Homeplus, and Lotte Mart close twice a month on Sundays
- Coupang and MarketKurly operate online 365 days a year
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I pay with a foreign Visa or Mastercard at Emart?
A. Yes — Emart, Homeplus, and Lotte Mart all accept foreign-issued Visa/Mastercard. Costco does not accept foreign credit cards; use cash or a Korean-issued debit card.
Q. Can I enter Costco without a membership?
A. In principle, no — entry is restricted to members. However, in-store opticians and pharmacies may accept non-members in some locations.
Q. Can foreigners get a Shinsegae Points card?
A. Yes. Sign up via the Emart app or SSG.com using your email. Basic earning functions are available without an Alien Registration Card.
Q. Can I return items I bought at a supermarket?
A. Most major hypermarkets allow returns within 7 days with a receipt. Fresh produce is typically returnable on the same day of purchase only.
Q. What are the opening hours for Korean supermarkets?
A. Most operate from 10 AM to 11 PM and close on the 2nd and 4th Sunday each month. Convenience stores and online services are available 24/7.
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