Making the most of convenience stores
Convenience stores don't just sell things — they are Korea's all-purpose counter.
What you can do there
- Buy pay-as-you-throw rubbish bags for your district. See garbage-rules.
- Buy and top up transport cards. See public-transport-card.
- Pay utility bills — just bring the bill. See utility-bills.
- Send and collect parcels — convenience store delivery is relatively cheap. See parcel-delivery.
- ATMs — cash withdrawal, sometimes with a fee. See atm-use.
- Buy phone chargers and SIM cards
- Simple meals — lunch boxes, rice triangles, instant noodles (hot water provided)
- Return online purchases
Worth knowing
- Buy-one-get-one offers are common.
- App and membership discounts exist.
- Some stores discount items near their expiry.
- Alcohol and cigarettes require ID. Bring your passport or Alien Registration Card.
- Plastic bags are charged.
Useful Korean
- "봉투 주세요" — a bag please
- "종량제 봉투 주세요" — a rubbish bag
- "교통카드 충전해 주세요" — top up my transport card
- "데워 주세요" — please heat it up
- "봉투 필요 없어요" — I don't need a bag
Where to go
- Each chain's head office customer centre (the number is on the receipt)
- 1372 Consumer Counselling Centre
- 1577-1366 · 1345 interpretation
Questions people ask
They asked for ID to buy alcohol or cigarettes. They are checking age because sales to minors are prohibited. Show your passport or Alien Registration Card. Without one, they may refuse.
Can I use the microwave? Staff will usually heat up items bought in the store. Say "데워 주세요".
Can I post a parcel from a convenience store? Yes, through the app or an in-store machine. It is relatively cheap. See parcel-delivery.
Do ATMs charge fees? It depends on the bank, time and card. It is shown on screen — check before proceeding.
Take care
Watch your surroundings when withdrawing cash from a convenience store ATM. Cover the keypad and put the money away immediately. And never agree if a stranger asks you to withdraw money for them — it can be part of a crime.
Related
garbage-rules · public-transport-card · utility-bills · parcel-delivery · atm-use
Source
Korea Consumer Agency www.kca.go.kr / As of 2026-08