More Than Just Snacks: The Ultimate Guide to Korean Convenience Stores (1+1 Deals & Hacks)

In most countries, a "convenience store" is just a place to buy emergency gas or a stale sandwich.

In Korea, the convenience store (known as Pyeon-ui-jeom / 편의점) is a lifestyle. It is a restaurant, a bar, a bank, and a cafe all rolled into one. You will see brands like GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, and Emart24 on literally every corner.

If you are staying in Seoul for a week or more, mastering the convenience store will save you a fortune. Here are the hacks you need to know.

1. The Magic Words: "1+1" and "2+1"

Walk down the drink or snack aisle, and you will see colorful tags on the shelves.

• 1+1 (One Plus One): Buy one, get one free. This is essentially a 50% discount.

• 2+1 (Two Plus One): Buy two, get one free.

Pro Tip: This applies to everything from bottled water and coffee to ice cream. Never buy a drink without checking if there is a 1+1 tag next to it!

2. The "4 Cans" Beer Rule

It is Friday night. You want a drink. In Korea, there is an unwritten rule: Imported Beer is 4 cans for 11,000 KRW (approx. $8).

• You can mix and match brands (Guinness, Asahi, Stella, etc.).

• If you buy just one can, it’s expensive (~4,500 KRW). Always buy four.

3. The Ramyeon Machine (Hangang Style)

You’ve seen it in K-Dramas: eating instant noodles by the Han River. Many larger convenience stores (especially near parks) have automatic Ramyeon cookers.

1. Buy a packet of Ramyeon and a special foil bowl.

2. Press the button on the machine.

3. It adds the perfect amount of boiling water and cooks it for exactly 3 minutes.

4. Add an egg or cheese (also sold at the store) for the full experience.

4. The "Dosirak" (Bento Box)

Don't have time for a restaurant? The Korean Dosirak (Lunch Box) is surprisingly high quality. For about 4,500 - 5,500 KRW ($3-$4), you get rice, meat (bulgogi/pork cutlet), and several side dishes. It is a full, nutritious meal that is much cheaper than eating out.

5. Services for Travelers

• T-Money Reload: You can recharge your transport card at the counter (Cash only!).

• Global ATMs: Most stores have ATMs that accept foreign Visa/Mastercards for cash withdrawal.

• SIM Cards: You can buy prepaid SIMs here too.

Why You Need a "Real" Fridge (Not a Hotel Minibar)

Here is the problem. You go to CU, find an amazing 1+1 deal on coffee and a huge tub of ice cream. You buy the 4-can beer bundle.

You go back to your hotel, and... the fridge is tiny. Most hotel "minibars" can barely fit two bottles of water. Your ice cream melts, and your beer gets warm.

This is why you need LiveAnywhere.

• Full-Size Fridges: Our studios come with proper refrigerators with freezers. Stock up on a week's worth of 1+1 deals.

• Microwaves Included: Heat up your Dosirak comfortably in your room, not in a sad hotel lobby.

• Tables & Chairs: Enjoy your convenience store feast at a real table.

Live smart. Eat well. Save money. Check out our fully furnished studios with real kitchens.