What are you here for?

Pick the use case, get the move that fits.

Quick facts

The four chains

All stock the basics. Differences live in PB snacks, beer/wine selection, and interior polish.

• CU

  When Largest network. Default if you don't care which.

  Strengths

  • Around 17,000 stores, most ubiquitous.
  • Strong PB (private-brand) snacks: Yeonsangun ramyun, HEYROO drinks.
  • Frequent 1+1 / 2+1 promos on the door window.

  Watch out

  • Interior style varies wildly by neighborhood; tourist areas are nicer.

• GS25

  When Slightly nicer-feeling, premium PB. Coffee + sandwich runs.

  Strengths

  • Around 16,000 stores.
  • Best premium sandwiches (chef-made line).
  • "wine25" selection has actual decent wines from ~₩7,000.

  Watch out

  • A few percent pricier on the same items vs CU on average.

• 7-Eleven

  When Lottery scratch tickets, basics. Reliable but less exciting.

  Strengths

  • Around 13,000 stores; operated by Korea Seven (Lotte).
  • Strong on Lotte snacks (Pepero, Choco Pie).
  • Lottery counter (Lotto, scratch).

  Watch out

  • Smaller fresh-food selection. Older PB lineup vs CU/GS25.

• Emart24

  When Best craft beer + Shinsegae brand goods. Newer interiors.

  Strengths

  • Around 6,500 stores; run by Shinsegae (Emart's parent).
  • Largest Korean craft-beer selection: Magpie, Goose Island, Jeju Brewing.
  • Often has "alcohol-vault" / wine room in larger branches.

  Watch out

  • Sparse outside Seoul / metro areas. Smallest network.

Cup ramyun at the counter

The cheapest hot meal in Seoul, ~₩1,500. The workflow trips up first-timers; here it is.

1. Pick your noodle cup

   Cup ramyun shelves are usually near the entrance. Shin Ramyun (red, classic), Buldak (black, very spicy), Jin Ramyun (mild). Cup is ~₩1,300 to ₩2,000.

2. Pay first, then assemble

   Take cup to register, tap card, then bring it to the eat-in counter. Some stores have a tray microwave; cup ramyun goes to the hot water dispenser, not the microwave.

3. Open lid, pull seasoning, pour water

   Peel back the lid to the dotted line. Tear the seasoning packet (분말 스프) on top, dump in. Place cup under the dispenser. Press the button labeled "라면" or "온수". Water fills to the inside line.

4. Cover, wait 3 minutes

   Close the lid back, weight it down with chopsticks (the dispenser counter often has a small jar of chopsticks). Wait 3 minutes for noodles to bloom.

5. Eat at the counter, dump tray

   Stand or sit at the counter. After eating, dump cup into the trash, chopsticks in the chopstick bin. Wipe the counter if it's splashed, that's the etiquette.

Watch out for

• Bags cost Plastic bags are ₩50 to ₩200 each, not free. Carry a foldable tote for any larger run. Beer + 2L water = a tote run.
• Foreign cards work Contactless tap with Visa / Mastercard / Apple Pay / Google Pay works in all four chains. Insert chip is also fine. ATM accepts foreign cards but charges ₩3,500 to ₩5,000 fee per withdrawal; banks are cheaper if you can.
• T-money refill Top up your T-money / Climate Card at any convenience store register. "티머니 충전 부탁해요" + your card. Cash or card both fine. ₩10,000 minimum on most counters.
• ID for cigarettes + alcohol Even if you look 30+, the register is required to ID for cigarettes and alcohol. Bring your passport if you plan to buy. Foreign drivers licenses do not count.
• 24h is "almost always" CU / GS25 / 7-Eleven / Emart24 are 24/7 by default, but specific branches near schools or offices may close 23:00 to 06:00. Check the sign on the door if you arrive at 4am.

Sources

Updated May 2026. Store counts are approximate and rounded; chain ownership is accurate. Item prices fluctuate; ranges shown above are typical 2026 levels.