In the bustling, fast-paced streets of South Korea, the word “delivery” holds an entirely different meaning than in many other parts of the world. Whether it’s a late-night craving for chimaek (Korean abbreviation for the popular food combination: fried chicken and beer), a need for a new pair of sneakers, or even a life-saving medication, the delivery culture in South Korea has evolved into one of the fastest and most efficient systems in the world.
The Korean culture of getting things done quickly is reflected in their delivery systems. Popular online shopping platform Coupang, pioneered a delivery system known as “Rocket Delivery,” which guarantees next-day delivery on millions of items. Food delivery in Korea is also known for its quick turnaround which allow customers to order a meal and have it delivered within 30-45 minutes, even late at night.
For those new to South Korea, especially foreigners, accessing these services might seem daunting. But with some knowledge of Basic Korean as well as some tips, anyone can enjoy the convenience of speedy deliveries.
- Local Delivery Apps
For food delivery, apps like Baemin and Yogiyo allow you to browse restaurant menus, choose dishes, and track your delivery in real-time. For online shopping, platforms like Coupang and Gmarket offer shipping services of a huge range of items. You can shop for anything from electronics to clothing and have it delivered right to your door. Most apps accept international credit cards as modes of payment, making it easy for foreigners to pay for deliveries.
A common question foreigners have about food delivery is whether one can order without a Korean mobile number. Certain apps like Baemin allow users to log in as a guest to check out their order, removing the need for a local number. However, not all apps support foreign languages. Therefore, Korean lessons are a great way to ensure a smoother experience when navigating these apps. Learning to speak Korean will also help you communicate better when receiving your delivery.
- Pick-up Points
Worried that you may not be around to receive your online shopping parcels as you are out exploring the city? You can opt for contactless delivery for your parcels to be left at your doorstep and bring in the items later at night. While unimaginable in some countries, it is generally safe to do so in Korea. In fact, it is very common to see parcels stacked up neatly outside apartment doors. For fresh groceries deliveries, merchants even make use of thermal packaging to maintain the freshness of food items, in anticipation that they may not be kept until much later in the day.
For those who are still concerned about the security aspects of this, you can also make use of the convenient smart lockers located in public places like subway stations or convenience stores. These automated and secure lockers can be accessed 24/7 with a unique code, giving you flexibility in when and how you pick up your packages.
Want to enjoy some piping hot tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) at you picnic along Han river? You can, as some public places like the Han River have designated delivery zones where you can set as your food delivery pick-up location. These centralised pick-up points make it easy to get food delivered to you, even at the most seemingly inaccessible places.
- Traditional Delivery
You may have seen some food delivery scenes in your favourite K-dramas, where a rider delivers bowls of jjajjangmyeon in a bulky metal container. Traditional neighbourhood eateries, especially Chinese restaurants, will deliver delicious food to your doorstep after a quick phone call. Payment is made directly to the rider (some might only accept cash), and you can start enjoying your food. However, here’s where it gets different! You might be shocked to see your food delivered in reusable bowls and plates, sealed with cling wrap. The bowls are not for you to keep; instead, the riders will pop by in a couple of hours to collect them back from you. The best part? You do not need to wash the dishes! Just stack it up neatly outside your door once you’re done eating, and they take care of the rest.
South Korea’s delivery culture is fast, efficient, and accessible. It can also be a fun cultural experience during your next trip to Korea. Looking to take a Korean Language course in Singapore to fully utilise these services? Sejong’s Beginners 1 Term 1 Korean classes cover relevant topics such as “Eating Out” and “Making Calls”, which will certainly come in handy when you attempt to place your first delivery order in Korea. Enquire now to find out more about available classes!
Written by: Ms Luisa Lim, March 2025