Discover the Magic of Seoul’s Lotte World Supermarket

If you find yourself wandering through Seoul, make sure to carve out some time for a visit to the Lotte World Supermarket—it’s a vibrant shopping destination you simply can’t skip. Beyond being a place to pick up fresh, high-quality ingredients, this supermarket offers a fascinating glimpse into Korea’s unique shopping culture. Whether you’re preparing for a family feast or just stocking up for everyday life, Lotte World Supermarket has you covered, adding an extra layer of excitement to your travel adventure. But here’s a little secret: Korea’s supermarket scene is way more dynamic than you might expect! Alongside Lotte, two other giants—E-MART and Home Plus—each bring their own flair and standout products to the table.

Think of this article as your insider’s guide to navigating every nook and cranny of Lotte Supermarket. From the stories behind popular brands to must-have items, savvy saving tips, and insider hacks on Korean shopping habits, I’ll walk you through it all. This isn’t just about ticking off a shopping list—it’s a window into contemporary Korean life. By exploring the colorful aisles and diverse products, we’ll uncover the tastes, lifestyles, and values that shape Korean consumers today. So, are your shopping bags ready? Let’s swing open the supermarket doors and dive into a treasure trove that’s both fun and rewarding!

(Image Source: @VisitKorea)

If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, getting to know the country’s top supermarket chains can be a game-changer for your shopping adventures. The three giants—Lotte Mart (롯데마트), E-MART (이마트), and Home Plus (홈플러스)—are like the “Three Kingdoms” of Korean retail, each with its own vibe and loyal following. Knowing what sets them apart will definitely help you nail your “must-buy” list for 2025!

Though all three offer a broad range of products, they each cater to different crowds and shopping styles:

• Lotte Mart: Backed by the powerhouse Lotte Group, Lotte Mart is a favorite among tourists. You’ll often find their stores in busy transport hubs, making it super convenient to grab souvenirs. Plus, they offer handy perks like tax refunds and international shipping, perfect for first-timers wanting a hassle-free shopping spree.
• E-MART: The heavyweight champion of Korean supermarkets, E-MART is deeply woven into locals’ daily routines. Their standout private labels, “No Brand” and “Peacock,” offer an incredible variety and great value, making it the ideal spot for those wanting to shop like a local and score quality products without breaking the bank.
• Home Plus: Originally a British brand (TESCO), Home Plus shines with its family-friendly vibe and excellent value for money. Shoppers love their frequent “1+1” deals and top-notch deli and bakery sections, making it a go-to for families and anyone keeping an eye on their budget.

Feature Comparison	Lotte Mart	E-MART	Home Plus
Brand Vibe	Lotte Mart is a hit with tourists, thanks to its many branches nestled in transport hubs. Plus, they make shopping easy with tax refunds and international shipping options.	E-MART is the local favorite, offering the widest product range around. Their private labels like "No Brand" and "Peacock" are especially loved for quality and value.	Home Plus stands out for its great bang for your buck. They’re known for frequent buy-one-get-one deals and bulk discounts, making it perfect for families.
Must-Visit Spots	Don’t miss the Seoul Station Branch, Jamwon Branch (Lotte World), Busan’s Gwangbok Branch, and the Jeju Branch.	Check out the Yongsan Branch (connected to an electronics mall), Wangsimni Branch, Yeongdeungpo Branch inside Times Square, and Dongdaemun Branch.	Be sure to visit the Hapjeong Branch (inside Mecenatpolis Mall), World Cup Stadium Branch, and Yeongdeungpo Branch.
What Makes Them Special	Lotte Mart features a Toys"R"Us, displays designed with foreigners in mind, and a popular souvenir section that’s perfect for last-minute gifts.	E-MART is home to the exclusive "No Brand" store, offering sleek, minimalist products at unbeatable prices, plus "Peacock" ready-to-eat meals that are simply delicious.	Inspired by British TESCO, Home Plus offers a rich variety of deli and bakery items with consistent quality, alongside a broad selection of imported goods, especially alcoholic drinks.
Who Should Shop Here?	Ideal for first-time visitors to Korea, tourists hunting for souvenirs, or anyone pressed for time looking for a one-stop shopping experience.	Perfect for those wanting a true local shopping adventure, bargain hunters who appreciate quality, and foodies eager to try gourmet ready meals.	Great for families or groups stocking up in bulk, budget-conscious shoppers, and international students who enjoy exploring spacious supermarkets.
Tax Refund Convenience	Super convenient—with most branches offering instant tax refund counters or self-service machines to speed things up.	Also convenient, with many large branches featuring tax refund counters for easy processing.	Similarly convenient, with tax refund counters available at many major branches.

When you think of Korean supermarkets, chances are Lotte Mart pops into your mind right away—and for good reason! As part of the powerhouse Lotte Group, one of South Korea’s top five conglomerates, Lotte Mart benefits from a vast network that includes everything from department stores and hotels to duty-free shops and even the famous Lotte World amusement park. This solid backing means Lotte Mart really gets what tourists need. Whether it’s their convenient locations, carefully curated product range, or extra services tailored for international visitors, they make shopping a breeze for travelers exploring Korea.

Did you know LOTTE Mart first opened its doors back in 1998 at Gangbyeon Station in Seoul? Since then, it’s grown rapidly, backed by the powerhouse that is the LOTTE Group. Their mission is pretty straightforward: they want to be a friendly neighbor to locals while also becoming the go-to shopping spot for visitors. That’s why the LOTTE Mart at Seoul Station is always buzzing with tourists, carts full of goodies in tow, eager to explore everything it has to offer.

1. Prime Locations: Many Lotte Supermarket branches are perfectly situated at major transit points, such as Seoul Station—where Lines 1 and 4, the Airport Express, and KTX converge—and Chamshil Station, right next to Lotte World. This means you can jump off the subway and dive straight into shopping. Once you’ve filled your bags, it’s a breeze to pack up and head back to your hotel or even the airport. Convenience doesn’t get much better than this!
2. Seamless One-Stop Experience: The Seoul Station branch truly shines with its on-site tax refund services and EMS international shipping. For avid shoppers, this is a game changer—you can shop to your heart’s content, then effortlessly ship your treasures home, freeing your hands for the rest of your adventure. Plus, they provide free boxes, tape, and string for self-packaging, making the whole process smooth and hassle-free.
3. Foreigner-Friendly Displays: Lotte Supermarket goes the extra mile with clear product labels and organized sections that cater to international visitors. Popular souvenirs and snacks are showcased prominently, often with Chinese or English labels, so you can easily spot all your must-have items without any guesswork.
4. Toys"R"Us Corner: Many larger Lotte Supermarkets include a dedicated Toys"R"Us section. Traveling with kids? This is a definite win. It’s also the perfect spot to pick up unique Korean toys like Pororo, Tayo the Little Bus, and Pinkfong, making it a fun stop for the whole family.

這份清單是我結合了多年韓國旅遊經驗、韓國朋友的在地推薦以及網路熱議，吐血整理出來的！跟著買，絕對不會踩雷！

1. HBAF 杏仁果系列：

   • 介紹：這絕對是韓國伴手禮界的超級巨星！從最經典的「蜂蜜奶油杏仁果」開始，到後來推出的「芥末杏仁果」、「火辣雞杏仁果」、「烤玉米杏仁果」，甚至是「提拉米蘇杏仁果」、「OREO杏仁果」、「大蒜麵包杏仁果」，口味多到讓人選擇困難。
   • 口感體驗：每一顆杏仁都飽滿香脆，外層裹著厚厚的調味粉，風味十足。我個人最愛烤玉米口味，鹹甜交織的滋味配上香脆杏仁，真的會一顆接一顆停不下來。大蒜麵包口味也極度推薦，濃郁的蒜香和奶油香，彷彿在吃真的大蒜麵包脆塊。
   • 購買建議：樂天超市常有小包裝的綜合組合，適合想嘗試多種口味的人。送禮的話，拉鍊袋的大包裝最實用。

2. Orion 好麗友系列（오리온）：

   • Market O 布朗尼蛋糕 (마켓오 리얼 브라우니)：元老級的網紅甜點！口感介於餅乾和蛋糕之間，巧克力味道非常濃郁，真材實料。
     • 內行吃法：放進微波爐加熱10-15秒，布朗尼會變得溫熱鬆軟，巧克力呈現半融化狀態，再配上一球香草冰淇淋，美味程度直接翻倍！
   • 預感洋芋片 (예감)：有別於一般油炸洋芋片，預感洋芋片是烘烤而成的，口感更厚實、更酥脆，吃起來也比較沒有罪惡感。原味（洋蔥）和起司口味都是經典不敗款。
   • 烏龜玉米脆片 (꼬북칩)：它最大的特色就是四層酥脆的結構，咬下去「咔滋咔滋」的聲音超級療癒！最受歡迎的是玉米濃湯口味，濃郁的甜鹹滋味讓人欲罷不能。後來還推出了麻辣、巧克力吉拿棒、松露等新口味，同樣值得一試。巧克力吉拿棒口味外層灑滿肉桂糖粉，就像在吃迷你的吉拿棒餅乾。

3. CW 麻糬餅乾系列 (청우)：

   • 介紹：把韓國傳統的「打糕 (인절미)」和西式餅乾結合，創造出神奇的口感。外層是酥脆的餅乾，裡面夾著Q彈軟糯的麻糬內餡。
   • 口味推薦：最經典的是「黃豆粉麻糬餅乾」，豆香濃郁，甜而不膩。巧克力口味的「찰떡쿠키」也非常受歡迎，是許多人的最愛。

4. Crown 海太系列 (크라운해태)：

5. • 奶油鬆餅 (버터와플)：這款餅乾的奶油香氣非常迷人，口感薄脆，帶著淡淡的甜味，是非常耐吃的「氣質款」零食。配紅茶或咖啡都非常適合。
   • ACE 蘇打餅 (에이스)：韓國的國民餅乾之一，鹹香酥脆。
     • 道地吃法：韓國人最道地的吃法是泡在三合一咖啡（特別是Maxim摩卡黃金咖啡）裡，讓餅乾吸飽咖啡的香氣，變成微軟的口感，你一定要試試看這種獨特的風味組合！

6. Lotte 樂天自家系列：

   • PEPERO 巧克力棒 (빼빼로)：雖然世界各地都有類似的產品，但韓國的PEPERO口味選擇更多元，像是杏仁巧克力、白巧克力餅乾、黑巧克力餅乾等。每年的11月11日還是韓國的「PEPERO Day」，是年輕人之間互送巧克力棒表達情意的日子呢！
   • Custard 卡士達派 (카스타드)：鬆軟的蛋糕體中間包裹著柔滑的卡士達醬，是很多韓國人從小吃到大的點心，口感濕潤，甜度適中。
   • Binch 巧克力餅乾 (빈츠)：一面是全麥餅乾，另一面是刻有精緻圖案的整片巧克力，餅乾酥脆，巧克力香醇，是視覺和味覺的雙重享受

1. Nongshim (농심)：

   • Shin Ramyeon (신라면)：Known worldwide as Korea’s iconic ramen, Shin Ramyeon is a must-try. Beyond the classic red pack, don’t miss out on the “Shin Ramyeon Black” edition. It boasts chewier noodles and a richer broth infused with beef bone essence, plus a special snow soup seasoning packet that really amps up the flavor. It’s a bit pricier but absolutely worth every bite.
   • Anseongtangmyeon (안성탕면)：If Shin Ramyeon’s spice level feels too intense, Anseongtangmyeon offers a milder, comforting alternative. Its broth carries a subtle fermented soybean paste (doenjang) flavor, making it a beloved staple in Korean homes.
   • Potato Noodles (감자면)：Crafted from potato starch, these noodles deliver an irresistibly chewy and slippery texture that holds up even after longer cooking. The broth carries a refreshing peppery kick, setting it apart from the usual instant noodle fare.
   • Jjapagetti (짜파게티)：This was the trailblazer for Korean-style dry mixed noodles. The chewy noodles paired with the aromatic black bean sauce powder and flavored oil create a simple yet deeply satisfying dish.
     • Pro Tip：Try the Korean favorite “Jjapaguri (짜파구리),” a clever mashup of Jjapagetti and the spicy seafood udon “Neoguri (너구리).” This combo balances savory and spicy notes perfectly and rose to fame after its cameo in the film “Parasite.”

2. Samyang (삼양)：

   • Hot Chicken Flavor Noodle (불닭볶음면)：The original spark behind the worldwide “spicy challenge” craze! These dry mixed noodles pack a bold punch, blending heat with a touch of sweetness. Samyang has since expanded the lineup with exciting flavors like cheese, creamy white sauce, jjajang, double spicy, and pink sauce – perfect for those who crave spice. Newcomers might want to start with the cheese or creamy white sauce versions to ease into the heat.

3. Ottogi (오뚜기)：

   • Jin Ramyeon (진라면)：A true crowd favorite in Korea, Jin Ramyeon even outsells Shin Ramyeon! Available in blue (original) and red (spicy), it’s affordable and delivers a well-rounded flavor, making it an ideal everyday ramen.
   • Cheese Ramyeon (치즈라면)：The broth carries a gentle cheese taste, but the real magic comes from the cheese powder packet included. Stir it in just before serving, and you’ll get a luxuriously creamy and cheesy soup that cheese lovers won’t want to miss.
   • Sesame Ramyeon (참깨라면)：This variety comes with a packet of fragrant sesame oil and a dried egg piece. As the egg softens in the broth, it breaks apart and infuses the soup with a warm, nutty sesame and egg aroma, delivering a comforting bowl of goodness.

1. CJ CheilJedang:

   • Gochujang (고추장): This fiery red chili paste is truly the heart and soul of Korean cooking! It's a must-have for whipping up classics like spicy stir-fried pork, tteokbokki, and bibimbap. When shopping, keep an eye on the spice level marked on the jar to match your heat preference.
   • Doenjang (된장): Think of this as Korean miso, but with a deeper, richer taste than its Japanese counterpart. It’s essential for making the comforting doenjang jjigae (miso stew) that warms the soul.
   • Ssamjang (쌈장): When indulging in Korean BBQ, nothing beats wrapping grilled meat and kimchi in fresh lettuce leaves with a dollop of this sauce. It’s a delicious fusion of gochujang and doenjang, delivering a savory kick with just the right touch of sweetness and spice.

2. Ottogi:

   • Chamgireum (참기름): The rich, nutty aroma of Korean sesame oil is simply irresistible. Whether you drizzle it over steaming rice, stir it into glass noodles, or add a few drops to finish off a soup, it instantly lifts the flavors. Look for bottles marked "100% 통참깨" to ensure you’re getting pure sesame oil.

3. Chungjungone (청정원):

   • Dasida (다시다): Think of this as Korea’s answer to chicken bouillon cubes or Campbell’s soup base. It’s a secret weapon in many Korean kitchens, especially for adding depth to soups. Just a spoonful can transform your broth, and the anchovy-flavored version is perfect for seafood soups.

1. Soju (소주, Soju): Whether you’re sipping the timeless classic "Chamisul" or the smooth "Chum Churum," soju offers a delightful range of fruity twists—from grape and peach to refreshing grapefruit—all at wallet-friendly prices. Channel your favorite Korean drama stars as you enjoy shots from those iconic small glasses!

2. Makgeolli (막걸리, Makgeolli): This traditional milky rice wine is a charming blend of sweet and tangy notes, with a subtle rice fragrance that shines best when served chilled. Don’t miss out on popular labels like "Jangsu Makgeolli" and "Kuksundang," and keep an eye out for exciting flavors like chestnut and banana that add a fun twist to this classic drink.

3. Banana Milk (바나나우유, Banana Uyu): Produced by "Binggrae," this cute, chubby bottle of banana milk is a beloved Korean staple and a must-try for visitors. Its rich banana sweetness and charming packaging are guaranteed to brighten your day. Plus, you can now find tempting new flavors such as strawberry, cantaloupe, and lychee peach to explore.

4. Corn Silk Tea (옥수수수염차): With a gentle aroma similar to brown rice tea, corn silk tea is cherished for its natural diuretic properties and ability to reduce water retention—a favorite among Korean celebrities. Completely sugar-free and caffeine-free, it offers a light, refreshing sip that perfectly complements a hearty Korean feast.

1. Ryo Shampoo: If you’re looking for a herbal shampoo that truly tackles hair concerns like hair loss, dandruff, or damage, Ryo by Amorepacific is a go-to. Each product comes in a distinct color-coded bottle, making it easy to find exactly what you need. The standout? The purple bottle from their "Nourishing and Strengthening Hair" line, a favorite among those battling hair thinning.

2. Mise-en-scène Hair Oil: Often called the "national hair oil," this affordable gem is loved for its ability to smooth frizz and add shine across all hair types. The iconic orange bottle is a classic, but if you have specific needs, there’s also the pink version for long-lasting styles and the red one designed for seriously damaged locks.

3. Median 86% Whitening Toothpaste: This top-selling toothpaste in South Korea is known for its impressive stain-fighting and whitening power. It comes in different colors to highlight its benefits—white for whitening, blue for tartar control, and red for gum care—making it a favorite among many looking to brighten their smile.

1. Keep an Eye Out for "1+1" and "2+1" Promotions: These deals are everywhere in Korean supermarkets—think buy one get one free or buy two get one free. You'll often find these offers in the snack aisles, drinks section, instant noodles, and even toothpaste. When you spot a product with these tags, don’t hesitate—stock up while you can!
2. Take Advantage of Tax Refunds: From 2024 onwards, stores in Korea that display the "Tax Free" sign let you claim a tax refund on purchases over 15,000 KRW, up to a total of 500,000 KRW. At checkout, just mention “Tax Refund” and show your passport. The Lotte Mart at Seoul Station makes it super easy with a self-service tax refund machine where you can get cash in KRW or have the refund credited to your card or Alipay.
3. Bring Your Own Bag: Since 2019, Korean supermarkets no longer provide free plastic bags. So, remember to bring your own reusable shopping bag. If you forget, you can buy a "종량제봉투 (jongnyangjebongtu)"—a paid bag that doubles as a trash bag—or grab a paid cardboard box at checkout to pack your goods.
4. Use International Express Mail Service (EMS): Bought too much at the Seoul Station or Gangnam stores? No worries! Head straight to the EMS counter inside the store to send your purchases home internationally. While shipping isn’t the cheapest, it’s a lifesaver if you don’t want to lug heavy bags around town.
5. Check Store Hours and Holidays: Korean supermarkets have two mandatory public holidays each month, usually the second and fourth Sundays, though this can vary by location. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to check online before you visit so you don’t end up at a closed store!