Whether you're visiting South Korea or shopping at your local Emart (or Emart24), one thing is clear: it's a paradise for food lovers. From traditional staples to modern snacks and ready-to-eat meals, Emart offers a wide range of products that reflect the soul of Korean cuisine.
Here's your ultimate shopping guide to help you navigate Emart’s aisles and bring home the best of Korea — from pantry essentials to crave-worthy snacks.
🥢 1. Kimchi (김치)
No Korean grocery trip is complete without kimchi, Korea’s national dish. Emart offers a wide variety: cabbage kimchi, radish (kkakdugi), white kimchi (non-spicy), and even organic versions. Look for brands like Bibigo, Jongga, and Emart No Brand.
💡 Tip: Get a small tub to try if you’re new, or a full jar for cooking dishes like kimchi fried rice or stew.
🍜 2. Instant Noodles (Ramyeon)
The instant noodle section is legendary. Try:
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Shin Ramyun (spicy classic)
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Jin Ramyeon (milder, hearty broth)
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Samyang Buldak (fire noodles)
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Ottogi Cheese Ramen (creamy, cheesy comfort)
Bonus: Many stores have in-store ramen cookers so you can eat on the spot!
🍖 3. Marinated Meats for Korean BBQ
Head to the chilled or frozen aisle for ready-to-cook bulgogi, samgyeopsal (pork belly), and LA galbi (short ribs). Emart’s pre-marinated meats make it easy to recreate K-BBQ at home.
Look for packs that include sauce for a complete meal solution.
🍚 4. Cooked Rice & Grains
Microwaveable cooked rice bowls (instant bap) are a must-have in every Korean home.
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CJ Hetbahn is a top choice — quick, fluffy, and preservative-free.
Also try mixed grain options like black rice, barley, or five-grain blends for healthier alternatives.
🧂 5. Gochujang & Doenjang (Korean Sauces)
Build your pantry with these two fermented powerhouses:
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Gochujang: Spicy-sweet red chili paste
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Doenjang: Earthy fermented soybean paste
They’re essential for making bibimbap, jjigae (stews), or even marinades.
🍗 6. Ready-to-Eat Meal Kits (HMR)
Korea's "Home Meal Replacement" kits are game-changers. Look for:
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Tteokbokki (spicy rice cake kits)
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Army stew kits (Budae Jjigae)
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Kimchi Jjigae
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Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup)
Most only need a pot and a few minutes of boiling water.
🥟 7. Frozen Mandu (Dumplings)
Emart’s frozen section features dozens of mandu types:
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Pork & kimchi
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Vegetable
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King-size shrimp
Brands like Bibigo offer juicy, plump dumplings perfect for pan-frying or soup.
🍘 8. Gimbap & Samgak Kimbap (Triangle Rice Snacks)
Found in the refrigerated section, these are perfect for a quick snack.
Try fillings like:
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Tuna mayo
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Bulgogi
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Spicy pork
They’re often restocked daily — so get them fresh!
🍯 9. Korean Street Food Snacks
Recreate Korean street food at home:
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Hotteok (sweet pancakes) — microwave or pan-fry
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Bungeoppang — fish-shaped pastries with red bean
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Odeng (fish cakes) — perfect for soup or skewers
🍫 10. Korean Snacks & Treats
Get lost in the snack aisle! Don’t miss:
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Pepero (chocolate biscuit sticks)
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Honey Butter Chips
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Choco Pie
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Jolly Pong (puffed grain snack)
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Matdongsan (sweet peanut crunch)
Great for gifting or binging during K-drama marathons.
🥛 11. Drinks: From Banana Milk to Traditional Teas
Stock up on:
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Banana Milk (classic yellow bottle)
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Milkis (carbonated milk soda)
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Sikhye (sweet rice punch)
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Yuja Tea Concentrate (great with hot water for cold relief)
🥗 12. Banchan (Korean Side Dishes)
Grab a mix of ready-made side dishes like:
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Spicy anchovies
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Braised tofu
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Seasoned bean sprouts
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Soy-marinated eggs
They're perfect for elevating plain rice meals.
🍞 13. Bakery Favorites
In Emart’s bakery or snack section, look out for:
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Sweet potato bread
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Red bean buns
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Cream cheese-stuffed rolls
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Castella sponge cakes
🧀 14. Cheese Snacks & Fusion Foods
Koreans love a cheese twist on everything. Try:
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Cheese tteokbokki
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Cheesy corn dogs
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Cheese buldak noodles
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Korean pizza pockets in the frozen aisle
🛍️ Bonus: No Brand Products
Emart’s house brand, No Brand, is affordable and high-quality. From ramen to chips and frozen meals, you’ll find surprising gems at lower prices.
✨ Final Tips Before You Shop
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🕒 Go early for the freshest gimbap and hot foods
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📦 Bring your own bag or buy an eco-bag (Korean stores often don’t provide free bags)
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🍳 Check for sampling—some Emarts offer food tastings on weekends
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🔥 Try a hot bar (e.g., skewers, tteokbokki, mandu) near the cash registers
🇰🇷 In Conclusion: Why Emart Is a Foodie Heaven
From quick snacks to gourmet meal kits, Emart is a one-stop shop for experiencing Korean food culture at its finest. Whether you’re cooking a Korean feast or grabbing a triangle kimbap for the road, there’s always something new and delicious to try.