“Korean Convenience Store Alcohol Guide: Best Drinks, Snacks & Breakfast Options!”

1.Introduction: Why Korean Convenience Stores Are a Game-Changer

Ever wondered how to buy alcohol in Korea as a foreigner? This Korean convenience store alcohol guide has everything you need to know!

Picture this: It’s midnight, you step into a brightly lit convenience store, grab a bottle of soju and some late-night ramen, then head to the seating area to enjoy it!

But wait—there’s one thing you need to know! You can eat food at the seating area inside a Korean convenience store, but drinking alcohol is not allowed. Unlike in the U.S., where liquor stores have strict regulations and close early, Korean convenience stores allow you to buy alcohol at any time of day, which makes them the perfect spot to grab drinks before heading out for the night.

From the best drinks to try at a Korean convenience store to the perfect snacks for beer and soju, plus convenience store breakfast options—this guide will help you make the most of your visit!

2.Buying Alcohol at a Korean Convenience Store (What to Expect)

• In Korea, you can buy alcohol at any convenience store without needing to visit a specialized liquor store.
• Major convenience store chains like GS25, CU, and 7-Eleven offer a variety of drinks, including beer, soju, makgeolli, and even wine.
• There are no automatic ID check machines at checkout, but staff may ask for your ID if you look young.
• This Korean convenience store alcohol guide will help you confidently choose the best drinks.

3.Top Alcohol Picks from a Korean Convenience Store

Must-Try Drinks

1. Soju – Korea’s #1 alcoholic drink.

• PET bottle soju is more convenient than glass bottles.
• Oh, and don’t forget those tiny soju cups—they make the experience feel way more authentic!
• If you’re in Busan, be sure to try DaeSeon (대선) and Joeun Day (좋은데이)—they’re the most popular local soju brands!

2.Makgeolli – Korea’s Traditional Rice Wine.

• ry Jeong Tong Jeon Makgeolli (지평 막걸리) for a classic taste.

⚠️Warning: Do NOT shake or turn it upside down before opening!

• If you’re in Busan, don’t miss Saengtak (생탁), a local favorite known for its smooth and rich flavor.
• For something unique, try Bam Makgeolli (밤 막걸리)—a chestnut-flavored makgeolli with a subtly sweet and nutty taste.

3.Korean Craft Beer

• Convenience stores often have a 4 cans for 10,000 KRW deal.
• Various options include IPAs, lagers, and ales.

4. The Best Convenience Store Snacks for Drinking

Best Pairings for Alcohol

Soju Pairings:

1. Instant Spicy Chicken Feet (즉석 닭발) – A fiery, chewy dish that pairs perfectly with soju.
2. Sari Gomtang Cup Noodles (사리곰탕 컵라면) – A mild, beef-based noodle soup that balances the strong taste of soju.
3. Tempura Udon Cup Noodles (튀김우동 컵라면) – A rich, umami-filled cup noodle that enhances the drinking experience.
4. Shin Ramyun Black Cup (신라면 블랙 컵라면) – If you can handle spice, this is the ultimate pairing for soju!

Beer Pairings:

1. Butter-Grilled Squid (버터구이 오징어) – Savory and chewy dried squid with a hint of buttery flavor.
2. Calmond (칼몬드) – Crunchy almond and dried fish snack, nutty and umami-rich.
3. Dakdari (닭다리 과자) – Fried chicken drumstick-shaped snack, crispy and salty.

💡 Pro tip: Almost all Korean convenience store snacks pair well with beer and soju, so explore and find your favorite!

5. Convenience Store Soju & Beer Cocktails You Must Try

(1) Ice Cup Soju Cocktails – A Viral Trend in Korea

Ingredients:

• Convenience store ice cup
• Soju
• Choice of popsicle: Melona, Screw Bar, Watermelon Bar, Jaws Bar
• A bottle of Sprite

How to Make:

1. Fill an ice cup with soju according to your preferred alcohol level.
2. Add Sprite to balance the taste.
3. Dip your selected popsicle into the mixture and stir until it melts slightly.
4. Enjoy your refreshing and sweet soju cocktail!

💡 This is a trendy way of making soju cocktails in Korea, and it’s super easy to make at any convenience store!

(2)Taegeukju (태극주) – The Famous Korean Soju Cocktail

Ingredients:

• Convenience store ice cup
• Powerade (blue)
• Soju
• Pomegranate vinegar (석류 홍초)

How to Make:

1. Pour a small amount of pomegranate vinegar at the bottom of the ice cup (not too much, or it will be too sour!).
2. Add Powerade on top to create the blue layer.
3. Pour in soju according to your drinking preference.
4. The red and blue colors resemble the Taegeuk symbol on the Korean flag, which is why this drink is called Taegeukju.

💡 This cocktail went viral after being introduced by a famous Korean celebrity, making it a must-try at convenience stores!

6. Best Breakfast Options at a Korean Convenience Store

💡 Pro tip: Looking for the perfect convenience store meal combo? Try these popular Korean pairings!

• Samgak Gimbap (삼각김밥) + Cup Ramen Broth 🍙🍜 – A classic quick meal. Dip your triangle kimbap into the hot ramen broth for extra flavor!
• Tteokbokki (떡볶이) + Cheese Ramen 🌶️🧀 – Spicy rice cakes mixed with cheesy ramen? Pure heaven.
• Banana Milk (단지우유) + Slice of Cake 🍰🥛 – A simple yet delicious way to enjoy a cafe-like treat on the go!
• Samgak Gimbap – Triangle kimbap, easy to eat and available in various flavors.
• Regular Kimbap – A fresh and filling option with various ingredients.
• Convenience Store Dosirak – A pre-packed meal with rice, side dishes, and protein.
• Simple Sandwiches – Perfect for a quick breakfast on the go.
• Juk (죽, Korean Rice Porridge) – A warm and comforting rice porridge available in various flavors such as abalone, pumpkin, and chicken. Perfect for a light breakfast or when you have an upset stomach. In Korea, people often eat juk instead of rice when they have an upset stomach or food poisoning, as it is easy to digest and soothing.

💡 Pro tip: All convenience stores have microwaves, so warm up your meal for that fresh-off-the-stove taste!

7. Convenience Store Picks for Kids

Here are some of the snacks and drinks that my kids love to buy and enjoy from Korean convenience stores!
👉 “These are some of my kids’ favorite snacks and drinks from Korean convenience stores!”

• Shrimp Chips (새우깡) – A classic Korean snack that I’ve been eating since I was a baby! There’s even a photo of me as a toddler holding a bag of Saewookkang in my tiny hands.
• Pororo Cream & Jjajang Tteokbokki (뽀로로 크림떡볶이 & 짜장떡볶이) – A mild and creamy rice cake dish perfect for kids.
• Pororo Jjajang Cup Noodles (뽀로로 짜장 컵라면) – A mild and kid-friendly noodle option.
• Honey Butter Chips (허니버터칩) – Sweet and salty chips that kids love.
• Kkotgerang (꽃게랑) – Fun crab-shaped crispy snacks.
• Banana Milk (단지 바나나 우유) – The classic Korean banana-flavored milk.
• Strawberry Milk (단지 딸기 우유) – A creamy and sweet strawberry-flavored milk.
• Other Flavors of Danji Milk – Other flavors include melon, together (vanilla), and sweet potato—try them all!
• Pororo Juice (뽀로로 주스, Soda Flavor) – Kids’ favorite fizzy fruit drink.

💡 Pro tip: Korean convenience stores have a wide variety of snacks and drinks perfect for children, making them a great stop for families!

8.BONUS: The Best Korean Convenience Store Snacks You Must Try!

💡 Fun Fact: The oldest snack on this list is Saeukkang (새우깡), which was first introduced in 1971! It’s been a favorite among Koreans for over 50 years.

Bag Snacks – The Ultimate Crunch!

• Saeukkang (새우깡) – The OG Korean Shrimp Chips. Light and crispy with a savory shrimp flavor.
• Kkotgerang (꽃게랑) – The Blue Crab Chips. A crunchy, seafood-flavored snack with a slightly salty and umami taste.
• Peanut Gangjeong (땅콩 강정) – Sweet & Crunchy Peanut Bars. Coated with a caramelized glaze, offering a perfect mix of sweet and nutty flavors.
• Ojingeo Ttangkong (오징어 땅콩) – Squid & Peanut Balls. Crunchy peanut shells infused with a hint of squid flavor.
• Caramel Peanuts (카라멜 땅콩) – Sweet & Salty Goodness. A balance of caramel sweetness and roasted peanut aroma.
• Ojingeojip (오징어집) – Squid Snack House. Crispy and salty with a strong squid flavor—no spiciness, just pure umami!
• Matdongsan (맛동산) – Classic Peanut Caramel Sticks. Crispy biscuit sticks covered in caramel and crushed peanuts.
• Kkobuk Chip (꼬북칩) – The 4-Layer Crispy Chip. Light and airy with flavors like sweet corn soup and chocolate churros.
• Kkokkalcorn (꼬깔콘) – The Cone-Shaped Corn Snack. A mildly sweet and buttery corn-flavored snack. And of course, the best way to eat it? Put one on each finger before munching!

Box Snacks – A Little More Premium!

• Dakdari (닭다리) – Fried Chicken-Shaped Snack. Crispy and savory, with a mild fried chicken seasoning.
• Goraebab (고래밥) – Whale-Shaped Crackers. Light and crunchy with a mild seafood flavor. Kancho (칸초) – Mini Chocolate-Filled Biscuits. Sweet and crunchy biscuits with a creamy chocolate filling.
• Choco Pie (초코파이) – Korea’s Most Famous Snack. Soft marshmallow-filled cakes coated in chocolate.

Wrapping Up

Korean convenience stores are more than just quick stops—they’re an experience! Whether you’re looking for the best drinks, snacks, or a simple breakfast, there’s always something new to try. From traditional soju and makgeolli to delicious snacks for beer and soju, you’ll never run out of options.

💡 Want to learn more about Korean drinking culture? Check out our in-depth guide here: Think You Know Korea from Squid Game? Here Are 5 Unique Things That Might Surprise You! (Part 2)

For an insightful look at Korea’s drinking traditions, including soju, makgeolli, and drinking etiquette, read this CNN Travel feature on Anthony Bourdain’s journey through Korea’s drinking culture: Anthony Bourdain Explores Korea’s Drinking Culture on Parts Unknown