How much does food cost in Korea per month?

A single person can spend 300,000-600,000 won/month on groceries depending on diet. Cooking at home is much cheaper than eating out. Budget shoppers using traditional markets and Coupang can keep costs under 400,000 won.

Where is the cheapest place to buy groceries in Korea?

Traditional markets (시장) are cheapest for fresh produce and meat. Coupang (쿠팡) offers competitive prices with free next-day delivery. E-Mart (이마트) and Homeplus (홈플러스) have regular sales. Convenience stores (편의점) are the most expensive option.

What Korean grocery terms should I know?

Key terms: 할인 (discount), 1+1 (buy one get one), 국산 (domestic), 수입 (imported), 유기농 (organic), 냉동 (frozen), 신선 (fresh), 계산 (checkout). Most large supermarkets have English signage.

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Living in Korea

Grocery Price Guide

Reference prices for common groceries and a monthly food budget calculator.

1Browse Prices by Category

Apples (사과)

1 ea

2,000 - 3,000 won

Cheapest: Market

Bananas (바나나)

bunch

3,000 - 5,000 won

Cheapest: Supermarket

Strawberries (딸기)

pack

5,000 - 8,000 won

Cheapest: Market

Watermelon (수박)

1 ea

12,000 - 20,000 won

Cheapest: Market

Mandarin Oranges (귤)

1 kg

3,000 - 6,000 won

Cheapest: Coupang

Grapes (포도)

bunch

5,000 - 10,000 won

Cheapest: Market

2Weekly Budget Calculator

Tap items above to add them to your weekly shopping list, then adjust quantities.

Tap items from any category to build your weekly list.

Where to Shop in Korea

E-Mart (이마트): Korea's largest supermarket chain. Great for bulk buying, imported goods, and weekly deals. The "No Brand" store brand offers excellent value. Most locations have parking and are open until 10-11 PM. Closed on 2nd and 4th Sundays.

Homeplus (홈플러스): Similar to E-Mart with slightly lower prices on some items. Has an excellent online delivery service. Also closed on alternating Sundays (usually 2nd and 4th).

Coupang (쿠팡): Korea's Amazon equivalent. Rocket Delivery (로켓배송) offers next-day or same-day delivery. Often has the best prices on bulk items, water, eggs, and household goods. Coupang Rocket Fresh for groceries.

Traditional Markets (시장): Best prices for fresh produce, meat, and fish. Prices are often negotiable. Visit Gwangjang Market (광장시장), Namdaemun Market (남대문시장), or your local neighborhood market. Cash is preferred.

Money-saving tips: Look for 1+1 (buy one get one free) deals at convenience stores. Buy seasonal fruits at markets. Use Coupang for heavy items like water and rice. Cook at home - a single meal at a restaurant costs as much as a day's groceries.

Useful Korean terms: 할인 (discount), 1+1 (buy one get one), 2+1 (buy two get one), 국산 (domestic), 수입 (imported), 유기농 (organic), 무료배송 (free shipping), 장바구니 (shopping cart/basket).

✓Updated for 2026Last reviewed October 6, 2026See what changed

Written and reviewed by Taeyang Kim · Rates and thresholds are taken directly from the official notices of Korea's National Tax Service, National Pension Service, National Health Insurance Service, Ministry of Employment and Labor, and Minimum Wage Commission. Results are non-binding estimates for reference only and may differ from the actual amount depending on your circumstances. Found a mistake? Tell us through Contact.