Overview

Seoul has a growing number of international grocery stores catering to foreign residents. Whether you miss ingredients from home or follow specific dietary requirements like halal, you can find options in several neighborhoods across the city.

Chinese Groceries and Chinatowns

Seoul has several Chinatown areas where Korean-Chinese communities have established grocery stores, restaurants, and markets.

• Daerim-dong Chinatown: Exit 12 of Daerim Station (Line 2 and 7) — the largest and most established, with a wide variety of Chinese ingredients, snacks, and ready-made foods.
• Yeonnam-dong Chinatown: Exit 2 of Hongik Univ. Station (Line 2, Gyeongui-Jungang Line, Airport Railroad)
• Konkuk University Chinatown: Exit 5 of Konkuk Univ. Station (Line 2 and 7)

Japanese Groceries

Mono Mart specializes in Japanese foods and ingredients, with about 10 stores in Seoul including Banposeorae, Ichon, Yeongdeungpo, and Hannam branches. Website: www.monomart.co.kr (Korean)

Southeast Asian Groceries

Asian supermarkets carrying Filipino, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, and other Southeast Asian ingredients can be found throughout Seoul. Common items include fish sauce, coconut milk, rice noodles, curry paste, and tropical fruits. Look for stores near areas with large Southeast Asian communities, particularly around Itaewon, Dongdaemun, and Daerim.

Central Asian and Russian Groceries

Dongdaemun Silk Road, also known as Central Asia Street, is located in Gwanghui-dong, Jung-gu. This area has grocery stores carrying Russian, Uzbek, and other Central Asian products, along with restaurants serving cuisine from the region.

Halal Food

Halal Supermarkets in Seoul

• Halal Mart KOREA: 143 Mapo-daero, Mapo-gu (070-7777-4004)
• International Super: 14 Bogwang-ro 60-gil, Yongsan-gu (02-790-4264)
• National Foods Mart: 39 Usadan-ro, Yongsan-gu (02-792-0786)
• Foreign Food Mart: 36 Usadan-ro, Yongsan-gu (02-793-0082)
• Foreign Food Mart: 39 Usadan-ro 10-gil, Yongsan-gu (02-798-8611)
• National Food Mart: 34 Usadan-ro 10-gil, Yongsan-gu (02-790-6547)

The Itaewon and Yongsan-gu area has the highest concentration of halal grocery stores in Seoul, centered around the Seoul Central Mosque.

Muslim-Friendly Restaurants

The Korea Tourism Organization classifies Muslim-friendly restaurants into four categories:

• Halal Certified: fully certified halal kitchen and ingredients
• Self Certified: the restaurant owner self-certifies halal compliance
• Muslim Friendly: understands Muslim dietary needs and offers suitable options
• Pork Free: does not use pork in cooking

For locations and hours, check the Korea Tourism Organization's guide at english.visitkorea.or.kr or search "Muslim Friendly Restaurants in Korea."

Traditional Markets Worth Visiting

Several traditional markets in Seoul sell fresh produce, seafood, and street food at competitive prices:

• Namdaemun Market: 600-year history, about 10,000 stores, near Hoehyeon Station (Line 4). Wide range from clothes to kitchen supplies and food.
• Gwangjang Market: near Jongno 3-ga Station (Line 1 and 3). Famous for fabric, hanbok, and street food — try the mini gimbap (mayak gimbap) and mung bean pancakes.
• Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market: Korea's largest fish market, near Noryangjin Station (Line 1 and 9). Fresh seafood at wholesale prices.
• Mangwon Market: near Mangwon Station (Line 6). About 30 stores selling vegetables, fruits, fish, and popular street food.
• Tongin Market: near Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3). Known for the "Lunch Box Cafe Tong" where you exchange money for brass coins (yeopjeon) and buy small dishes from different vendors.
• Gyeongdong Market: near Jegi-dong Station (Line 1). Specializes in medicinal herbs (70% of Korea's herbal medicine volume), plus ginseng, honey, and cereals.

Secondhand and Recycling Options

• Beautiful Store: accepts donations of new/used goods and sells at low prices. www.beautifulstore.org (Korean and English), 02-3676-1009
• Salvation Army Thrift Store: www.nanumistore.org (Korean and English), 02-365-7084
• Seoul Folk Flea Market: near Exit 9 of Sinseol-dong Station (Lines 1 and 2), www.pungmul.or.kr
• Itaewon Used Furniture Street: between Exits 3 and 4 of Itaewon Station (Line 6) — furniture used by foreigners at low prices