Korea’s Food Delivery Culture – A Complete Guide for Foreign Visitors (2025)
One of the things that surprises foreign visitors the most when they arrive in Korea is the country's incredibly fast and advanced food delivery system. From full meals to coffee and even desserts, almost anything can be delivered to your doorstep within minutes.
As of 2025, Korea is widely regarded as having one of the best delivery infrastructures in the world. And the best part? Travelers and tourists can easily access and experience this cultural convenience. In this guide, we’ll break down how Korea’s delivery culture works and how foreigners can enjoy it, step by step.
What Makes Korean Delivery So Special?
- Lightning-Fast and Punctual
Most food orders arrive within 20 to 40 minutes, and you can track your delivery in real-time through the app. It’s rare for deliveries to be late—Korea takes speed seriously. - Unmatched Variety of Options
You can order not just pizza or burgers, but also samgyeopsal (Korean BBQ), gukbap (soup with rice), hangover stew, sushi, braised chicken, tteokbokki, fried chicken, and even draft beer. Nearly every restaurant, from local eateries to chains, offers delivery services. - App-Based Ordering
Popular apps like Baemin (배달의민족), Yogiyo (요기요), and Coupang Eats are the go-to platforms for ordering food. As of 2025, these apps offer English interfaces and support Google or Kakao logins, making them accessible for tourists. - Contactless & Convenient Payments
You can pay via credit card, mobile payment apps like KakaoPay or NaverPay, or even with cash. Most deliveries are now contactless, meaning your food can be left at the door with no interaction required.
How to Order Delivery in Korea as a Foreigner (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Download a Delivery App
Search for "Baemin" or "Yogiyo" on the App Store or Google Play. Baemin recently introduced an English version, making it easy to use even if you don’t speak Korean.
Step 2: Enter Your Address
If you're staying in a hotel or Airbnb, copy and paste the full Korean address into the app. Korea’s address system is precise, so make sure to include your room or unit number.
Step 3: Choose Your Food
Menus are organized by category—Korean, chicken, snacks, desserts, etc. You’ll see photos, item descriptions, and customer reviews to help you decide.
Step 4: Place Your Order and Pay
Choose your payment method and add any special requests in English (e.g., “Please leave at the door” or “No pickles, please”). Once paid, you can track the delivery driver on a live map.
Tips to Enjoy Korea’s Delivery Culture Like a Local
- Chimaek with a View
Try ordering Korean fried chicken and beer (aka “chimaek”) while enjoying the view of the Han River or Seoul’s night skyline. It’s a truly local experience. - Rainy Day Comfort Food
On rainy or lazy days, order hot stews like kimchi jjigae or seolleongtang for a taste of Korean home cooking—without leaving your room. - Yes, Desserts Too!
Cake, coffee, macarons, ice cream—you name it. All can be delivered, even in small quantities. Late-night sweet tooth? Korea’s got you.
Final Thoughts – Food Delivery as Everyday Culture in Korea
Korea’s food delivery is more than a service—it’s a way of life. It’s incredibly fast, precise, and accessible for everyone, including first-time visitors.
Ordering food during your trip is not just convenient—it’s an experience in itself. Imagine enjoying authentic Korean dishes from the comfort of your hotel room, with just a few taps on your phone. In Korea, great food really does come to you.