Where to Shop in Korea and Thailand: Famous Supermarket Chains You Need to Visit

One of the best ways to really engage in the local way of life whilst on tour is via cuisine. And where else would one find real tastes but in the neighborhood stores? These stores provide an opportunity to find fresh vegetables, regional delicacies, and unusual ingredients that could be difficult elsewhere whether your location is Korea or Thailand. Convenience is vital for travellers, hence employing eSIM technology will enable you to remain in touch even while you visit the neighborhood stores. Without swapping SIM cards, eSIM such as eSIM Korea and eSIM Thailand allows you to quickly access maps, check store hours, or search up translations to smooth your shopping experience. From fresh food to souvenirs, this page will walk you through some of the top grocery companies in Korea and Thailand.

Supermarkets in Korea: A Shopper’s Paradise

Dream food for Koreans is cuisine, and its stores are no exception. Travelers who wish to taste real Korean cuisine or stock up on basics will find their range of local goods, snacks, and ready-made meals ideal. These are some of Korea’s best grocery chains.

1. E-Mart
Among the most often used grocery chains in Korea, E-Mart is the biggest one. It presents a large assortment of groceries, house items, and regional goods. E-Mart has something for everyone whether your search is for pre-packed meals or fresh supplies to prepare your own.

E-Mart is well-known for its assortment of locally made Korean delicacies including Kimchi, bibimbap, and Kimbap. They also include fresh vegetables, seafood, and meats—including unusual products like Korean ginseng.

Smaller serving sizes found in E-Mart stores are perfect for temporary visits. Most places also feature international products, thus if you’re missing familiar treats from home, you’ll discover them easily.

2. Lotte Mart 

An other well-known chain in Korea is Lotte Mart. One may find both local and international goods here. Lotte Mart’s extensive assortment of food, drinks, and home items appeals to residents as well as visitors.

Look for well-liked Korean chips, chocolates, and beverages including soju and makgeolli (rice wine) in the snack sections. They also have a selection of ready-to-eat dishes including ramyeon, or instant noodles, and Korean fried chicken.

Affordable and with sites in most big towns, Lotte Mart is a handy stop for those trying to grab some fast snacks or unusual presents to bring back.

3. Homeplus

Owned by British retailer Tesco, another significant grocery chain in Korea is Homeplus. Homeplus, well-known supermarket providing a range of groceries and household items, is a common choice for both residents and tourists since it frequently runs discounts and offers.

Along with fresh vegetables, meats, and seafood, Homeplus provides ready-made Korean meals including Banchan (side dishes) and Jajangmyeon (black bean noodles).

Many times, homeplus businesses run specials and loyalty card programs designed to save customers money. Moreover, the stores are large, which facilitates comfortable shopping.

4. Costco Korea

Costco in Korea provides a different experience than conventional supermarkets if you are seeking for mass purchases. Costco in Korea is an interesting destination for visitors even if it is a worldwide brand since it has customized its products to local tastes.

Look for Costco in Korea; they are well-known for their bulk goods, hence you may get more of Kimchi, seafood, and Korean delicacies. Fresh goods like fruits and vegetables abound here as well.

Costco is ideal for bulk purchases whether you are staying somewhere you can cook or traveling with a group. It’s also a fantastic place to locate foreign items that might be more difficult to get at other stores.

Supermarkets in Thailand: A Blend of Traditional and Modern
Supermarkets in Thailand offer a wonderful blend of regional tastes and global goods. There is a grocery chain for every kind of tourist, whether your shopping for supplies to create your own Thai meal or simply some munchies.

1. Tesco Lotus

Among the biggest chains of supermarkets in Thailand is Tesco Lotus. It’s well-known for providing reasonably priced locally and internationally based products. You probably will find a Tesco Lotus close by whether you live in a tiny village or a major city.

Tesco Lotus boasts an amazing assortment of Thai cooking’s fresh fruits, veggies, and spices. Seek Thai basil, lemongrass, coconut milk, and curry pastes. There are also many of neighborhood treats and drinks including mango sticky rice and Thai iced tea.

Why It’s Perfect for Travelers? Perfect for short-term and long-term visits, Tesco Lotus is easily available and provides everything you need at reasonable rates. Moreover, many of their stores feature Western goods in a section that would be helpful if you were lacking some home comforts.

2. Big C

Another well-known Thai supermarket with a large selection of reasonably priced goods is Big C. Grocery shopping, snacking, and even housekeeping supplies are best done here.

Fresh Thai herbs, seafood, and meat abound as well as packaged munchies such Thai chips, dried fish, and delights flavored with coconut. Big C is also well-known for its large assortment of ready-made dinners.

Both residents and visitors choose Big C mostly because of its competitive rates and large range of options. Big C sites are often found in both more rural areas and major cities.

3. Siam Paragon Gourmet Market

See the Gourmet Market at Siam Paragon in Bangkok for a more sophisticated shopping experience. Nestled inside one of the biggest and most opulent malls in the city, this supermarket carries luxury goods from Thailand and beyond.

The Gourmet Market provides native foods including Thai chili paste and spices for creating real Thai cuisine in addition to upscale items including international cheeses, wines, and fresh seafood.

Siam Paragon is the place to visit if you want to buy up some luxury goods or mementos. For individuals looking for luxury food items that might not be found in standard supermarkets, it’s also a great place.

4. Macro

Originally serving mostly businesses, Makro is a wholesale supermarket chain based in Thailand open to the general people. For those staying longer or needing to buy food in bigger amounts, this is a fantastic spot.

Look for a range of bulk items like Thai spices, meats, and fresh veggies as well as Makro also sells reasonably priced packaged products such noodles and rice.

Why It’s Perfect for Travelers Whether you’re planning a longer stay or cooking for a group, Makro is perfect for anyone who needs to purchase lots of food. It’s also a fantastic place to stock local Thai ingredients for your cooking explorations.

Summary

Supermarkets in Thailand and Korea provide a fantastic means of sampling the local cuisine. From Thailand’s Tesco Lotus and Big C to Korea’s E-Mart and Lotte Mart, every supermarket offers distinctive chances to find fresh products, snacks, and ready-made meals. eSIM technology also makes it simple for you to keep in touch, negotiate the stores, and maximize your shopping trip. Therefore, whether your trip is brief or longer, be sure to tour these well-known supermarket chains to completely engage in the local way of life.