South Korea’s food delivery culture is legendary. Whether you are craving late-night fried chicken at a Han River park or a healthy bibimbap at your Airbnb, the speed and convenience of Korean delivery are unmatched.
If you are a traveler or expat, navigating this system might seem daunting due to language barriers and payment hurdles. Here is your essential guide to the two biggest players: Coupang Eats and Baedal Minjok (Baemin).
1. Coupang Eats: The Best for English Speakers
For most foreigners, Coupang Eats is the go-to app. It was designed with a more global user experience in mind and offers a significantly better English interface than its competitors.
Key Advantage: Full English support for menus and settings.
Speed: Known for "Cheetah Delivery," which focuses on single-order delivery to ensure your food arrives hot and fast.
Tracking: You can track your rider’s location in real-time on a map, which is incredibly helpful if you are trying to meet them at a specific gate or building entrance.
How to use it:
Download & Sign Up: You can often sign up with a phone number or email.
Set Your Address: Use the GPS "Current Location" feature if you aren’t sure of your exact Korean address.
Payment: It supports most international credit cards, making it much easier for tourists compared to other local apps.
2. Baedal Minjok (Baemin): The Local Giant
Baedal Minjok, or Baemin, is the undisputed king of the Korean delivery market. While its English support has improved recently, it still leans heavily on Korean (Hangul).
Key Advantage: The widest selection of restaurants. From tiny local "mom-and-pop" shops to massive franchises, if it’s edible, it’s on Baemin.
Baemin Club: A subscription service that offers free or heavily discounted delivery fees.
Grocery Delivery: Their "B-Mart" service delivers groceries and household essentials in under 30 minutes.
How to use it:
Language Tip: If the app feels overwhelming, use a translation tool like Google Lens or Papago to translate screenshots of the menu.
Guest Checkout: In some versions, you can browse and order as a guest, which is great if you don't have a long-term Korean ID (ARC).
Payment: Recent updates have made it more friendly toward international cards, but having a local "Check Card" or "Kakao Pay" account makes the process seamless.
3. How to Pay: International Cards & Local Methods
The biggest hurdle for foreigners is often the payment screen. Here is how to navigate it:
Coupang Eats: This is the most "foreigner-friendly" app for payments. You can easily register international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard). Simply go to the payment method section and look for the "Credit/Check Card" option.
Baemin: Historically, Baemin required a Korean phone for identity verification. However, recent updates have made it easier to use local "Check Cards" or "Kakao Pay." If you don't have a Korean bank account, stick to Coupang Eats for a smoother experience.
Tip: If an app asks for "ISP" or a specific Korean bank app, it might be difficult for tourists. Always look for the "Foreign Card" (해외카드) or "General Payment" (일반결제) tab.
💡 Pro Tip: How to Bypass the Identity Verification (ARC) Issue
One of the biggest frustrations for tourists or new expats in Korea is the Identity Verification (본인인증) step. Most Korean apps require a Korean phone number registered in your legal name (linked to your Alien Registration Card/ARC).
If you don’t have an ARC or a local SIM card, here is how to handle it:
Stick to Coupang Eats: Coupang Eats is currently the most lenient. You can often sign up and pay with an international card without going through the rigorous "Mobile Phone Verification" (PASS app) that Baemin usually requires.
The "Guest" Workaround: Some apps allow you to browse as a guest, but payment usually triggers the verification. If you are staying at a hotel or Airbnb, the easiest way is to ask your host or the front desk to order for you and pay them back in cash.
Use "Shuttle Delivery": If both Baemin and Coupang Eats fail you, download Shuttle Delivery. It is an app specifically designed for expats. It is fully in English, accepts international credit cards, and does not require a Korean ID or local phone verification.
Inputting Names for Expats: If you do have a local SIM and are trying to verify your identity, type your name exactly as it appears on your phone bill (usually ALL CAPS, Surname First). Even a small spacing error will cause the verification to fail.
One of the biggest frustrations for tourists or new expats in Korea is the Identity Verification (본인인증) step. Most Korean apps require a Korean phone number registered in your legal name (linked to your Alien Registration Card/ARC).
If you don’t have an ARC or a local SIM card, here is how to handle it:
Stick to Coupang Eats: Coupang Eats is currently the most lenient. You can often sign up and pay with an international card without going through the rigorous "Mobile Phone Verification" (PASS app) that Baemin usually requires.
The "Guest" Workaround: Some apps allow you to browse as a guest, but payment usually triggers the verification. If you are staying at a hotel or Airbnb, the easiest way is to ask your host or the front desk to order for you and pay them back in cash.
Use "Shuttle Delivery": If both Baemin and Coupang Eats fail you, download Shuttle Delivery. It is an app specifically designed for expats. It is fully in English, accepts international credit cards, and does not require a Korean ID or local phone verification.
Inputting Names for Expats: If you do have a local SIM and are trying to verify your identity, type your name exactly as it appears on your phone bill (usually ALL CAPS, Surname First). Even a small spacing error will cause the verification to fail.
4. Delivery Requests: The "Leave at Door" Culture
Korean delivery is highly efficient and largely contactless. During the checkout process, you will see a section for "Delivery Requests."
"Leave at the door" (문 앞에): This is the standard. Most riders will leave your food at your door, snap a photo, and send it to you via the app.
"Don't bring the doorbell" (벨 누르지 마세요): If you have a sleeping baby or a barking dog, look for this option.
No Tipping Needed: This is the best part! In Korea, the price you see is the final price. Tipping is not part of the culture and is not expected by the riders.
5. Pro Tips for a Smooth Experience
Recycling: Korea has strict rules. After eating, rinse your plastic containers. Most delivery sets come with a small plastic "knife" to peel off the plastic film—use it!
GPS Address: If you are at a park or a guesthouse, use the "Current Location" feature. However, ensure the "Building Name" or "Room Number" is clearly typed in the notes.
Conclusion
If you want ease of use and English support, go with Coupang Eats. If you want the cheapest deals and the most options, try Baemin. Either way, you are about to experience the world's best delivery service.
Recycling: Korea has strict rules. After eating, rinse your plastic containers. Most delivery sets come with a small plastic "knife" to peel off the plastic film—use it!
GPS Address: If you are at a park or a guesthouse, use the "Current Location" feature. However, ensure the "Building Name" or "Room Number" is clearly typed in the notes.
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