Craving late-night fried chicken or a steaming bowl of jjajangmyeon? You’re not alone. One of the best parts of living in Korea—or even visiting for a short while—is the incredibly fast and efficient food delivery culture.
Whether you’re new in Korea or just looking to expand your food ordering skills, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Korean food delivery—from classic dishes to the most popular apps and essential tips to avoid confusion.
🚀 Why Korean Food Delivery Is So Unique
Food delivery in South Korea is not just a convenience—it’s a cultural experience. The service is fast, the menu choices are endless, and delivery is available almost anywhere—your home, your office, or even a picnic table by the Han River!
Here’s why food delivery in Korea stands out:
- 🛵 Lightning-fast service (often under 30 minutes)
- 📱 Seamless mobile apps with thousands of options
- 🍽️ No-contact delivery, reusable trays, and no tipping culture
- 🕐 Open super late, often until 2–3 AM or 24/7
- 🏠 Delivered directly to your apartment door—even high-rise buildings
🥢 Popular Korean Foods to Order for Delivery
Not sure what to try first? Here are some of the most beloved delivery foods in Korea:
1. Fried Chicken (치킨 | chikin)
Korean fried chicken is legendary—crispy, juicy, and often glazed with flavors like soy garlic or spicy gochujang. Popular chains include BBQ, BHC, and Kyochon.
🧡 Pro tip: Pair your chicken with pickled radish and beer (맥주 | maekju) for the ultimate combo—locals call it chimaek (chicken + maekju).
2. Jjajangmyeon (짜장면)
A must-try when you’re craving comfort food. These noodles are topped with rich black bean sauce, diced pork, and veggies. Often paired with tangsooyook (sweet and sour pork).
🔥 Fun fact: This is a go-to dish for singles on Korea’s “Black Day” (April 14), when people eat jjajangmyeon to celebrate being single.
3. Tteokbokki (떡볶이)
Spicy rice cakes in a thick, sweet chili sauce—perfect for sharing. Delivery tteokbokki often comes with extras like fish cakes, boiled eggs, cheese, or ramen noodles.
4. Kimbap & Dosirak (김밥 & 도시락)
Quick, affordable, and perfect for lunch. You’ll find tons of varieties like tuna, bulgogi, or spicy pork kimbap, and bento-style dosirak with rice, meat, and side dishes.
5. Budae-jjigae (부대찌개)
Also known as “army stew,” this dish is a spicy hot pot filled with instant noodles, spam, sausages, baked beans, and kimchi. Great for cold days or sharing with friends.
6. Pizza and Pasta
Korean pizza chains put their own twist on toppings. Expect to see things like sweet potato mousse, corn, bulgogi, or even shrimp. It’s not Domino’s as you know it!
📱 Best Food Delivery Apps in Korea
Most restaurants in Korea now accept orders through mobile apps. Here are the top platforms locals use:
1. Baedal Minjok (배달의민족)
Nicknamed “Baemin,” this is the most popular app and has an English interface available in some areas. It offers everything from fried chicken to vegan options.
2. Yogiyo (요기요)
Another widely-used app, Yogiyo offers discounts, loyalty points, and a sleek interface. It’s great for comparing prices across restaurants.
3. Coupang Eats (쿠팡이츠)
Known for super-fast one-person delivery. Perfect when you want a quick solo meal without waiting too long. Many menus have photos, which helps if you can’t read Korean well.
📝 Note: Most apps require a Korean phone number and payment method. If you’re a visitor, try ordering through your accommodation or ask a local for help.
🧾 How to Order Korean Delivery Food: Step-by-Step
Here’s how to place an order, whether you’re using a delivery app or calling directly:
Using an App:
- Download the app (Baemin, Yogiyo, or Coupang Eats)
- Enter your address (in Korean or use map pin drop)
- Browse menus and filter by cuisine, rating, or delivery time
- Add to cart and check out – use your card, KakaoPay, or Naver Pay
- Track your order in real-time
- Receive your food at the door – no need to tip!
By Phone (Old-school style):
- You’ll need to speak basic Korean. Say:
- “배달 돼요?” (baedal dwaeyo?) – Do you deliver?
- “주소는 [your address]입니다” (juso-neun [your address] imnida) – My address is…
- Tip: Ask your hotel front desk or Korean friend to help place the call.
📦 Delivery Etiquette in Korea
Korean delivery is ultra-efficient, but there are a few cultural tips to keep in mind:
- 🚪 Deliveries are left at the door unless stated otherwise.
- 💬 You might get a text or call from the delivery person—try replying “문 앞에 두세요” (mun ape duseyo) = “Please leave it at the door.”
- 🍽️ For reusable containers, leave them outside your door when finished.
- 💸 No tipping is required—and actually, it’s not expected.
- 📆 If your food is late or cold, apps often offer refund options or coupons.
💬 Useful Korean Phrases for Food Delivery
| Korean Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 배달해 주세요 (baedalae juseyo) | Please deliver it |
| 주소는 [주소] 입니다 | My address is… |
| 문 앞에 두세요 | Please leave it at the door |
| 카드로 결제할게요 | I’ll pay with card |
| 따로 주세요 | Please pack it separately |
| 너무 맛있어요! | It’s so delicious! |
🌟 Final Tips for First-Time Users
- 📍 Know your full Korean address in Hangul (especially apartment number)
- 🥄 Most food comes with utensils, but not always—keep some at home
- 🕐 Be mindful of business hours—some restaurants close mid-afternoon
- 🌶️ Korean spice levels can be intense—look for “순한맛” (mild) if needed
- 💡 Use Google Lens to translate app screens or menu items if stuck
🥘 Conclusion: Deliciously Convenient
Korean food delivery is a huge part of everyday life, and once you try it, you’ll understand why! It’s fast, delicious, and full of variety. Whether you’re staying in Korea long-term or just visiting, ordering delivery is a great way to immerse yourself in both the language and the food culture.
So, the next time you’re hungry at midnight or too lazy to cook, just grab your phone and let Korea’s food delivery magic take care of the rest.
Want to learn more about surviving in Korea as a foodie? Check out our other guides:
- [Korean Convenience Stores: What to Try]
- [Essential Korean Phrases for Eating Out]
- [How to Order at a Korean BBQ Restaurant]
Happy eating! 😋
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