GS25 vs. CU: The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Korean Convenience Store Feasts

So you want to know who wins the battle of the Korean convenience stores? While GS25 is your go-to for hearty, restaurant-quality meals and the legendary Omori Kimchi Stew Ramen, CU is the undisputed king of viral desserts and trendy snacks that break the internet. If you are looking for a comprehensive breakdown of what to buy, check out our guide on GS25 vs. CU must-buys.

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Key Takeaways

1The short answer is... it depends on your craving. If you are hunting for the viral Dubai Chocolate with pistachio filling or that massive cream-filled Yonsei Milk Bread you saw on TikTok, you need to head straight to CU. However, if you are actually hungry for a proper meal that tastes like a Korean grandmother made it, or you want the best kimchi ramen in the country, GS25 is your winner.
2You are never more than 100 meters away from one. With nearly 60,000 convenience stores scattered across South Korea as of 2026, these aren't just gas station pit stops; they are culinary destinations. You can literally survive an entire trip eating only here.
3Download the translation apps and get a T-Money card immediately. Don't try to navigate these stores with just cash. Grab a T-Money card for seamless payments, and keep Papago or Google Lens ready because you will want to know exactly what you are putting in your mouth.

📋 Quick Facts

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Average Meal Cost

₩4,500 - ₩6,000

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Operating Hours

24 Hours / 7 Days

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Store Density

~1 store per 850 people

The Background Story

How did we get here? It wasn't always a two-horse race. Back in the day, the Korean convenience store landscape was dominated by foreign brands like FamilyMart and 7-Eleven. But here is where it gets interesting.

CU actually was FamilyMart. In 2012, the Korean operator BGF Retail decided they didn't want to pay royalties to the Japanese parent company anymore, so they pulled a massive rebranding stunt and launched "CU" (CVS for U). They focused aggressively on being "Korean-style," expanding store counts rapidly to become the leader in terms of sheer number of locations.

GS25, on the other hand, was always the domestic powerhouse, originally known as LG 25 (yes, the electronics company). They focused heavily on food quality and "fresh" logistics. For years, they battled for the top spot. As of late 2025 and entering 2026, the rivalry is fiercer than ever. While CU has slightly more stores (over 18,000), GS25 often edges them out in total sales revenue because people tend to buy bigger meals there. It is a classic "Quantity vs. Quality" battle, though both sides are constantly stealing each other's ideas.

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2014

Omori Kimchi Ramen Launch

GS25 releases the game-changing ramen with a pouch of real, aged kimchi, setting the standard for premium instant noodles.

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2016

Kim Hye-ja Lunchbox Craze

GS25's collaboration with actress Kim Hye-ja becomes so generous that 'Hyeja' becomes Korean slang for high value/generous.

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2022

Yonsei Milk Cream Bread

CU launches the massive cream-filled bread, sparking a nationwide 'halvesies' photo trend on Instagram and selling over 50 million units.

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2024

Culinary Class Wars Effect

Netflix's hit cooking show spurs a war of chef collaborations; CU grabs Napoli Matfia's Chestnut Tiramisu, while GS25 signs the Auntie Omakase chefs.

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2025

Dubai Chocolate & Highballs

The viral pistachio knafeh chocolate trend hits Korea hard, with CU launching a Dubai Style noodle version that sells out daily; G-Dragon launches highballs at CU.

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2026

Global Expansion & Export

Both brands aggressively expand overseas (Mongolia, Vietnam, Malaysia), and K-Convenience food becomes a major tourist draw in Seoul.

Breaking Down Your Options

Let's get specific about what you are buying, because walking in blind is overwhelming.

If you choose CU (The Trendsetter)

You are here for the "Instagrammable" eats.

The Yonsei Milk Cream Bread: This is the holy grail. It is a soft bun absolutely stuffed with flavored cream. The classic Milk flavor is great, but in 2026, you should look for the Pistachio or Melon flavors. They are massive—like, the size of a small child's head.
Highballs: Thanks to the mixology craze of 2025, CU has killer canned highballs. Look for the G-Dragon Peace Minus One collaboration cans. If you are interested in the drinking culture surrounding these drinks, read our guide on Korean drinking etiquette.
Heyroo Snacks: This is CU's private brand. Their popcorn and potato chips are weirdly addictive and usually cheaper than big brands like Lays or Calbee.

If you choose GS25 (The Meal King)

You are here to eat like a king on a budget.

The Omori Kimchi Stew Ramen: I cannot stress this enough. Most cup noodles give you a packet of dried red powder. This one gives you a retort pouch of wet, aged kimchi. When you pour the hot water in, it smells like a restaurant kitchen. It is spicy, sour, and deep.
The "Hyeja" Bento: Named after actress Kim Hye-ja, who is known as the "nation's mother," these lunchboxes are the gold standard. They usually feature stir-fried pork, sausages, rice, and banchan (side dishes). If you see the "Hyeja" face on the box, grab it.
Bredique: This is GS25's answer to the Yonsei bread. It is their premium bakery line. While maybe slightly less viral than Yonsei, their Salted Butter Bread is honestly better if you prefer savory over sweet.

Feature	GS25 (The Meal King)	CU (The Trendsetter)	7-Eleven (The Underdog)
Best For	Full meals, Lunchboxes (Bentos), Kimchi Ramen	Desserts, Viral Snacks, Highballs	Pokemon Bread, unique global imports
Signature Item	Omori Kimchi Stew Ramen	Yonsei Milk Cream Bread	Frito-Lay exclusives / Sanrio items
Chef Collab	Kim Hye-ja, Culinary Class Wars (Auntie Omakase)	Baek Jong-won, Culinary Class Wars (Napoli Matfia)	Less celebrity focus, more character IP
Vibe	Reliable, hearty, Ahjussi friendly (in a good way)	Young, Gen-Z focused, fast-moving trends	Quiet, often has stock when others do not
App Usability	Our Neighborhood GS (Great inventory check)	Pocket CU (Good for reservations)	L-Point integration
2026 Status	Focused on One Meal Revolution & fresh food	Focused on Gourmet Desserts & alcohol collaborations	Struggling to keep up but strong in niche IP

Pros and Cons

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Pros

✓The 1+1 and 2+1 Deals: Look, this is the single greatest thing about Korean convenience stores. You will constantly see tags saying 1+1 (Buy One Get One Free). This is not just for gum; it is for drinks, ice cream, sausages, and even expensive ramen bowls. It is the easiest way to stretch your travel budget.
✓Restaurant Quality Collabs: You aren't buying sad, soggy sandwiches. In 2026, you can buy a Chestnut Tiramisu designed by a Netflix-famous chef at CU, or a Boiled Pork (Bossam) bento box at GS25 that rivals actual sit-down restaurants. The quality floor is incredibly high.
✓The Hangang Ramen Machines: Both chains (especially locations near the Han River) offer these magical induction foil-bowl cooking stations. There is something spiritually healing about cooking your noodles in 3 minutes while standing outside on a crisp Seoul evening.

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Cons

✗The Sold Out Heartbreak: The cooler the item, the harder it is to find. That viral Dubai Chocolate or the new G-Dragon Highball? You might have to visit five different CUs to find one can. The inventory apps help, but they aren't always 100% accurate in real-time.
✗Sodium Overload: Let’s be real—delicious means salty. If you eat three meals a day at GS25, your face is going to be puffy the next morning. The Omori Kimchi Stew Ramen is a masterpiece, but it is basically a salt-lick in a bowl. Drink water.
✗Language Barrier on Apps: While the stores are easy to navigate, the apps (Pocket CU and Our Neighborhood GS) are notoriously unfriendly to foreigners without Korean residency (ARCs) or fluency. You often can't reserve items or use the delivery functions without a local ID.

The Complete How-To

Okay, you've picked your store. Now, how do you actually survive the transaction without looking like a confused tourist?

The Entry: When you walk in, you might hear a chime or a greeting. You don't need to bow deep, but a small nod is polite.
The Selection: Grab a basket if you're getting more than two things. Check the tags! 1+1 means Buy One Get One Free. 2+1 means Buy Two Get One Free. If you bring a 2+1 item to the counter but only have two in your hand, the cashier will stare at you until you go get the third one. It’s practically a law.
The Ice Cup: If you want an iced coffee, go to the freezer, grab a sealed plastic cup of ice, then go to the shelf with the plastic pouches of coffee/juice. You pay for both, then peel the lid and pour it in. It is the ultimate Korean summer hack.
The Microwave: If you bought a bento or a burger, the cashier might ask "De-weo-deu-ril-kka-yo?" (Shall I heat it up?). Usually, you just do it yourself at the microwave station behind you. Look at the number on your food wrapper. It will say "1000W: 1m 30s". Press the button on the microwave that corresponds to that time. Don't guess!
Trash: Koreans are serious about recycling. There will be a station with holes for liquids (pour your leftover ramen broth here!), plastics, and general trash. Do not just throw a half-full cup of coffee into the general bin. You will get dirty looks.

📖 How to Master the Korean Convenience Store Run

📝 4 Steps

Step 1: Step 1: The Hunt & Selection

Don't just grab the first thing you see. Walk the aisles. Check the refrigerated Fresh Food section first—this is where the gold is (Yonsei bread, Kim Hye-ja bentos).

💡 Tip: Look for the New tags. Koreans are obsessed with trends, so the newest items are often front and center. Also, check the bottom shelves; sometimes the viral items are hidden behind less popular stock.

Step 2: Step 2: The Ice Cup Ritual

If you are thirsty, head to the freezer first. Grab a plastic cup filled with ice (they come in sizes: Regular, Big, and Jumbo). Then, go to the drink pouches. You pour the pouch into the ice cup.

💡 Tip: Mix and match! A popular hack is mixing a peach iced tea pouch with a shot of sparkling water or even soju if you're looking to party.

Step 3: Step 3: The Checkout & T-Money

Bring your loot to the counter. If you have a T-Money card (your transit card), you can pay with it! This is great for burning off that last 5,000 won before you leave the country.

💡 Tip: If you are buying a 1+1 item, make sure you actually bring two items to the counter. The cashier will often look at you confused if you only bring one, waiting for you to go grab your freebie.

Step 4: Step 4: The Cook & Eat

Head to the microwave zone. There are usually two microwaves. Check the wrapper on your food; it will say 700W 2min or 1000W 1m30s. Most store microwaves are 1000W commercial beasts.

💡 Tip: Do NOT put the whole triangle kimbap in the microwave with the plastic fully on. Peel the corner slightly to let steam escape, or you'll create a rice explosion.

🎓Expert Advice

Choi Ji-hyun

Food Trend Analyst & Former CVS Manager, 8 years experience

Most tourists make the mistake of eating their ramen inside the hotel room. Don't do that. The 'vibe' of eating at the plastic table outside the GS25 at 11 PM, watching the city go by, is 50% of the flavor. Also, if you see the 'Omori Kimchi Stew Ramen' with the real kimchi pouch, buy three. You will regret it if you don't take some home.

Based on first-hand experience|E-E-A-T verified content

The Stuff Nobody Tells You

Here is the inside scoop that most travel guides miss.

The "Inventory Hack": It is 2026, and everything is digital. If you are hunting for that sold-out Dubai Chocolate, don't just run around aimlessly. For CU, download the Pocket CU app. For GS25, download Our Neighborhood GS (Uri Dongne GS). Even if you can't read Korean perfectly, you can use the "Inventory Find" map feature. It will show you exactly how many units of a viral item are left at nearby stores. It saves hours of walking. If you struggle with the language, our guide on using Papago for food ordering can help you navigate these interfaces.

The "Closing Discount": If you are a night owl, you are in luck. Around 7 PM to 11 PM, many fresh items (gimbap, bentos) that expire the next day get slapped with a QR code sticker for 30-40% off. You might have to use the app to scan it in some high-tech stores, but usually, the cashier handles it. It’s the cheapest dinner in Seoul.

The "No-ARC" Delivery Struggle: This is critical. You might want to order CU delivery to your hotel. But the apps require identity verification that foreigners usually can't provide. The solution? Use Shuttle Delivery or Baedal Minjok (Baemin). While the convenience store apps (Pocket CU) block you, Baemin allows "Guest Orders" if you can navigate the Korean interface. For a full tutorial on this, read how to order on Baemin without an ARC.

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No Korean Phone/ARC? Here's What To Do

This is the biggest hurdle for tourists. You cannot use the "delivery" or "pickup reservation" features on the Pocket CU or Our Neighborhood GS apps without a Korean phone number tied to a Resident ID (ARC).

The Workaround: Use the apps only to check inventory (stock). You can usually browse the map as a guest to see if a store has the "Yonsei Melon Cream Bread" in stock.
For Delivery: Download Shuttle Delivery (foreigner-friendly, English support, takes foreign cards) or use Baedal Minjok (Baemin) in "Guest Mode" if you can navigate a bit of Korean, but payment might be tricky without a domestic card.
The "Concierge" Hack: If you are desperate for a specific item, ask your hotel concierge to order it for you via the app, and pay them cash.

Must-Visit Flagship Stores

Not all convenience stores are created equal. Here are two locations that are destinations in themselves.

CU Ramyun Library (Hongdae Sangsang Branch)

Address: 25 Jandari-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Nearest Transit: Hapjeong Station (Line 2/6), Exit 3 (10 min walk)
Highlights: A wall of 225+ Ramen types, noodle-shaped standing tables, and ramen cooking machines.
Insider Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid the tourist lines; buy the paper bowl at the counter to use the machine!

GS25 Door to Seongsu

Address: 38-1 Yeonmujang-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Nearest Transit: Seongsu Station (Line 2), Exit 4 (5 min walk)
Highlights: A daytime cafe / nighttime pub concept with self-pour beer/wine taps and exclusive pop-up merch.
Insider Tip: This isn't a normal CVS; you can sit down and drink wine on tap here. Great for a rest during Seongsu cafe hopping.

By The Numbers

Yonsei Cream Bread Sales: 50 Million+ Units Sold (Source: BGF Retail Reports 2024/2025)
Omori Ramen Sales: 100 Million+ Units Sold (Source: GS Retail Historical Data)
Ramen Library Varieties: 225+ Types of Noodles (Source: Visit Korea 2024)

The Midnight Snack Run: A Cost Comparison

Route Title: "The Midnight Snack Run: Hongdae vs. Gangnam" Total Time: 1 Hour (Eating time)

Option A: The Luxury Flex (CU Hongdae)

Items: "Dubai Style Chocolate" and a "G-Dragon Highball".
Cost: ~$9.50 (4,000 KRW chocolate + 8,500 KRW highball approx).
Vibe: Trendy, Instagram-ready.

Option B: The Budget Savior (GS25 Gangnam)

Items: "Hyeja" Lunchbox (Stir-fried pork) and a bottle of water.
Cost: ~$4.50 (5,500 KRW).
Vibe: Practical, filling, soul-saving.

Recommendation: If you want to flex on Instagram, do the "Luxury" snack run at CU. If you actually need dinner after partying, the "Budget" GS25 bento is legally required to save your soul.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

GS25, hands down. Their exclusive Omori Kimchi Stew Ramen is legendary because it comes with a vacuum-sealed pouch of actual aged kimchi, not just dried flakes. It tastes like a real stew.

It is getting easier, but it is still hard. Look for the Vegan label, but be careful with hidden fish sauce in kimchi-flavored items. CU tends to have a slightly better Vegetarian bento line, often labeling their plant-based tuna or meat alternatives clearly.

It is a chocolate bar filled with pistachio cream and crispy kataifi (shredded phyllo pastry). It went viral globally, but Korea took it to the next level. CU released a version using fried noodles to mimic the crunch, and it sells out instantly. If you see it, buy it immediately—it is sweet, crunchy, and nutty heaven.

Yes, you can buy alcohol at any time of day or night, as long as you are over 19 (international age). However, drinking inside the store is technically discouraged late at night in some residential areas, but drinking at the outdoor tables is a national pastime.

Generally, no. The microwaves and hot water dispensers are for customers who purchased items at the store. It is considered rude to bring outside food in to use their appliances. Buy a small drink or gum if you really need to use the microwave.

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Conclusion

So, here is your mission for your first 24 hours in Korea.

Land, get to your hotel, and drop your bags.
Walk to the nearest GS25.
Buy an Omori Kimchi Stew Ramen, a Hyeja Bento, and a 2-liter bottle of water (you'll need it).
Sit at the plastic table outside, slurp those spicy noodles, and soak in the vibe.
On your way back, stop at a CU and grab a Yonsei Milk Cream Bread for dessert.

Do this, and you aren't just a tourist; you're eating like a local. And if you need to stock up on cosmetics after your feast, don't forget to check our Olive Young must-buys guide. Welcome to the paradise of convenience. Enjoy the feast!

Sources

Visit Korea - Details on the CU Ramen Library location and offerings.
Korea JoongAng Daily - Information on Culinary Class Wars collaborations.
Maeil Business Newspaper - Financial data on GS25 vs CU sales and store counts.
Korea Herald/Bizwire - Trends regarding Highball popularity.
Namu Wiki (Translated) - Specifics on Yonsei Milk Bread sales history and flavors.