2026 Insider Guide: How to Order Baemin Like a Local Without an ARC or Korean Phone Number
So, you're staring at your phone at 11 PM, dying for some fried chicken, but you don't have a Korean ID? Don't worry, I've got you—as of 2026, Baemin has finally gone full 'foreigner-friendly' with AI translations and guest checkout!
So, look, here's the thing. You've just landed in Seoul, you're staying in a gorgeous hotel in Myeongdong or a cozy Airbnb in Hongdae, and it's 11 PM. You've seen the K-dramas where someone orders a massive spread of fried chicken and beer with just a few taps on their phone. You want that life. But then you download the app, and it starts shouting at you in Korean, asking for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) or a local phone number linked to your identity.
The short answer—the one you came here for—is that you can now order Baemin as a guest without an ARC. In May 2024, Baedal Minjok (Baemin) officially opened up its platform to allow guest orders with international credit cards. And as of February 2026, they've added AI-powered English, Chinese, and Japanese support, so you don't even need to be able to read Hangul to find the best tteokbokki in town.
Key Takeaways
- 1You absolutely do not need an Alien Registration Card (ARC) or a Korean bank account to use Baemin anymore! Just download the app, skip the login screen, and use the 'Overseas Card' (해외 신용카드) option at checkout.
- 2Baemin has over 140,000 restaurants on its platform—with food delivery sales jumping 13.7% this year, you're joining a record-breaking number of people ordering in.
- 3As of February 2026, Baemin rolled out a massive AI-powered update that translates menus and the whole ordering process into English, Chinese, and Japanese. Just set your phone's language to English!
I learned this the hard way a few years ago when I spent an hour trying to use my friend's ID, only to have the app freeze on me. But today? It's a totally different story. You've got access to over 140,000 restaurants, and the process is finally designed for people who are just here for a week or two.
📋 Baemin 2026 at a Glance
The "I'm Hungry and I Don't Have an ARC" Struggle
Honestly, it used to be enough to make anyone just give up and walk to the nearest convenience store for a cup of ramen. But trust me on this one: things have changed massively as we've rolled into 2026. For a long time, Korea's digital walls were incredibly high. Because of laws passed way back in 2007, almost everything online required "Real Name Verification". If you weren't a resident with a 13-digit ID number, you were basically invisible to the system. But as the government started pushing for "20 Million Tourists" a year, the big apps realized they were missing out on a huge market.
The Deep Lore—Why Is Korea Like This?
You might be wondering, "Why is it so hard just to get a pizza?" To understand the situation in 2026, you have to look at the history of how Korea's internet was built.
Korea's Digital Delivery Evolution
Identity Verification Law
Korea began requiring real-name ID for all major website comments and accounts.
Constitutional Shift
The court ruled the real-name system unconstitutional, but apps kept using phone verification.
Delivery Hero Acquisition
Baemin was sold to the German giant Delivery Hero, beginning its global shift.
Guest Checkout Launch
Baemin finally opened up orders for foreigners without accounts or local cards.
The Coupang Data Crisis
A massive leak of 33.7M records at Coupang sent many users back to Baemin.
AI Multilingual Update
Baemin launched full English/Chinese/Japanese support using generative AI.
This "Coupang Exodus" in early 2026 is actually why Baemin doubled down on their foreigner-friendly features. They want to be the one-stop-shop for everyone in Korea, whether you're here for 50 years or 5 days.
Breaking Down Your App Options
Look, Baemin isn't the only app in town, but in 2026, it's definitely the one you should be using. Let's look at the alternatives so you can see why.
Food Delivery Apps Comparison 2026
| Feature | Baemin | Shuttle Delivery | Coupang Eats |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARC/ID Required? | No (Guest Mode) | Never required | Usually yes |
| English Interface | Yes (AI-Powered) | 100% Native English | Yes (App only) |
| Intl Credit Cards | Yes (Visa/MC) | Yes + PayPal/Bitcoin | Very glitchy |
| Selection Range | 140,000+ Stores | Limited to expat hubs | High (Fast focus) |
| Late Night Service | 24/7 in most areas | Often closes 9-12 PM | 24/7 in Seoul |
| 2026 Market Status | #1 Dominant Player | Best for U.S. Military | Recovering from breach |
Shuttle Delivery is great for the expat and U.S. military community—they even take PayPal and Bitcoin. But their selection is tiny compared to Baemin. Coupang Eats used to be the favorite, but ever since that data breach in late 2025, things have been rocky. Plus, their international card support is notorious for failing at the last second.
Using Baemin Guest Mode in 2026
- ✓Unmatched Selection: Baemin is the 'Google' of food in Korea. If a grandma is frying chicken in a basement in Busan, she's probably on Baemin.
- ✓True Guest Mode: You don't have to sell your soul (or your passport data) to order. Just close the login pop-up and you're in.
- ✓Smart AI Translation: The 2026 update uses LLMs, so it knows the difference between a 'menu' and a 'set meal', making ordering way less stressful.
- ✗Address Entry: Typing a Korean address is like solving a puzzle. If you get one character wrong, your fried chicken might go on a tour of the neighborhood without you.
- ✗No Alcohol: 'Guest Mode' can't verify your age. If you want a cold beer with that chicken, you'll have to walk to the convenience store yourself.
- ✗Card Gateways: Sometimes international banks think a ₩20,000 charge in Seoul is 'suspicious activity.' Keep your bank app open to approve the transaction.
The Complete How-To (Don't Mess Up the Address!)
Okay, here is the part where you need to pay attention. The biggest hurdle for most people using Baemin as a guest is the Korean Address System. Korea actually uses two address systems: the old "Land-lot" system (Jibeon) and the newer "Road-name" system (Doro-myeong). Most apps, including Baemin, prefer the Road-name system.
📖 How to Order Baemin Like a Boss
Step 1: Set Your Delivery Address
Open the app and tap the address bar at the very top. Use the 'Current Location' button to let GPS find you, but make sure to type in your building name and room number (e.g., 302호).
Step 2: Choose Your Feast
Browse the categories—Chicken (치킨), Pizza (피자), or Korean Food (한식). With the 2026 update, these should all be in English if your phone settings are right.
Step 3: Skip the Login Barrier
When you hit 'Order', a big login screen will pop up. Look for the small 'X' in the top corner. Closing this lets you proceed as a guest, which is the secret to avoiding the ARC requirement.
Step 4: Pay with an Overseas Card
Scroll down to the bottom of the payment options and select 'Overseas Credit Card' (해외 신용카드). Follow the prompts to enter your Visa or Mastercard info and approve the bank security check.
The Stuff Nobody Tells You (Hacks and Proxies)
Here's the "Insider Secret" section. Sometimes, even with the guest mode and the international card option, your bank back home might block the transaction. They see a random ₩30,000 charge from "Woowa Brothers" (that's Baemin's parent company) and think your card has been stolen.
The NAMANE Card Workaround: You can download the NAMANE app and create a virtual prepaid card, or pick up a physical one at a kiosk in the airport or major subway stations. You can top it up using your home currency via the app. Since it's a "prepaid Korean card," Baemin treats it like a local card, and it almost never fails.
The Han River Hack: If you're at a park, look for the "Baedal Zones" (배달존). These are designated pickup spots with huge numbers on them. Don't try to have the rider find you in the middle of a field; just walk to the nearest zone, tell them the number, and wait there. It's the ultimate Seoul summer experience.
Pro Tip: Recycling Etiquette
Korea has super strict recycling laws! If your food comes in plastic or paper, give them a quick rinse before throwing them in the hotel bin. It's the polite thing to do and keeps the room from smelling like kimchi.
Watch Out for Dual Pricing
The "Dual Pricing" system is real! In 2026, many restaurants charge ₩1,000 to ₩3,000 more for items on delivery apps than they do in-person to cover platform fees.
No Korean Phone/ARC? Here's What To Do
If you're totally stuck, use Help Me Emo. Add them on KakaoTalk (@helpmeemo2). You send them the restaurant name and your address, and they handle the whole order for a flat ₩3,500 fee. It's the ultimate stress-free backup plan. Another option is Go Wonderfully, which is a personal assistant service that charges by the minute, but they can also book bus tickets and make reservations for you.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions?Contact us →
Your Action Plan
Look, I know it seems like a lot, but once you get that first order through, you're going to feel like a total pro. The "K-Delivery" culture is one of the best things about being in Korea, and in 2026, it's finally open to everyone.
Here is your first 24-hour plan:
- Download the Baemin app and set your phone to English
- Use the GPS to find your address, but double-check it with your hotel's business card
- Place a small "test" order (like a coffee or a snack) using Guest Mode and your foreign card
- If it works, you're set for the rest of your trip! If not, grab a NAMANE card or message Help Me Emo
Ordering in isn't just about the food; it's about the convenience and the fun of seeing a little motorcycle zoom across your screen in real-time. Don't let the lack of an ARC stop you from living your best life in Korea. Now, go get that chicken!
Sources
- Nomad eSIM Travel Guide - Details on the 2024 opening to international cards
- ChosunBiz Technology Report - News on the 2026 AI multilingual app update
- HypeCity Expat Blog - Practical guide for using foreign phone numbers on Baemin
- Korea Herald Economy - Analysis of 2026 delivery commissions and "Dual Pricing"
- 10 Magazine Korea - Comparison of Korean delivery apps for foreigners
About the Author
Korea Experience Team
Written by the Korea Experience editorial team - experts in Korean medical tourism, travel, and culture with years of research and firsthand experience.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any medical decisions.
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