How to Navigate a Korean Food Court in Department Stores (2025 Guide)

 






Walking into a Korean food court inside a department store for the first time can feel exciting—and a little overwhelming. With sizzling barbecue, colorful banchan (side dishes), fresh kimbap rolls, and even Western or Japanese options all under one roof, it’s a foodie’s dream. But if you’ve never ordered in one before, questions come up: How do I order? Do I pay first or after? Where do I sit? What’s the system?

Don’t worry—I’ll walk you through how to navigate a Korean food court in department stores step by step. You’ll learn how to order like a local, discover hidden gems, and even pick up pro tips so your Korean trip is tastier and smoother. 🥢✨








🏬 What Makes Korean Department Store Food Courts Special?

Korean department stores—like Shinsegae, Lotte, Hyundai, and Galleria—are more than just shopping centers. Their basement levels (usually B1 or B2) are legendary food zones filled with:

  • 🍣 Food courts with Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Western meals
  • 🥖 Bakeries & dessert shops (Paris Baguette, Tous Les Jours, or luxury patisseries)
  • 🥡 Take-home deli counters with ready-to-eat kimbap, fried chicken, sushi, and side dishes
  • 🍵 Specialty stalls selling Korean teas, sauces, or regional specialties

Think of it as a mix between a high-end food hall and a global buffet—but organized in a uniquely Korean way.

🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Navigate a Korean Food Court

1) Find the Food Court Level 📍

Most department store food courts are in the basement floors (B1 or B2). Follow the signs that say 푸드코트 (Food Court) or look for escalator arrows with a 🍽️ symbol. Don’t be surprised if you see luxury food counters on the way—it’s all part of the experience!

2) Choose Your Stall 🍲

Food courts usually feature different stalls, each with a menu posted outside. Common options include:

  • 🍜 Korean noodles (naengmyeon, kalguksu, jjajangmyeon)
  • 🍖 Korean BBQ plates (bulgogi, galbi)
  • 🍛 Rice bowls (bibimbap, donburi, curry rice)
  • 🍣 Sushi & sashimi
  • 🥘 International food (Italian pasta, Western-style steak, Chinese stir-fries)

Menus are often displayed with big photos and prices so you can choose even if you don’t speak Korean.

3) Ordering & Payment 💳

There are usually two systems depending on the store:

  • Central cashier system: Browse, decide what you want, then pay at a main counter. You’ll get a ticket or buzzer that matches your meal.
  • Individual stall system: Order and pay directly at the stall (more common in smaller food courts).

💡 Pro Tip: Many counters now accept credit cards, mobile pay (KakaoPay, NaverPay), and T-money card. Cash is always accepted, too.

4) Collecting Your Food 📟

After paying, you’ll receive either:

  • A buzzer that vibrates when your food is ready
  • A ticket number displayed on a big electronic screen above the stalls

When your number is called or your buzzer rings, head to the stall counter, pick up your tray, and bring it back to your seat.

5) Seating & Dining 🍴

Unlike restaurants, seating in food courts is open and shared. Look for empty seats before or after ordering. During busy hours (especially lunch), you may need to share a table with others—totally normal in Korea. 🙌

6) Returning Trays 🧹

After eating, it’s polite (and expected) to return your tray to the designated tray-return stations. Look for signs that say 반납구 (ban-nap-gu, return area). Leaving your tray at the table is considered rude in Korea.

🍱 Must-Try Foods in a Korean Department Store Food Court

  • 🥟 Mandu (Korean dumplings) – steamed or fried, often served with dipping soy sauce
  • 🍲 Sundubu jjigae (soft tofu stew) – spicy, comforting, served bubbling hot
  • 🍙 Kimbap rolls – Korea’s answer to sushi, perfect for quick bites
  • 🥩 Bulgogi set – marinated beef served with rice and side dishes
  • 🍰 Korean desserts – bingsu (shaved ice) or seasonal cakes from premium bakeries

💡 Insider Tips for Food Court Success

  • Go off-peak: Visit before 12pm or after 1:30pm for shorter lines.
  • 📱 Snap photos: Most menus have numbers—just show staff the picture if you’re unsure.
  • 🥢 Self-service: Water, side dishes (kimchi, radish), and utensils are often self-serve at a station nearby.
  • 🧾 Tax included: Prices are final—no tips needed in Korea.

🛒 Bonus: Take-Home Section

Before leaving, don’t miss the take-home food counters in the same basement. You’ll find luxury packaged meals, regional specialties like Jeju hallabong oranges or Jeonju bibimbap sets, and even Korean cosmetics counters for a one-stop shopping experience.

👉 Order Korean cosmetics or buy snacks for your hotel here—it’s a perfect combo of convenience and authenticity.

✅ Conclusion

Navigating a Korean food court in department stores is simple once you know the flow: choose → pay → pick up → eat → return tray. With endless food options and an affordable way to sample Korea’s culinary scene, it’s one of the must-do experiences during your Korean trip. Next time you’re in Seoul or Busan, skip the fancy restaurants for a day and dive into the basement food paradise instead! 🍜✨

Which food court dish would you try first—bulgogi, mandu, or bingsu? Leave your answer in the comments!

🏷️ Labels & Hashtags

Labels: Korean food court, Department store food, Seoul travel guide, Korean trip, Eating in Korea, Food in Seoul, How to navigate a Korean food court
Hashtags: #bookhotelinSeoul #buyKTandGSimcard #purchaseTmoneycard #rentWiFiKorea #orderKoreancosmetics #KoreanFood #SeoulFoodie #KoreaTravelGuide


ℹ️ About Hello Korea

Hello Korea shares honest, helpful guides for traveling and living in Korea—from a foreigner’s perspective.

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⚠️ Disclaimer

The information on this blog is based on personal experience and publicly available sources. Actual experiences may differ. Details like menus, prices, and systems can change; always double-check at the location.

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8. Information may vary slightly by environment and region. Please use this as a reference only.






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