Missing overseas convenience stores: Part 2 (Seoul)

On every visit to South Korea, it is very easy to notice the numerous convenience stores down every street. In addition, aside from the primary players in the game, during a walk through Jayu Park in Incheon, before reaching an observation point, stumbled upon a tiny shop run by an older gentleman for a much-needed water break.

Much like the previous blog about Osaka, Seoul (and across South Korea), convenience stores are plentiful and offer a diverse selection of goods—again, a far cry from those in the United States or the Philippines.

Before visiting Japan and making frequent onigiri stops, it was in Seoul where I first fell in love with these rice snacks, which are called samgak kimbap in Korea. The flavor varieties are endless and, to this day, still can’t seem to pinpoint a favorite filling.

Another popular item in South Korea is banana milk, or banana uyu; but, for me, I’ve developed more of an affinity for strawberry milk. In terms of the fruit themselves, I do prefer strawberries over bananas (as a kid, I also leaned more towards Nesquik strawberry milk over chocolate).

On the last trip, found a supermarket that sold a multipack, which proved to be very useful.

However, unlike Osaka, where Yakult was plentiful, on the most recent visit, was unable to find it anywhere. Although, 7-11 did sell a version of it in jelly form, which was enjoyable; there was a similar probiotic drink that had less sugar and came in a larger container—again, also enjoyable.

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The local convenience store was also a nightly stop for soju and beer.

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Other beverages frequently purchased include tea, which often feature cute cartoons. The green bottle (“Tea with Friends”) was picked up at a convenience store along Haeundae Beach in Busan.

My ultimate favorite is Chilsung cider, a local lemon-lime soft drink. Referred to as “Korea’s No. 1 original carbonated beverage,” have enjoyed it on flights to and from Korea, along with spotting it among the soda fountain options at the Lotteria location at Seoul Station.

Besides alcohol, the other evening treat is always ice cream. In particular, the Skippy peanut butter ice cream sandwich was a pretty remarkable find.

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Going through old photos, I’m surprised there weren’t more food pictures. However, staying in the Myeongdong area, there are copious street food vendors all around, along with restaurants both there and at nearby Namdeamun Market. Rest assured, there are plenty of food options available at the local convenience store—something I’ll have to keep in mind whenever the fourth visit happens.

Missing overseas convenience stores: Part 1 (Osaka)

Aside from local cuisine and traditional foods, something that has become prominent for foodies when it comes to visiting east Asia are the way convenience stores truly live up to their name. Convenience stores are often taken for granted as merely a spot to pick up a coffee or a sandwich. However, across east Asia, they are also places to refill transit cards (and pay with said transit card), ship and receive packages, pay bills, and an array of other… conveniences.

Visiting Osaka in 2018, one of the first places visited was a convenience store.

After arriving early in the morning, got to the hotel, which was located a block from the Dotonbori area, and (as usual with any trip) it was not time for check-in. Left the bags with the concierge and immediately went out wandering.

The Dotonbori area, which is typically crowded with people, is pretty desolate in the morning. There are a couple shops open for workers to grab breakfast and lots of trucks coming in and out with supplies but, otherwise, it was empty. However, those early morning walks allow you to explore the area and get a lay of the land, along with unobstructed shots with the iconic Glico Man.

Stopped into a convenience store to pick up my personal favorite, onigiri (rice balls), and, while at the register, my Dad pointed out the delicious-looking skewers on display. After having just gotten off the plane, with the last thing we ate being the in-flight meal, we proceeded to pick up a couple sticks.

Sat outside and checked out the skewers. They were piping hot—freshly made—and glazed with a delicious sauce. It was a fantastic start to the trip.

The vacation proceeded with even more visits—more onigiri.

In addition to beer, there is also quite the variety of canned drinks available at Japanese convenience stores, including highballs. Before coming to Japan, watched a show where they discussed the growing popularity of highballs; to the point they are now mass marketed in cans! These things are really tasty… and strong!

As somebody who consumes Yakult on a daily basis in order to keep the digestive system regular, of course, in the birthplace of the probiotic drink, there are copious amounts of the tiny bottles being sold at convenience stores (while they’re primarily sold in packs at supermarkets, they are often sold individually at smaller establishments).

While a return trip has yet to happen, once this pandemic is over, another visit will definitely be in the works.

All-you-can-eat but no buffet

Amid the ongoing pandemic, at this point, nearly all local businesses have reopened. Customers have started returning to shops and restaurants with owners limiting capacity, checking temperatures, providing sanitizer, and taking down information in the event contract tracing is necessary.

One of the main staples in the city has recently been all-you-can-eat places. There are spots that serve unlimited seafood; Korean food, primarily samgyeopsal (pork belly); and chicken wings.

Once restaurants were ready to reopen, the first place I visited was my favorite unlimited samgyeopsal place. Hand santizer was readily available and all the service staff were equipped with face masks and face shields. The food was delicious as usual with a few missing elements due to continuing issues with the shipping of goods around the country.

Luckily, I also got there as the city dropped their liquor ban prohibiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages at restaurants. Two bottles of soju helped polish off the first meal back after the place shut down back in March.

I have also stopped by a couple unlimited chicken wing places.

One place has a wide array of flavors, along with bottomless rice and drinks (iced tea or lemonade).

Another place has a similar offering, except they also had fried pork chops as part of their promotion. This place also served MASSIVE chicken wings—they were huge. Definitely impacted how many refills were possible in one sitting.

However, the government is not yet ready to reopen traditional buffets—the establishments where customers get up and pick up food from a counter—and for obvious reasons; there is way too much interaction between clientele and food, and it would be impossible to social distance.

Hopefully, proper protocols are implemented to allow those places to reopen soon. A news report out of South Korea showed their buffet establishments are providing gloves when handling tongs and requiring face masks when walking around the restaurant. In addition, the Wynn Las Vegas reopened their buffet and are doing it with servers. Customers have two hours to eat as much as they want off a huge menu and all dishes are serves tapas style—not a bad deal as long as the service is prompt.