Western Foods

Western and other foods are available in a growing number of restaurants and stores. Although most of the Western options available in supermarkets and shops are from the United States, the number of European and South American products on stores shelves is increasing.  

Produce (vegetables and fruit) that is not indigenous to Korea can also be found in ever increasing varieties. However, the cost can be quite high, even for those that are grown in Korea and not imported. If you like to grow your own vegetables and will have space to do so, bring some seeds with you.

Rice is expensive in Korea - three to five times more than most countries – since the market is protected. You can find varieties other than the traditional Korean sticky rice, but they can be hard to find and even more expensive. 

Meat is costly, especially Korean beef. However, Koreans are very particular about their beef and strictly regulate beef imports. Most meats you are used to are probably available here, but some cuts may not be. Ground beef, chops and steaks cut American-style can only be found in a few locations. Note: in 2008, there was a strong reaction and large demonstrations by some Koreans opposing the re-introduction of US beef (stopped earlier following diagnosis of some US animals with MadCow Disease). However US Beef is now back on the shelves, but as of August 2008, not everywhere (many merchants fear reprisals by some groups or individuals). US Beef is generally sold frozen. Australian beef and Korea beef are the most common sources in supermarkets and restaurants.

Chickens are found everywhere, but are smaller than North American varieties and are cut differently. Chicken livers, etc. are near to impossible to find, however as are turkeys. Turkeys will usually be frozen and will cost around three times more than you may be used to. 

Fish and Seafood are plentiful and can be purchased fresh (alive) or not in fish markets and even supermarkets. As with most Asians, Koreans prefer to buy the whole fish completed with head and bones, but it is possible to get them de-boned or even filleted in some places. 

Processed foods are increasingly available in Korea, including dry cereals, pastas, sauces, soups, sweets, etc. Some expats find that bread, snacks, dry cereals, pasta sauces, etc. in Korea taste sweeter than their home products. (This is especially true for Europeans). However, an ever increasing number of European and other Asian products can be found here.

Source of meats and produce is important to some Korean consumers for a number of reasons. In 2008, there were a number of incidents reported in the newspapers of merchants labeling a product as being from a particular country (meat/poultry especially) and charging the higher price, when it fact it was from another, less-expensive, source.

Spices fresh and dried are available here, but the range is limited. Basi, Cinnamon, Oregano, Ginger, etc. are easily found. Best to bring a supply of your favourites from home, though, just in case. If you like fresh herbs, you may want to bring seeds with you and grow your own.

Western and other ethnic restaurants are growing in number and improving in quality as more and more Koreans are traveling and/or living abroad.  It is also now possible for foreign residents to own restaurants and a number of them are doing so. 

K4E Editor: Korea4Expats want to provide the most comlete and accurate information possible, so if you notice any errors or omissions in the content above please let us know at info@korea4expats.com.