Korean convenience stores are set up as small restaurants. Most have a counter, hot water, a microwave and somewhere to sit.
Instant ramyeon is bought, opened, filled at the hot-water dispenser and eaten at the counter — chopsticks and scissors are provided. A microwave sits next to it for lunchboxes and buns. Nothing needs to be asked for; it is all self-serve, and eating in the store is expected rather than tolerated.
Samgak-gimbap (triangle rice balls) are the cheapest quick meal and have an opening sequence numbered on the wrapper — follow 1, 2, 3 or the seaweed tears. Dosirak (lunchboxes) are a full meal with rice, meat and side dishes for the price of a coffee. Add eomuk in broth from the counter pot in winter.
Banana milk in the fat-bellied bottle is a national fixture. Sikhye is a sweet cold rice drink. Corn silk tea (옥수수수염차) is unsweetened and widely sold. Soju and beer are on the shelves at all hours — convenience stores are where Han River picnics are supplied.
CU, GS25 and 7-Eleven cover most of the country and their own-brand ranges differ enough that Koreans have preferences. Emart24 is the fourth. All of them run one-plus-one (1+1) and two-plus-one promotions marked on the shelf edge — the second item is free, not half price.