Everyone in Korea has probably visited an Emart branch at least once because it is a very popular market chain here. But, due to the fact that we live in Sinchon and our company is also located here, let's talk about this particular branch.
Opened roughly 3 years ago, Emart Sinchon gained popularity very easily. Being one of the largest markets in this area and providing various products it was just a matter of time until foreigners will try it out. The Emart Sinchon branch has become popular since it opened due to the college students who call Sinchon their home, including those from Yonsei University, Sogang University, and Ewha Womans University.
However, compared with the rest of the branches all over Korea, the Emart Sinchon is more special. Because of the many universities close by, it was designed from top to bottom to promote products exclusively for singles, couples, or students studying abroad. Let's take a tour and see what we can find inside the store!
Emart Sinchon is indeed the smallest Emart branch in Seoul, however, is very convenient and has a lot of nice products and also discounts. We, personally, hunt their discount days because everything is so affordable at that time.
Now let's dive into the store's layout!
The store is divided into three levels: Basement 1, Basement 2, and Basement 3. There are different products on each floor. Fresh products like veggies, fruits, and eggs, meat, fish, are available at B1. Besides those, chilled/frozen goods, and meal kits are stored on the B1 floor as well. A liquor section and food that was either frozen or refrigerated, like pizza, cheese, ham, and kimchi are located on the B2 floor. Finally, instant meals, snacks, and Emart's own branded goods—No Brand— fill the B3 floor. B3 also has hygiene products and pet food.
In conclusion, there are two floors dedicated to food, while one floor is stocked with daily, non-food items or instant food.
Depending on how many groceries you plan to purchase, you can get a cart or basket at B1 or B2. Since this Emart is on the smaller side, the escalators are not the conveyor belt type, so you will need to use the elevator since you can't take your cart on the escalator. You can use the escalators if you only have a basket.
Now that we know the layout let's dive into each floor and section to learn where you can find them.
Emart Sinchon's Instagram provides a detailed map of how they mapped each floor.
B1- Fresh products
Sinchon branch has vegetables for all tastes and budgets. The quantity provided in each package is ideal for a household of one or two people who don't need to prepare meals for an entire family. Additionally, they have a section for 990KRW, which is really handy for students. Not to mention, you can pretty much find any veggie you can imagine.
Fruits are seasonal in Korea, hence they are not typically accessible all year long. Even in Korea, some fruits can be very expensive, but the more common ones, like pears, lemons, and oranges, are not too bad. And Emart Sinchon has them all. Some are more cost-effective than others. They also offer frozen packages of fruits in addition to fresh or portioned ones.
Peacock lunch packages are another well-known unique aspect of this floor. Many different, interesting foods are overflowing with taste. By just following the directions on the meal kits, you can be a professional chef! Naturally, both singles and couples can benefit significantly from using these meal kits.
You can purchase several well-known Korean basic foods here. The traditional dishes include omuk soup, spicy tteokbokki, and budaejjigae. Even certain well-known foods with foreign influences are available, such as pasta, steak, and pad thai. This is an inexpensive and straightforward approach to cooking for people who enjoy it or who simply feel adventurous.
In every store in Korea, there are options for already-prepared meals. Emart Sinchon doesn't have a lot of variety, but if you want sushi, go there without hesitation. A cheap approach to enjoying food at home is to buy already-made products, such as a healthy salad kit, sandwiches, sushi, etc. The price of these items is reduced by more than 50% between dinner and closing time.
Another part of this floor is the eggs, fresh meat, and fresh seafood. All that area is filled with all types of delicious products. Also as we already specified their packages are ideal for households of one or two people. They have one piece of steak or 4 eggs, especially for people who don't own a fridge or don't cook too much at home.
B2- Frozen and canned products
The B2 has a huge variety of frozen and refrigerated products. From pizza, mandu, potatoes, and ice cream, to meat and foreign foods.
Also, our favorite part here is the cheese. It has a huge selection of cheap cheese, which is a lot of times at a discount. This is perfect for cheese lovers and for those who enjoy a cute romantic picnic, where also wine is a must-have.
The canned products, sauces, kimchi, oils, and foreign species are also our favorite part of the B2 floor. You can prepare all kinds of pasta, shawarma, tacos and so many more at your home if you come to this part of the store.
Also, this floor is well known for its huge liquor section. There are many interesting beer and wine selections in the alcohol department, including both domestic and foreign labels. From cheap versions to the most expensive ones. Also, there is always a nice person giving you advice in buying quality wine.
