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.
B3- Household items, No Brand and pet food
Instant meals and regular household items are located on the third basement floor.
In Korea typically, Electromart, a major electronics retailer, is connected to Emart, however, the modest size of Emart's branch in Sinchon made it a little unique and they have only a small section here. They sell items like toasters and kettles rather than big appliances like refrigerators and washing machines. These are excellent solutions for any home, but especially for homes of just one or two people, or for students. You may get a waffle maker, toaster, egg cooker, and kitchen utensils. And also, there are a lot of appliances in the living room and bathroom.
Additionally, you may purchase a variety of popular Korean snacks, cereal, tea, and coffee on this floor. The fact that they provide so many options for various tastes and price ranges is actually something we really love.
Since ramen is a local specialty with a long history, there will undoubtedly be a wide variety. Individual cup noodles are also an option if a whole box of ramen is too much for you or you simply want a certain flavor. You could have a hard time choosing one because there are so many alternatives!
A newly added part is the pet corner. Here you can find an enormous variety of foods, snacks, or even accessories for your favorite animal. They don't only have products for cats and dogs, but also for other types of pets. Even though is a small corner, being a new addition is quite nice.
Hygiene and baby products are also found on this floor. So if you need to buy baby food or shampoo you can definitely check this part of the store.
And lastly, the No Brand has a special section at B3 and B2 floors. These products are cheap and are Emart's own brand. Their olives, pizza, and snacks are amazing. But besides food, toiletries and home products are also from this brand. Usually, these products are retailed at a very cheap price, so are perfect for students.
How to do your own checkout
You can utilize the self-checkout counters at the Emart Sinchon branch, which are located at B1 and B2. Since they also have English language, it is likewise quick with simple to follow instructions on the screen, also they have cash payment as well. However, in case you are worried about making a mistake, there are also standard checkouts at B1.
Put your basket of goods on the left side as you start, and move them to the right side after each item has been scanned. It is simple to follow the directions because the counters have numbers on them. Since the counter actually weighs the goods, if the weight of what is being purchased does not match the number of products scanned, the checkout process will freeze, and an error will be displayed. Also remember that if you buy alcohol, you have to show the employee your id card.
Customer service desk
On your left, on the B1 floor, once you finish checking out there is a customer service desk. You can present your receipt here to receive an individual receipt for tax returns. With the receipt, you can get your tax refund at the airport, in case you go back to your country. Your purchase has to be more than 30,000 KRW.
Also at the customer center, you can get special gift certificates and sign up for events.
Delivery
In front of the customer center, there is the delivery section. They don't deliver fresh products, but anything that is more heavy work.
If you purchase more than 30,000KRW you have free delivery near this branch. They also have a map, so you can check if your home is included in their delivery routes.
You have to come with the receipt and use their counter or ask an employee to help you. Usually, they will need your name, address, and phone number.
Gift certificates machines
Emart or Sinsegae gift certificates are very common gifts in Korea. These are different types: mobile vouchers (that you have to exchange in order to use), normal gift certificates (you can only use them at the counter), or PIN gift certificates (you can register them on the app, or use them at the counter).
How to use the machines
KakaoTalk Shinsegae Mobile Gift Voucher Exchange (or any mobile gift certificate)
On the main screen of the machine, are 6 menus:
Shinsegae Point Purchasing Shinsegae Gift Voucher - 신세계포인트 신세계상품권 구매
Exchanging Mobile Gift Voucher - 모바일교환권 상품권교환
Gift Voucher Partner Point Voucher Exchange - 증정상품권교환 제휴 포인트 상품권교환
Exchanging Shinsegae Point Voucher - 신세계 포인트 상품권 교환
Earn points - 포인트적립
1. Press the button displayed on the screen
Choose this one: 모바일 교환권 상품권/Exchanging Mobile Exchange Voucher Gift Voucher
2. Press Agree / 동의합니다
Please note that cancellation is not possible.
-> Please read and move on to the next step.
3. Press the one you are comfortable with bar code scan or write the number yourself.
Read the barcode at the part indicated by the arrow, the red light.
4. The voucher will appear after the completion of the recognition
If there are other vouchers to be added, press the [Add voucher/교환권 추가] button
5. After checking the voucher redemption unit, check how many vouchers are needed -> I have a 50,000 won bill exchange barcode I pressed one 50,000 won bill. (If necessary, exchange for five 10,000 won bills.)
6. When the exchange is completed you will be prompted to print a paper receipt. Also, the gift certificate will be printed.
You can use this voucher at the checkout counter or register it on the SSG Pay app.
SSG Pay app - gift certificate registration
Open the app, make an account (or log in with your kakaotalk), and click the 3 lines on the left part of the screen.
2. Press 상품권 사용여부 조희
3. After you can either scan the barcode, on the back of the gift certificate, or you can press 직접입력 and input the 13 numbers below the barcode.
4. Then press 조회하기
5. You will be asked for the 4 or 6 digits password, which can be found under the price value, where the silver part is. You can scratch it and the numbers will pop out.
6. Then press agree, 전환 동의, and 전환, and your money balance will be shown on the screen.
7. You can use this app and the bar code on the app to pay in any Shinsegae partner stores (SSG Money can be used online at SSG.com, emart, and Shinsegae or offline in Emart, NoBrand etc). You can also use it automatically to pay online when you place an order.
*** When opening the app press on the money, put in your password, or scan your fingertip to show the bar code. Scan it on the self-counter or show it to the employee to scan it.
How to get here:
Address: 94, Sinchon-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Location: Exit 8 of Sinchon Station on Subway Line 2 / Grand Plaza Building B1~B3
Hours: 10:00-23:00 (Closed on National Holidays and once at 2 weeks)
The branch is connected to Sinchon station's exit number 8.
The yellow 8 that you can see corresponds to the exit number. You may access the store's entrance without leaving the station, which makes it convenient for everyone who uses public transportation. When you enter from the subway you are directed to B2, you can take the escalators or elevator to go to the other floors.
Since we have a partnership with the Emart Sinchon branch click here to be redirected to the event page and follow the instructions to receive gift certificates and prizes.
Commentaires