Best Food Delivery Apps in Korea for Foreigners (2026 Guide)
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| Image source: Korea Digital Guide |
Ordering food, however, isn't always as simple as downloading the first delivery app you see. Some apps require a Korean phone number, others don't accept foreign payment methods, and a few are designed almost entirely for local residents.
Fortunately, ordering delivery in Korea has become much easier for international visitors in recent years. Whether you're staying for a few days or a few months, there are now several reliable options that work well for foreigners. The best choice simply depends on how long you're staying and what kind of experience you're looking for.
Why a Reliable Delivery App is Essential in Korea
Food delivery isn't just convenient in Korea—it's part of everyday life. Restaurants deliver almost everything, often much faster than many travelers expect. Choosing the right app means fewer payment issues, easier communication with drivers, and access to thousands of restaurants you might never discover otherwise.Before ordering your first meal, make sure you have a stable mobile connection: Best Korea eSIM for Foreigners: Comparison, Picks & Setup Guide (2026)
Food delivery is just one example of how Korea's digital ecosystem works differently: Korea Digital Mistakes: Top 10 Blind Spots for Foreigners & How to Avoid Them (2026)
Next Post: Naver vs. Kakao Map Apps in Korea: Ultimate Guide for Foreigners (2026)
Top 5 Best Food Delivery Apps in Korea
1. Creatrip: Best for Short-Term Travelers
Originally a travel information platform, Creatrip offers a specialized delivery service for tourists. It allows you to order popular foods (like BHC Chicken or Kyochon) to your hotel or the Han River without a Korean phone number or ID.
- Best for: Short-term travelers and hotel guests
- Key Advantage: No identity verification required. You can pay with International Credit Cards (Visa/MasterCard), Alipay, or PayPal
- Support: They offer 1:1 customer service in English, Chinese, and Japanese, helping you communicate with the restaurant or delivery driver
- Cons: Higher prices compared to local apps (includes proxy fee) and a limited selection of restaurants
- Tip: Great for ordering popular items like Kyochon Chicken or Jajangmyeon straight to your hotel lobby
2. Shuttle Delivery: 100% English
Founded specifically for the international community, Shuttle is a veteran in the expat delivery scene.
- Best for: Residents in Seoul, Pyeongtaek, and Busan near international hubs
- Key Advantage: Native English support. Their customer service is top-notch for English speakers. They accept international credit cards and PayPal and Bitcoin
- Selection: While the restaurant list is smaller than local giants, they curate high-quality international and local options
3. Coupang Eats: Best for Fast Delivery
Known for "Cheetah Delivery" (one-to-one delivery for maximum speed).
If you have a Korean phone number and want a seamless, fast experience, this is the top pick.
- Best for: Expats who want a full English interface and those already using Coupang for shopping
- Key Advantage: 100% English UI. You can search for restaurants and read menu items in English
- Payments: Supports "Coupang Pay" and local cards; international card support is gradually expanding. You need a Korean phone number for verification to complete the checkout
4. Baedal Minjok (Baemin): The Local Giant
The undisputed king of the Korean market. Baemin boasts the largest database of restaurants, from local hidden gems to massive chains. In 2026, it features an enhanced "Baemin-Baedal" service that uses AI to group orders efficiently, lowering costs for the consumer.
- Best for: Accessing the widest variety of food in any corner of Korea
- Key Advantage: "Guest Order" (비회원 주문) mode. You can browse and order without a full account, though you still need a contact number for the driver. It has recently been updated to support registration with international phone numbers and payments with foreign credit cards
- Language: Korean only. You will need a translation app like Papago or Google Lens to navigate
- Payments: To use a non-Koren card, select 'Global Payments' (해외 신용카드) as your payment method during checkout
Related Guide: Travelog vs TravelWallet in Korea: Cashless Payment Guide
5. Yogiyo: Best for Finding Deals
Yogiyo is the go-to app for those who love hunting for deals. Their "Yogi-Pass" subscription offers significant monthly discounts. It is often the first to partner with major brands for exclusive 50% off promotions.
- Best for: Budget-seekers and long-term residents
- Key Advantage: Incredible daily deals and a very intuitive "Photo Review" section to see what the food actually looks like
- Interface: Korean only, but the layout is very visual and easy to follow once you learn a few basic keywords like Jumun (Order) and Gyeolje (Payment)
- Payment: Supports various methods including credit cards and Kakao Pay. For foreigners, the "Pay on Delivery (결제 시 현장결제)" option (if available for the specific restaurant) used to be a lifesaver, but most orders now require pre-payment
- Tip: Look for the "인기메뉴" (Popular Menu) section to see what’s trending!
Related Guide: Zero Pay & Naver Pay in Korea
After your meal, you'll probably want an easy way to get around the city: Kakao T Foreign Card Payment Errors: How to Fix Them (2026 Guide)
Comparison of the Top Food Delivery Apps in Korea
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| A comparison table of top food delivery apps in Korea tailored for foreigners and international travelers |
Step-by-Step Guide to Ordering Food
Step 1: Installation and Authentication
- Download the App from theApp store or Google Play
- For Baemin or Coupang Eats, you will need to verify your identity via "Self-Authentication" (Bonin-Injeung) using a Korean SIM card linked to your Alien Registration Card (ARC).
- If you do not have an ARC, skip to Shuttle or Creatrip, which allow email-based registration.
Step 2: Setting Your Address
- Tap the address bar at the top.
- Use the "Current Location" (GPS) feature.
Related Guide: Naver vs. Kakao Map Apps in Korea
Step 3: Selecting and Customizing
- Browse categories or search for specific dishes (e.g., "Tteokbokki" or "Burger").
- Check the "Minimum Order Amount" (Choejeo-jumun-geumaek) required for delivery.
- Select your side dishes and spice levels.
Step 4: payment and Special Request
- Choose your payment method.
- In the "Request to Delivery Driver" section, you can select "Leave at the door" (Mun-ap-e-du-se-yo) for a contactless experience.
- Confirm the order and track the driver in real-time on the map.
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Summary and Conclusion
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| A quick comparison guide of Korean food delivery apps, highlighting the best choice based on traveler needs |
Conclusion: Which App Should You Choose?
Choosing the right delivery app mostly depends on how you're traveling.
If you're visiting Korea for a short trip, Creatrip or Shuttle Delivery will usually save you the most time because they're designed with international users in mind.
If you're staying longer and have a Korean phone number, apps like Baemin and Coupang Eats open up a much wider selection of restaurants and often better prices.
No matter which app you choose, having one reliable delivery app on your phone makes those late-night cravings or rainy travel days much easier to enjoy.
My Personal Tip: Before placing your first order, save your accommodation's Korean road-name address in your notes app. You'll be able to copy and paste it into any delivery app in seconds, which greatly reduces delivery mistakes. If you're staying at a hotel, adding "Please leave it at the lobby" in the delivery notes also makes the handoff much smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Do I need to tip the delivery driver?
A: No. Tipping is not part of the culture in Korea. The delivery fee is already included in your final bill.
Q: Can I order to a public park?
A: Yes. Many parks have designated "Delivery Zones" (Baedal-zone). Simply set your location to that zone and meet the driver there.
Q: What is the "Minimum Order" amount?
A: Most restaurants require a minimum spend (usually ₩12,000 to ₩20,000) to qualify for delivery.
Q: Can I pay cash?
A: Some restaurants may still offer cash payment, but most now require payment through the app before delivery.
Q: What if the delivery driver calls me and I can't speak Korean?
A: Don't panic! Most modern apps now include a real-time chat feature with AI translation. If a driver calls, they are likely just confirming your location. You can hang up and send a quick message through the app: "I'm waiting at the lobby" or" Please leave it at the door."
Q: How do I enter my address for a hotel or Airbnb?
A: The most reliable way is to copy and paste the "Road Name Address" (도로명 주소) in Korean. You can find this by searching for your accommodation on Google Maps and looking for the Korean address string.
- Tip: Most hotels do not allow drivers into the rooms. In the "Request" (요청사항) box, write "Please leave it at the lobby" or "I will meet you at the 1st floor entrance."
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