Quick Answer

Yes, absolutely! Tourists can easily order food delivery in Korea.

With major Korean delivery apps introducing English support and improved interfaces, ordering food as an international visitor is much easier now than it was a few years ago.

However, many travelers still face unexpected hurdles with foreign credit cards, complex Korean addresses, and communicating with delivery riders.

If you want a hassle-free night in with some authentic Korean fried chicken, here is the ultimate, no-nonsense guide to mastering Korea’s delivery culture.


Contents

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Which Food Delivery App Is Best for Tourists?

App Language Support Best For
Baemin (Baedal Minjok) English & Korean Most tourists (Supports Apple Pay)
Coupang Eats English & Korean Fast delivery and wide restaurant selection
Shuttle Full English Support First-time visitors wanting a stress-free experience
Yogiyo Limited (Mainly Korean) Alternative option (Not highly recommended for tourists)


💡 Local Tip: 

Korean locals rarely swear allegiance to just one app. Most of us keep both Baemin and Coupang Eats installed.

Why?

Because restaurant availability, exclusive discounts, and delivery fees vary daily.

If you can’t find a specific restaurant on one app, always check the other.



Why Food Delivery is a Must-Try Experience in Korea

Food delivery (called Baedal in Korean) isn't just a convenience—it is a massive cultural phenomenon.

While exploring local restaurants is a huge part of traveling, there are times when ordering in is simply unbeatable:


  • The Ultimate Han River Picnic: Ordering crispy fried chicken and cold beer (Chimaek) to enjoy by the Han River.
  • Rainy Night Comfort: Enjoying a steaming box of Korean-style pizza or Jjajangmyeon at your hotel during a summer downpour.
  • Late-Night Cravings: Grabbing a midnight burger or late-night chicken after a grueling 20,000-step day of sightseeing.
  • Cafe to Your Door: Ordering premium iced Americanos and trendy desserts without leaving your bed.


One thing that surprises many visitors is that Koreans don't just use delivery apps for meals.

It's very common to order coffee, bubble tea, desserts, bakery items, and even snacks through delivery services.

After a long day of sightseeing, many travelers find themselves using delivery apps far more often than they expected.



Can Tourists Use Baemin?

Yes, absolutely! Baemin is Korea's most popular food delivery app and now officially offers English support, making it incredibly easy to browse menus.

Previously, the biggest hurdle for tourists was payment, as foreign credit cards were often rejected due to local security rules.

However, everything changed in June 2026. Baemin now officially supports Apple Pay for foreign-issued cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and Amex).

If you are an iPhone user, you can now bypass complex authentication and check out effortlessly using Apple Pay linked to your international card.

If you don't use Apple Pay and your physical card gets rejected, using an alternative app like Shuttle is still your best backup option.



Can Tourists Use Coupang Eats?

Yes. Coupang Eats is another popular option used by millions of Koreans.

The overall experience is similar to Baemin, so many travelers simply install both apps and use whichever works best.



What If My Card Doesn't Work?

If you're having trouble with payment, Shuttle can be a good alternative.

It was designed with international users in mind and generally offers a smoother experience for foreign visitors.



Do You Need a Korean Phone Number to Order Food?

Not strictly required, but having a local Korean phone number makes the experience much smoother.

Even if you successfully place an order using Wi-Fi, delivery riders occasionally need to contact you to:

  • Confirm your precise location
  • Ask for a building gate access code
  • Notify you if a menu item is unavailable
  • Clarify delivery instructions

If you only have a data-only eSIM, the rider may not be able to call you directly.

Highly Recommended: Want to avoid delivery mishaps? Check out our complete guide:


🔗 Korea eSIM with a Korean Phone Number: Do You Really Need One?



Pro-Tips for Ordering to Hotels and Airbnbs

Food delivery to hotels and Airbnbs is extremely common in Korea.

However, there are a few things worth remembering:


Hotel Deliveries

Many hotels do not allow delivery riders to enter guest floors.

In most cases, you'll need to meet the rider in the lobby or pick up your food from the front desk.


Airbnb Deliveries

For Airbnbs, double-check your address before ordering and make sure your accommodation is easy to locate.

A Korean phone number can be especially helpful if the rider needs additional directions.



Final Verdict: How to Order Like a Local

Can tourists order food delivery in Korea?

Absolutely.

Don't spend too much time worrying about which app is "best."

Most Koreans simply compare Baemin and Coupang Eats, check for available coupons, see which restaurants are available, and order from whichever option offers the best deal that day.

That's probably the smartest approach for tourists too.

If all else fails or you don't want to deal with payment troubleshooting, Shuttle remains a reliable, English-friendly backup option.

Happy dining, and enjoy experiencing one of the coolest parts of modern Korean culture!