How to Order Food Delivery in Korea (Baemin, Yogiyo)
- Overview of Korean Food Delivery Culture
- Popular Delivery Apps: Baemin and Yogiyo
- How to Sign Up and Set Address
- Navigating the Menu and Ordering
- Payment Methods and Tips
- Tracking and Receiving Your Order
- Language Barriers and How to Overcome
- Delivery Etiquette in Korea
- Common Issues and How to Solve Them
- Final Tips for Food Delivery in Korea
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Looking to enjoy delicious Korean food delivered straight to your door? Whether you're a tourist or expat, here's your complete guide to navigating Korea's top food delivery apps like Baemin and Yogiyo.
🍱 Overview of Korean Food Delivery Culture
South Korea has one of the most advanced food delivery systems in the world. With just a few taps on your smartphone, you can have hot meals delivered to your door — whether you're at home, in a hotel, or even at a park.
The culture of delivery here is fast, efficient, and incredibly diverse. From Korean BBQ and fried chicken to vegan options and cafe drinks, the options are endless. Most Koreans use mobile apps like Baemin (배달의민족) or Yogiyo (요기요), which support a wide range of restaurants and even convenience stores.
The best part? Many restaurants operate 24/7, especially in larger cities like Seoul and Busan. Delivery is so embedded in daily life that even locals frequently opt for it instead of dining out.
📱 Popular Delivery Apps: Baemin and Yogiyo
Baemin (배달의민족) is the most widely used delivery app in Korea. It's user-friendly and offers a huge range of restaurants, from local mom-and-pop eateries to large chains. The app is available in Korean only, but you can navigate with a bit of translation help or image-based guides.
Yogiyo (요기요) is another major player and functions similarly to Baemin. Some restaurants appear on both platforms, while others are exclusive to one. Yogiyo used to support English but currently operates mostly in Korean.
Other options include Coupang Eats (쿠팡이츠), which focuses on fast delivery from a single restaurant per order, and Shuttle, a smaller platform that offers full English support and caters especially to foreigners in Seoul.
Tip: Baemin is often best for variety, Yogiyo for ease of reordering, and Shuttle for English-speaking users.
🏠 How to Sign Up and Set Your Address
To start ordering, you’ll need to download Baemin or Yogiyo from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Once installed, you can either create an account using your Korean phone number or log in as a guest in some cases (note: guest login has limited features).
Setting your address is the most crucial step. Tap on the location pin icon, then input your address in Korean. If you’re staying in an Airbnb or hotel, try to get the exact address in Korean from the host. You can also use Naver Maps or Kakao Maps to copy the correct format.
Apps will auto-detect your location, but for apartments or officetels, double-check that your unit number is included. Once saved, the app filters available restaurants by distance.
🍔 Navigating the Menu and Placing an Order
Menus are mostly in Korean, so using image recognition tools (like Google Translate Camera) can be very helpful. Baemin and Yogiyo display food photos, reviews, and even cooking times.
Tap on the restaurant you want, then choose your dish and customize it — for example, you might select spice level, sauce, or add-ons. Most dishes also show the total price upfront, including delivery fees.
Once ready, press the order button (주문하기), review your cart, and proceed to checkout. You can also write delivery instructions in Korean if needed, like “문 앞에 놔 주세요” (Please leave it at the door).
💳 Payment Methods and Tips
Most apps accept Korean credit/debit cards, KakaoPay, NaverPay, and Samsung Pay. Some restaurants offer cash payment (현금결제), but this is becoming rare. Foreign cards are generally not accepted directly on Baemin or Yogiyo.
If you don’t have a Korean bank account, consider using the Shuttle app or asking a Korean friend to place the order. Alternatively, prepaid Korean debit cards (like T-Money bank cards) may work after registering them to your phone.
Watch for coupons or first-time user discounts! Baemin often has “배민 쿠폰” events offering 1,000–5,000 KRW off.
🚚 Tracking and Receiving Your Order
After you place your order, the app will update the status in real-time. You’ll see when the restaurant starts cooking, when a driver is assigned, and when they’re en route.
Delivery usually takes 30–60 minutes depending on traffic and weather. You can track the driver on a map in most apps, similar to Uber Eats.
If you chose “door delivery,” the driver will either ring your doorbell or leave it at the door with a photo. For buildings with security, drivers may call you — it’s helpful to know some basic Korean phrases or have a note ready.
🈳 Language Barriers and How to Overcome
The biggest challenge for non-Korean speakers is that most delivery apps don’t support English fully. You’ll see Korean menus, notices, and app instructions.
To overcome this, use the Google Translate app’s camera function to translate screenshots. Some users also rely on Naver Papago for more natural Korean-to-English translation.
If you often order from the same places, save them in your favorites (찜). That way, you won’t have to re-translate every time.
🙏 Delivery Etiquette in Korea
Tipping is not required in Korea and is generally not practiced. Instead, it’s appreciated to give a polite greeting like “감사합니다” (thank you) when receiving your food.
Leave honest reviews (리뷰) with photos if possible — this helps other customers and boosts good restaurants. Baemin even has a reward system for leaving reviews.
Avoid canceling orders last minute. If you must, contact customer support or the store quickly. Korean delivery drivers work on tight schedules and multiple orders at once.
⚠️ Common Issues and How to Solve Them
If your food hasn’t arrived, check the app’s status page. Sometimes restaurants delay due to a backlog of orders. If there's a serious delay, use the in-app customer chat to report it (use Korean or translate your message).
If you receive the wrong item, take a photo and report it through the app. Refunds or redelivery are usually fast, though may require some Korean typing or calling.
For missed calls from the driver, it’s best to answer or text them back using a simple Korean phrase or emoji (📍 = at the gate, 📦 = leave at door).
✅ Final Tips for Food Delivery in Korea
Ordering delivery in Korea is fast, safe, and satisfying — once you get past the language and setup. Apps like Baemin and Yogiyo offer unmatched convenience, whether you're craving kimchi jjigae or fried chicken at midnight.
If you plan to stay longer in Korea, getting a Korean SIM card and registering for local payment services will make your experience much smoother. With a bit of prep, even non-Korean speakers can enjoy full access to this amazing food culture.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use Baemin or Yogiyo without a Korean phone number?
You can browse the apps without a Korean number, but to place an order, most platforms require one for verification and contact purposes. Shuttle is more foreigner-friendly and doesn’t always require Korean authentication.
2. Do Baemin or Yogiyo support English language?
As of now, both apps operate primarily in Korean. Some basic elements like icons are intuitive, but translation tools like Google Translate or Papago are helpful. Shuttle offers full English support.
3. Can I pay with a foreign credit card?
Most foreign credit cards do not work directly with Baemin or Yogiyo. You’ll need a Korean card, KakaoPay, or use Shuttle, which accepts foreign cards and PayPal.
4. What do I do if the delivery driver calls and I don’t speak Korean?
If you don’t answer, they may cancel the order or leave it at the entrance. You can prepare a message in Korean like "문 앞에 놔 주세요" (Please leave at the door), or use a translator app if you answer the call.
5. Is tipping expected in Korea?
No, tipping is not practiced in Korea. Delivery fees are included in the order price, and a simple thank you is appreciated.
6. Are there vegetarian or vegan options on these apps?
Yes, but they are limited. Search using Korean terms like “채식” (vegetarian) or “비건.” Some Western-style restaurants on Shuttle offer vegan meals.
7. What’s the average delivery time?
Typically 30 to 60 minutes depending on location, time of day, and weather. Late night or bad weather may cause delays.
8. What if my address is hard to find?
Include details like building name, unit number, or landmarks in the delivery memo. You can also meet the driver outside if needed.
9. Can I cancel my order after placing it?
You can cancel only before the restaurant starts preparing. After that, cancellations may not be allowed and refunds may be partial or denied.
10. Do I need to create an account to use the app?
Yes, for full functionality. Some features may be limited for guest users or users without verified phone numbers.
11. Are delivery services available outside of Seoul?
Yes! Baemin and Yogiyo operate in most cities across Korea, including Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, and Jeju. Availability varies by region.
12. Can I schedule a delivery in advance?
Some restaurants allow scheduled deliveries, especially on Baemin. Look for options like 예약 주문 or 지정 시간.
13. What does 배달비 (delivery fee) mean?
배달비 means “delivery fee” — it’s usually 1,000–4,000 KRW depending on distance. Some places offer free delivery during promotions.
14. How do I use coupons in Baemin?
Enter the coupon code during checkout or tap the 할인쿠폰 section. Baemin frequently sends app-only coupons for new users or events.
15. Are there options for alcohol delivery?
Yes, some convenience stores on Baemin and Yogiyo offer soju, beer, and snacks. You may need to verify your age through your account.
16. What if the food arrives cold?
You can report it in the review section or through customer support. Some apps may issue a partial refund if service was not satisfactory.
17. Can I track the driver in real-time?
Yes, both Baemin and Yogiyo offer real-time tracking. You’ll see the driver’s location once the food is out for delivery.
18. What if I have food allergies?
Menus rarely list allergens clearly. If you're unsure, it’s best to avoid unknown dishes or contact the restaurant (if you speak Korean) before ordering.
19. Is cash on delivery still possible?
It’s rare but possible at some restaurants. Look for 현금결제 (cash payment) during checkout, though most prefer card or app payments.
20. What are the best food types for delivery?
Korean fried chicken, jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles), tteokbokki, and gimbap are among the most popular and delivery-friendly foods.
21. Can I order from multiple restaurants at once?
Baemin and Yogiyo do not support multi-restaurant orders in one delivery. Coupang Eats also follows a one-restaurant-per-order model.
22. What’s the difference between Baemin and Yogiyo?
Baemin generally has more variety and user-friendly features. Yogiyo is good for repeat orders and sometimes has different restaurant deals.
23. Are there late-night options?
Yes! Many Korean delivery places operate past midnight, especially chicken and convenience stores. Look for 24시간 or 야식 (late-night food).
24. What if my phone doesn’t support Korean apps?
Try using Shuttle or browse Baemin/Yogiyo on a Korean SIM-enabled phone. Some apps may not download on foreign phone regions.
25. Do I need Wi-Fi or Korean data to order?
You need an internet connection to order and track your delivery. Pocket Wi-Fi or Korean SIM data plans are highly recommended.
26. Can I get coffee or drinks delivered too?
Yes! Many cafes, including Starbucks and independent shops, are available on Baemin. You can order coffee, tea, smoothies, and more.
27. What is the typical price for delivery food?
Prices vary, but a basic meal costs between 8,000–15,000 KRW. Adding drinks, side dishes, or multiple items will raise the total cost.
28. Can I request contactless delivery?
Yes, write “문 앞에 놓아 주세요” in the delivery notes, or choose the no-contact option if offered. Most drivers are used to this request.
29. Are there combo meals or set menus?
Many Korean restaurants offer 세트 (set) menus with multiple items at a discount — great for sharing or trying different dishes.
30. What happens if the app crashes mid-order?
Reopen the app to check your order history. If payment went through, the order usually still processes. Contact support for confirmation.
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