The Ultimate List Of The Indian Supermarkets With Korean Products

Over the past few years (read: I would go to the extent of saying “a decade”), people have seen a massive surge in the demand for authentic Korean products in the supermarkets of India.

And trust me, I really feel like people have finally started getting what they truly want. Indian supermarkets with Korean products have really delivered to this demand.

I’ll get personal for a few minutes.

When I first started cooking bibimbap at home, I struggled getting the right blend of flavors that would taste like gochujang. But nowadays, I ditch the hassle and simply open my fridge to take out my authentic store-bought gochujang paste.

I am sure I am not the only one who wanted to try kombucha when Jungkook from BTS went live, complaining that ARMY didn’t leave a single one for him at the market. 

But now, with the growth of Indian supermarkets with Korean products (both online and offline stores), things have become much easier. We no longer need to whine about not getting the authentic products.  

Best Indian Supermarkets Offering Korean Products

If you’ve ever binge-watched a K-drama and found yourself craving Ramyeon or a comforting bowl of Kimchi fried rice, you’re really not alone! The demand for Korean products is literally booming across India. Be it Korean food or Korean skincare. 

Irrespective of whether you prefer the in-store browsing experience or the ease of online shopping, here’s where you can get your Korean fix. 

Supermarkets With Physical Stores (Offline)

Okay, so you know how everyone’s been getting into Korean stuff? Well, supermarkets like Spencer’s, Reliance Fresh, and Big Bazaar are starting to stock more Korean products because people are buying them up. 

Spencer’s, which you can find in cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Chennai, has been making its “World Food” area bigger. They usually have things like Samyang instant noodles, Lotte Choco Pie, and some Korean sauces. 

Reliance Fresh stores, mostly in cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, have also noticed the Korean craze. Some of their stores now have imported snacks and sauces like Gochujang, Doenjang, and Korean seaweed chips. It just shows how much young people in India now like Korean food. 

Big Bazaar, before its transition to Smart Bazaar, was also known for experimenting with international food aisles. And guess what? Several of its new-format stores now offer imported Korean products in collaboration with local importers. And that’s something ideal for those who prefer to see and touch products before buying. 

Walking through these aisles almost feels like stepping into a Seoul convenience store. For instance, when I first walked into Seela Mart, I could spot familiar red Ramyeon packs (yes, the Buldak ones), shiny skincare boxes, and even cute K-snack packaging that instantly lifts your mood. 

Online Supermarkets (E-commerce)

Want to shop for Korean products from Indian supermarkets without leaving your couch? Online stores in India make it pretty simple. 

BigBasket and Blinkit (formerly Grofers) now carry some Korean basics. I am talking about kimchi, gochugaru (chili flakes), and even those face masks. They usually have fast delivery in big cities, which is great if you’re just starting out. 

I also think that Amazon India is pretty awesome since they carry, well, everything Korean! You can pick up Laneige lip sleeping masks or those crazy spicy Samyang hot chicken noodles there. Often, the products ship straight from the seller. 

Plus, there are special online shops such as Korean Mart India, Seoul Store India, and Korikart. These guys ONLY sell real Korean products, which they directly import. They have all the newest snacks, drinks, and beauty products that you can’t find anywhere else. 

Popular Korean Products Available In Indian Supermarkets

One of the best things that I have realized about Indian supermarkets with Korean products is the fact that they do not cater to a single type of customer. Not customers who are foodies or are into K-beauty. 

Rather, they target Korean enthusiasts. 

Irrespective of whether you’re a foodie, skincare enthusiast, or just a curious shopper, Korean products in Indian supermarkets basically cater to all tastes. Here’s what’s trending on the shelves. 

Korean Food And Snacks

Korean cuisine is known for its perfect balance of spicy, savory, and umami flavors. In India, the following Korean staples have become household favorites:

• Kimchi: This fermented cabbage dish is a Korean must-have. Many Indian brands now collaborate with Korean chefs to create milder, locally adapted versions. 
• Ramyeon: Instant noodles like Samyang Hot Chicken and Nongshim Shin Ramyun are cult favorites for their fiery flavors and chewy texture. 
• Gochujang: The famous red chili paste is the heart of Korean cooking. You can find it at supermarkets like Reliance Smart or order authentic versions from Korean Mart India. 
• Snacks and sweets: From Lotte Choco Pie and Honey Butter Chips to Pepero sticks, these snacks have become the go-to comfort food for many Indians who love K-drama munchies. 

Korean Beauty Brands And Skincare Products

K-beauty has truly revolutionized skincare routines across India. Rice toners, snail mucin serums, you name it, these supermarkets have it. And guess what? This does not stop at only products that have Korean ingredients. 

Many supermarkets and e-commerce platforms now feature popular Korean skincare brands such as:

• Innisfree 
• Laneige 
• The Face Shop 
• Etude House 
• COSRX 

If you’ve ever wanted to recreate that dewy, K-drama glass skin glow, you’ll find plenty of options right here in these Indian supermarkets. 

The Growing Trend Of Korean Cuisine And Culture In India

Over the last few years, Korean culture has become a big part of the Indian lifestyle. From K-pop songs you can’t get out of your head to feel-good K-dramas, the Korean Wave has changed how Indians see Korea. 

Shows like Crash Landing on You and Business Proposal got many Indian viewers into Korean food. Many of my friends who’ve recently gotten hooked on the Korean Wave have told me about those yummy noodle bowls and barbecue scenes, which made them want to try Korean food. 

Restaurants in big cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore have hopped on the trend by opening real Korean places. At the same time, supermarkets have started selling Korean stuff to meet the growing interest. 

I even came across a Reddit thread where one user asked if they could get a Korean grocer in Mumbai. And people started naming places like Crawford Market, Bandra’s Urban Platter, where one can find authentic, genuine Korean products 

Social media, like Instagram and YouTube, is also pushing this trend. Influencers often share their Korean grocery shopping or skincare routines, which gets people excited to try them, too. 

And let’s not forget how the mukbang trend took over the entire world. Albeit most people initially thought of it as an activity where one would stuff as much food as possible. However, they soon realized that this eating trend was bigger than that. Warmer than that. 

You want data? Well, The Economic Times stated, “Myntra claims to have recorded a 200% YoY surge in demand for K-beauty…For ITC Foods too, Korean flavour profile is equally gaining traction in smaller towns.” 

Personally, I would go to the extent of saying that this fascination towards everything Korean is not a Trend. Rather, in India, it is slowly but steadily becoming a lifestyle. 

Challenges In Sourcing And Importing Korean Products To India 

While it is true that Korean products are becoming easier to find, supermarkets still face a few challenges in sourcing them. And there are a lot of reasons for that. 

Firstly, import taxes and customs duties on Korean food and cosmetics can be quite high. This is something that often raises retail prices. While it is true that MNCs like Amazon can afford to pay that amount, smaller stores sometimes struggle to keep prices competitive. 

Secondly, supply chain logistics also pose hurdles. For instance, certain items that these Indian supermarkets import directly from South Korea are perishable. For instance, items like Kimchi and beverages require cold storage. This is something that can increase shipping costs. 

Thirdly, there’s also the issue of limited product variety. Not all Korean brands have distributors in India yet. Some supermarkets rely on third-party importers, which can lead to occasional stockouts or delayed deliveries. 

Despite these challenges, the situation is improving. With rising demand, more authorized importers are entering the Indian market. And that’s kind of ensuring better availability and freshness. 

How To Choose Quality Korean Products In Indian Supermarkets 

A lot of my friends have struggled with getting their hands on authentic Korean products. But guess what? It’s really not that difficult.

For instance, here are some quick tips that will help you ensure you are buying the right products:

• See the label: Real Korean products have Korean writing/script (Hangul) and English translations. 
• Search for stamps and certifications: If it’s skincare, see if it’s got the KFDA approval or cruelty-free symbols. 
• Make sure it’s not old: Korean products usually show when they were made first (YYYY.MM.DD). Always check so you don’t get something past its date. 
• Get it from places you trust: Buy from big stores or online sellers that people like and trust. 

*Please Note: If in doubt, cross-check the product’s official website. Many Korean brands list authorized retailers in India. And that’s something which can come in handy! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the questions that most people ask about Korean products in the Indian supermarkets. Take a look at them before you leave: