How to Order Food Delivery to Your Hotel in Korea: A Parent's Survival Guide

Picture this: You’ve spent the whole day exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace and Lotte World. Your feet are aching, and your toddler, like my son Woobin, is one minute away from a major "hangry" meltdown. The last thing you want to do is dress up and find a kid-friendly restaurant. This is where Korea’s world-class delivery culture saves the day. In Korea, you can get almost anything delivered to your door 24/7. Today, I’ll show you how to master the delivery apps so you can enjoy a quiet, delicious dinner in your pajamas while the kids relax.

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1. The Major Players: Which App to Choose?

There are three kings of delivery in Korea:

• Baedal Minjok (Baemin): The most popular one with the most variety.

• Coupang Eats: Often faster and has a more user-friendly interface for English speakers.

• Yogiyo: Another great alternative with many discounts.

The Good News for Travelers While these apps used to be very difficult for foreigners, Coupang Eats now offers a decent English interface! Baemin also recently updated their app to support foreign phone numbers and international credit cards for some services, making it much easier for tourists.

2. How to Set Your Location

The hardest part is getting the address right.

• Dad’s Tip: Don't try to type the address yourself. Ask the hotel front desk or your Airbnb host to write down the address in Korean. Better yet, use the "Set current location" (GPS) feature and then double-check the building name with the staff.

• Hotel Delivery: Most hotels do not allow delivery drivers to come up to your room for security reasons. You will usually meet the driver in the Lobby or at a designated "Delivery Zone" outside the entrance.

3. What to Order for the Kids?

If you’re stuck on what to order, here are some "kid-safe" bets that deliver well:

• Fried Chicken: Korean fried chicken is legendary. Order the "Fried" (No sauce) or "Honey Combo" version for kids.

• Jajangmyeon & Tangsuyuk: The classic Chinese-Korean duo.

• Bossam (Boiled Pork): Healthy, tender meat that even toddlers can chew easily.

• Porridge (Bonjuk): If your child has an upset stomach, a warm bowl of mushroom or vegetable porridge is perfect.

4. Payment Tips for Foreigners

If the app doesn't accept your international card:

• Select 'Pay to Driver' (Gyeol-je-neun-gi-sa-nim-kke): This allows you to pay with your physical credit card or cash when the driver arrives. Note: Some apps are phasing this out, so checking Coupang Eats first is recommended.

• Ask for Help: Don't be shy! If you're struggling, hotel concierges are usually very happy to help guests order a "late-night chicken" (Chi-maek).

5. Dealing with Trash (The Local Rule)

Korea is very strict about recycling.

• Disposable vs. Multi-use: Most deliveries now use disposable plastic containers. Rinse them out and ask your hotel where to dispose of them.

• Dad’s Tip: In the app, look for the option "No plastic spoons/forks please" (Il-yong-pum X) if you already have them in your room, to help save the environment!

Ordering in isn't just about food; it's about preserving your energy for the next day's adventure. There is something truly magical about eating hot, crispy Korean chicken in your hotel room while your kids play safely on the floor. Have you ever tried ordering delivery in a foreign country? What's your biggest fear about it? Comment below, and I'll give you the exact Korean phrase to put in the "request to driver" section!