Korean food has become a global sensation, and in Singapore, its popularity continues to grow. From ramyeon and tteokbokki to seaweed snacks and K-drama-inspired treats, more shoppers are looking for ways to enjoy authentic Korean food without flying to Seoul. While some supermarkets in Singapore stock limited items, prices are often higher, and variety is restricted.
The smarter way? Shopping directly from Korean online food platforms — and using Buy&Ship’s proxy shopping and forwarding service to bring them safely and affordably to Singapore.
This guide explains the best sites to buy Korean food and snacks, must-try categories, safety considerations, and how Buy&Ship makes the process simple and cost-effective.
Why Singaporeans Love Korean Food Shopping
- Cultural Influence – K-dramas and K-pop often feature snacks and meals that quickly become global trends.
- Unique Flavors – From spicy kimchi-flavored chips to sweet honey butter almonds, Korean food offers distinctive tastes.
- Affordable Treats – Buying directly from Korea ensures lower prices than local import markups.
- Seasonal & Limited Editions – Many Korean snacks release exclusive flavors that rarely reach Singapore retail stores.
Popular Korean Food and Snack Categories
1. Instant Noodles (Ramyeon)
- Brands like Shin Ramyeon, Samyang, and Paldo are staples.
- Famous for spicy flavors and K-drama appearances.
- Pro Tip: Buy in bulk for maximum savings when consolidating parcels.
2. Traditional Snacks
- Items like yakgwa (honey cookies), rice crackers, and seaweed rolls.
- Perfect for gifting or sharing.
3. Chips and Nuts
- Honey Butter Chips and Honey Butter Almonds remain cult favorites.
- New flavors appear frequently in limited runs.
4. Ready-to-Eat Meals
- Microwaveable tteokbokki, curry rice, and soup pouches.
- Great for busy Singaporeans craving authentic Korean comfort food.
5. Beverages
- Banana milk, barley tea, and Korean coffee mixes are widely loved.
- Bulk-buying saves significantly compared to local shops.
Where to Shop Online for Korean Food
Coupang (쿠팡)
- Korea’s largest online marketplace with a huge food section.
- Offers household staples, snacks, and frozen food.
- Tip: Great for bulk shopping; pair groceries with non-food items.
Gmarket (지마켓)
- Wide variety of snacks, instant noodles, and specialty gift packs.
- Often has bundle deals on popular brands.
Market Kurly (마켓컬리)
- Premium grocery site focusing on fresh produce, health foods, and artisanal snacks.
- Ideal for shoppers who want quality beyond mainstream snacks.
11st (11번가)
- Affordable prices and frequent promotions on pantry essentials and snacks.
- Ideal for large snack hauls with family and friends.
Challenges of Buying Korean Food Directly
- No International Shipping – Most Korean food platforms only ship domestically.
- Language Barriers – Product descriptions and checkout are often in Korean.
- Heavy Shipping Costs – Food items like noodles are bulky and expensive to ship individually.
- Restricted Items – Some products (like fresh produce, alcohol, or frozen goods) cannot be shipped internationally.
⚠️ Important Shipping Restrictions to Note
While Korean snacks are fun and affordable to shop online, not all food items can be shipped to Singapore. Shoppers should be aware of the following restrictions:
- Frozen & Fresh Foods ❌ – Frozen dumplings, ice cream, refrigerated kimchi, and perishable goods cannot be shipped.
- Honey Products ❌ – Honey is strictly prohibited for international shipping into Singapore.
- Fragile Food Items ⚠️ – Items like glass-bottled drinks, sauces, or delicate snack packaging are not covered under Buy&Ship’s insurance protection. If you choose to ship them, please do so at your own risk.
👉 Tip for Smart Shopping: Stick to shelf-stable snacks such as instant noodles, biscuits, packaged nuts, and sealed confectionery for the safest and most reliable shipping experience.
Why Buy&Ship Is the Best Choice for Food & Snack Orders
| Challenge | Without Buy&Ship | With Buy&Ship |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping | High direct costs or unavailable | Affordable, weight-based pricing |
| Payment | Korean cards often required | Pay in SGD, no foreign exchange risk |
| Multiple Orders | Each parcel ships separately | Consolidate snacks, noodles, and drinks |
| Safety | Sellers pack individually | Optional repacking for sturdier boxes |
| Returns | Limited options | 7-day free return on eligible items |
With Buy&Ship, Singaporeans can shop any Korean food site, consolidate parcels, and enjoy affordable door-to-door delivery.
Step-by-Step: How to Buy Korean Food via Buy&Ship
- Sign Up for Buy&Ship – Create your free account and get a Korean warehouse address.
- Browse Food Sites – Add instant noodles, snacks, and drinks from platforms like Gmarket or Coupang.
- Submit Product Links – Paste the product URL into Buy&Ship’s proxy shopping system.
- Pay in SGD – No hidden foreign exchange fees.
- Parcels Arrive at Buy&Ship’s Korea Warehouse – All your items go to the same place.
- Consolidate – Bundle heavy noodle packs with lighter snack boxes.
- Receive in Singapore – Enjoy authentic Korean food at home with secure, trackable delivery.
Real Example: A Singapore Snack Haul
A shopper bought:
- 2 boxes of Samyang Buldak noodles
- Honey Butter Almonds gift pack
- Banana Milk bottles
If shipped separately, courier fees would have exceeded SGD 120. By consolidating through Buy&Ship, total international shipping was SGD 55, saving nearly SGD 65.
Tips for Smarter Korean Food Shopping
- Avoid Prohibited Items – Frozen and perishable goods are not allowed. Stick to shelf-stable snacks.
- Buy in Bulk – Maximize savings by ordering noodles or snacks in cartons.
- Use Repacking Services – Fragile bottles or snack packs can be secured for safer delivery.
- Watch Expiry Dates – Always check product shelf life before bulk purchases.
FAQs
Q1: Can I ship frozen or fresh Korean food to Singapore?
No. Buy&Ship only forwards non-perishable items like noodles, snacks, and packaged goods.
Q2: How long does shipping take?
Typically 1–2 weeks from Korea to Singapore, depending on consolidation.
Q3: Can I return snacks or food items?
Returns are generally limited due to food safety. Check with Buy&Ship for eligible cases.
Q4: Is it cheaper than buying in Singapore supermarkets?
Yes. Local retail markups are often 30–50% higher than Korean domestic prices.
Why Buy&Ship Is the Smarter Way
- 6% proxy fee with no hidden charges.
- Clear SGD billing for full transparency.
- Consolidation service to cut down on multiple shipping fees.
- Repacking options for heavy or fragile snacks.
- Trusted door-to-door delivery that thousands of Singapore shoppers rely on.
With Buy&Ship, Singaporeans can finally enjoy authentic Korean food shopping at local Korean prices.
Korean snacks and food bring the taste of Seoul straight to your home in Singapore. From spicy instant noodles to trendy limited-edition chips, shopping directly from Korean websites unlocks greater variety and better prices.
By using Buy&Ship’s proxy shopping and forwarding service, you can overcome language barriers, shipping restrictions, and inflated courier fees — while enjoying transparent pricing and secure delivery.
Whether you’re stocking up on ramyeon or building a snack haul for friends, Buy&Ship is your best partner for Korean food shopping.