[2026 Guide] Best Places to Shop in Korea: Why You Should Visit Traders Wholesale Club

 

If you are planning a trip to South Korea and looking for a place to buy high-quality goods in bulk, you might first think of Costco. However, Traders Wholesale Club (formerly known as E-mart Traders) is a fantastic local alternative that offers a similar warehouse experience with more flexibility for travelers.

Traders Wholesale Club provides a unique shopping experience tailored to the Korean lifestyle. While it shares many similarities with Costco, there are key differences in membership, payment, and product selection that make it a go-to spot for both locals and tourists.

Why Choose Traders Wholesale Club Over Costco?

When comparing Traders Wholesale Club to Costco, the most significant advantage for tourists is accessibility. 

Here is a breakdown of the differences:

No Membership Required: Unlike Costco, which strictly requires a Membership Card¹ for entry and purchase, Traders Wholesale Club is open to everyone. While they do have a paid membership program for additional discounts and points, anyone can enter and shop freely.

Flexible Payment Options: Costco Korea notoriously only accepts cash or a specific credit card (currently Hyundai Card). In contrast, Traders Wholesale Club accepts all major credit cards.

Note: If you have a Samsung Card, you can often access special "Card-only" discounts on specific items.

Localized Product Selection: You can find a vast array of K-Food² and Korean snacks at much lower prices than at convenience stores or tourist-heavy souvenir shops.

Self-Checkout Convenience: For those buying only a few items, Traders Wholesale Club offers Self-Checkout Kiosks³. Please note that these kiosks usually only accept cards, not cash.

What to Buy: Must-Have Items and Food Court

Traders Wholesale Club is famous for its ready-to-eat section and its affordable food court.

Prepared Foods (Deli): * Smoked Pork Belly (Hunje-samgyeopsal): A fan favorite that is juicy and ready to eat.

Korean Fried Chicken & Dak-gangjeong: Sweet and crispy boneless chicken.

Sushi Sets: Fresh, high-quality sushi at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Mealkits: Ready-to-cook packages for famous Korean stews like Budae-jjigae (Army Base Stew).

The Food Court Experience: * While they serve classics like pizza and bakes, you can also try unique Korean items like Half-chicken Rice Noodles (Dak-banmari Ssalguksu) or spicy Tteokbokki (Rice Cakes).

Souvenirs & Health Supplements: * It is the best place to buy bulk packs of seaweed, Korean snacks, and Ginseng⁴ products to take home as gifts.

Traders Wholesale Club is a must-visit for any traveler looking to experience a "local" bulk-shopping culture. It offers the convenience of no membership fees and the ability to use any credit card, making it much more tourist-friendly than Costco. If you want to stock up on authentic Korean snacks, fresh Mealkits⁵, or affordable health supplements, skip the expensive gift shops in tourist zones and head to a nearby Traders.

Glossary & Search Tips for Travelers

Membership Card (멤버쉽 카드): A card required for entry at warehouse clubs.

K-Food (한국 식료품): Short for Korean food; popular search term for authentic Korean groceries.

Self-Checkout Kiosk (셀프 계산대): An automated machine where you scan and pay for your own items.

Ginseng (인삼/홍삼): A popular Korean health supplement, often searched as "Korean Red Ginseng."

Mealkit (밀키트): Pre-packaged ingredients and sauces ready for quick cooking.

written by Lookinseoul

LookinSeoul is a Korean lifestyle blog that introduces Korean food, travel spots, and local products to foreigners.