Korea has many unique cultures that are unique to Korea. There are famous tourist destinations such as Myeongdong, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwanghwamun, and Deoksugung Palace, but the special culture of a country can be felt more strongly in small local shops. In this sense, Korea is a country where 24-hour unmanned shops operate thanks to the world’s highest level of security and many CCTVs. For those of you who are visiting Korea, we introduce Korean 24-hour unmanned ice cream shops where you can choose the ice cream you want by type even in the early morning.
How to find a 24-Hour Unmanned Ice Cream Shop in Korea
If you are a tourist visiting Seoul and search for “ice cream shop,” “24-hour ice cream shop,” or “unmanned ice cream shop” on Google Maps, you may only see Baskin-Robbins and famous handmade ice cream shops, but the unmanned ice cream shops you are looking for may not appear. However, there is no need to worry. Seoul unmanned ice cream shops are operated in a format similar to a neighborhood supermarket that does not require advertising or marketing, so they are not worried about Google Maps. The number is as many as convenience stores, so you can easily find it anywhere in Seoul if you know how to see the sign like the photo below.
If you look closely at the photo below, you can see a model of ice cream. Usually, 24-hour unmanned ice cream shops have ice cream models in front to be easily seen by people, and the signs are also in colorful colors, so you can find them easily. You don’t have to try hard to find it. When you want to eat a sweet ice cream while enjoying Seoul, you can find it nearby and go in.
How to Choose Items at a 24-Hour Unmanned Ice Cream Shop in Korea
At first, you may feel awkward because there are no employees or guides. However, the basic method of payment is the same as choosing items at Walmart, with the only difference being that there are no people.
To choose items, simply enter the store, find the ice cream you want, and bring it to the checkout counter. There are so many flavors and types of ice cream, such as vanilla, fruit, slush, patbingsu, ice cream cones, Häagen-Dazs, and cylindrical ice cream. Choose according to your taste.
K-POP or K-Drama fans may want to remember the ice cream they saw in music videos or dramas and try it out. This will be an unforgettable memory.
If you are buying a lot of ice cream, there is a basket available next to the checkout counter. You can use it.
How to Pay at a 24-Hour Unmanned Ice Cream Shop in Korea
Paying is also very easy. Just think of yourself as a cashier for a moment. When you go to the checkout counter, the unmanned checkout counter will automatically detect that someone has come. Most ice creams have barcodes on the bottom. Simply hold the barcode over the red light and the items will be automatically counted.
The screen will show the number of ice cream you have picked. Then, you need to select cash or card. The screen is usually in Korean, so just select cash(현금) or card(카드). It would be more convenient to use a card, right? Just insert your card and complete the payment.
Now, you can just go out and enjoy your ice cream. 24-hour unmanned shops are really convenient because you can buy sweet ice cream anytime, even in the early hours of the morning!
