Everything Under ₩5,000 (Approx. $3.60) – A Must-See for Savvy Shoppers in Korea!
Hello everyone!
With high inflation dominating the global market, finding budget-friendly, quality groceries in South Korea has become a major trend. That’s why I was so excited to check out Emart’s new ultra-low-cost private brand (PB) called ‘5K PRICE’!
I’ve personally shopped for and used these products, and I’m here to share my honest review and guide on this game-changing shopping alternative.
What Exactly is Emart 5K PRICE?
Emart 5K PRICE is a strategic brand where all of Emart’s Private Brand products are priced at ₩5,000 or less.
- The Name’s Secret: ‘5K’ literally stands for 5,000 Korean Won. (To give you an idea, ₩5,000 is roughly $3.60 USD, depending on the current exchange rate.)
- How They Do It: This incredibly low price point is made possible by Emart and Emart Everyday (its supermarket affiliate) consolidating purchasing volume and utilizing global sourcing to drastically cut costs.
This brand is attracting huge attention from consumers, especially those prioritizing “value for money” (known as gaseongbi in Korean) during this high-cost era.
Key Features & Target Shoppers
The brand has been cleverly designed to meet modern consumption patterns in Korea:
- Focus on Small Portions: Many products are designed with 25% to 50% smaller sizes compared to traditional items. This is perfect for the growing number of single-person households (Hon-jok), students, and busy office workers who prefer to shop frequently and only buy what they need.
- Wide Range of Products: The lineup includes everything from everyday food items (oils, bread, snacks) to daily necessities (laundry detergent, etc.).
For instance, popular items include Canola Oil (500ml) for ₩3,480 and Olive Oil (250ml) for ₩4,980.
My Personal Review: Quality vs. Price
Does the low price mean low quality? I was skeptical, but the quality has been surprisingly satisfactory!
- Pink Salt Seaweed (김): ₩3,980 (5g x 12 packs)
- The Taste: I expected it to be too salty since pink salt is typically stronger, but it wasn’t. It was crispy, made with canola oil, and tasted just like good quality everyday Korean seaweed. A solid choice for a side dish or snack.
- Moist Butter Bread (촉촉한 버터식빵): ₩2,480
- The Manufacturer: This bread is actually made by Shinla Myeonggwa, a well-known name in the Korean bakery industry.
- The Verdict: In an era where a loaf of bread easily exceeds ₩3,000, this thick and soft bread is a bargain! It’s thick, fluffy, and held up perfectly when I sliced it into four, mixed it with egg and honey, and baked it in the air fryer. I will definitely repurchase this!
- Value Comparison: I often buy No Brand’s Beef Bone Broth (Sagol Gomtang), but I noticed that the 5K PRICE version offered a larger volume for an even cheaper price! This confirms its superior gaseongbi compared to even other budget brands.
- (https://ourkoreastory.com/no-brand-shopping-guide-korea/korea-travel-food-guide/).)
🛍️ Practical Shopping Guide for Visitors & Residents
If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly shopping solution in Korea, 5K PRICE is a must-try!
- Where to Find Them: You can purchase 5K PRICE products at any Emart physical store and through their online Emart Mall.
- Look Out For: Keep an eye on the packaging—it’s distinctively marked with the “5K PRICE” logo and an “OK” checkmark!
- Hot Tip: Check the snack aisles! You can find a variety of cookies and snacks ranging from ₩980 to ₩2,980. This is a great way to try different Korean snacks without spending a lot.
The Emart 5K PRICE brand has successfully positioned itself as a smart and practical shopping alternative in this high-cost era. I highly recommend it to anyone living in Korea or visiting who wants to maximize their budget!