A Fun Guide to Korea’s Sweet Promotion Culture
📦 1+1, 2+1? Looks like math, but it's actually a sweet deal!
If you're new to Korea and visit a convenience store or supermarket,
you’ll often spot signs like “1+1” or “2+1” on shelves.
At first, you might be confused:
“Wait… 1 plus 1 equals 2, right?” 😅
But nope! This isn’t math —
It’s Korea’s way of saying, "Buy more, get more… for free!"
And once you know how it works, it becomes one of the best money-saving tips while traveling in Korea.
🧃 What does 1+1 mean?
“1+1” literally means
👉 Buy 1, Get 1 Free!
For example, if a triangle kimbap (rice ball) is on a 1+1 deal,
you just grab two of the same item, take them to the cashier,
and only pay for one!
📝 Important: Make sure to grab two of the same product.
(Variations in flavor might work, but always check the label just in case!)
🍪 What about 2+1?
That means Buy 2, Get 1 Free.
So to get the deal, grab three of the same product.
If you only grab two, the promotion won’t apply.
💡 Always take all items with you to the counter!
🙋♀️ Common mistakes to avoid
| Mistake | Tip |
| Taking only one item during 1+1 | → You need to grab two yourself |
| Mixing different products | → Usually only works for same items |
| Expecting staff to explain the deal | → Some do, some don’t. Play it safe and bring full quantity |
🛒 Not just at convenience stores!
It’s not just GS25 or CU doing these promos —
Major supermarkets like E-Mart and Lotte Mart,
and beauty/drug stores like Olive Young and Lalavla
also have frequent 1+1 and 2+1 events.
So yeah, if you're visiting Korea, this is one thing you’ll want to look out for.
Knowing this in advance = instant smart shopper badge 🛍️
🌍 Do other countries have this?
Yes!
In the U.S. or UK, you might see similar promotions like BOGO (Buy One, Get One Free).
In France, it might say “2 acheté = 1 offert” (Buy 2, get 1 free).
But here’s the difference:
- These deals don’t happen that often,
- Usually limited to specific brands or regions,
- And the conditions can be confusing.
🇰🇷 In Korea, it’s kind of a lifestyle!
In Korea, these deals are everywhere, all the time.
You’ll see bright stickers on the shelves,
and there are often dozens of products on promotion at once.
It’s one of those “Only in Korea” things that make shopping fun and rewarding!
🗓️ Wait, if it's always there… can I just buy later?
Good question!
Yes, 1+1 and 2+1 deals happen very often,
but the items change regularly.
So that energy drink you love that’s 1+1 today?
It might be back to full price next week.
Or replaced by a different flavor entirely!
👉 If you see something you like on promotion, grab it right away —
that’s how I shop too when I’m at the store 😄
💳 How do I get the discount?
It’s easy!
Just grab the correct quantity and bring them to the cashier (or self-checkout).
The discount applies automatically.
- 1+1 → Grab 2 items
- 2+1 → Grab 3 items
If you forget to bring enough, the system might just charge you full price.
Sometimes the staff will remind you… but not always.
So best to remember the numbers before checking out 😉
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