Korea's 7 Best Unique Vending Machines: From Han River to Hongdae

Experiencing Unique Vending Machines in Korea: A Complete Guide to Ramen, Flowers, and Books

With the increasing number of foreign tourists visiting and staying in Korea for extended periods, the demand for experiencing everyday Korean culture and unique activities beyond typical tourist spots is growing. One particularly interesting experience that's gaining popularity is the "Unique Korean Vending Machine Tour".
Korea has a highly developed vending machine culture. It goes beyond simply selling drinks and snacks; you can easily find a wide variety of unique vending machines, including ramen vending machines, flower vending machines, book vending machines, and even handmade dessert vending machines.
Hidden throughout Seoul and other major areas, particularly in places like Han River Park, highway rest stops, Gangnam Station, Hongdae Station, Yeonnam-dong, and Seongsu-dong, these unique Korean vending machine hotspots offer a perfect itinerary for a "Korean Vending Machine Tour".

Many foreigners who experience Korean vending machines wonder, 'Why does Korea have such a diverse range of vending machines?', and 'What is special about Korean vending machine culture?'. The unmanned sales system, convenience, and technological prowess leave a deep impression on foreign visitors.

This post will explore the types of unique vending machines in Korea, focusing on the location and characteristics of each vending machine hotspot and firsthand experiences, providing an interesting and informative perspective for foreign visitors.
"Experiencing cooking ramen at the Han River, buying a bouquet at a subway station, and getting a handmade dessert in a back alley" Let's embark on a journey into Korea's unique vending machine world!

Korean Unique Vending Machine Tour: From Ramen to Flowers and Books!

1. Ramen Vending Machine Experience – Han River Park, Highway Rest Stops

One of the most famous unique vending machines in Korea is the ramen vending machine. At convenience stores in Han River Park and highway rest stops, you can experience getting freshly cooked hot ramen.

• Not just cup ramen, but a fully cooked version with hot water and seasoning.
• Waiting time is about 3-4 minutes.
• You can choose the type of ramen (Shin Ramyun, Jin Ramyun, etc.).
• Price: Approximately ₩3,000 ~ ₩4,000

Enjoying ramen while viewing the Han River night scenery will be an unforgettable memory of your Korean trip.

2. Flower Vending Machine – Subway Stations, Large Shopping Malls

In Korea, you can easily find flower vending machines. They are installed in places like subway stations, large shopping malls, and hotel lobbies.

• Fresh flower bouquets are displayed.
• You can select a design using a touchscreen and purchase it immediately.
• Price range: ₩10,000 ~ ₩30,000

Stylishly designed flower vending machines are popular around Gangnam Station and Hongdae Station in Seoul, making them great for anniversaries or surprise gifts.

3. Book Vending Machine – Gangnam Station, Hongdae Station

In Korea, you can also buy books from vending machines. Book vending machines are installed in the underground shopping center of Gangnam Station and around Hongdae Station, allowing you to easily purchase books.

• Various genres such as bestsellers, essays, and travel books.
• Credit card payment available.
• Prices are similar to regular bookstores, sometimes slightly discounted.

Being able to buy a book to read during a short subway commute is a novel experience, especially for young people and foreign tourists.

4. Handmade Dessert Vending Machine – Yeonnam-dong, Seongsu-dong

A recent hot trend is the handmade dessert vending machine. In the alleys of Yeonnam-dong and the hotspots of Seongsu-dong, stores selling high-end desserts like brownies, cakes, and macarons through unmanned vending machines are increasing.

• 24-hour operation.
• You can select the dessert type and purchase it immediately.
• Neat packaging and high quality.
• Price range: ₩5,000 ~ ₩15,000

Popular for SNS posts, they're becoming hotspots for young foreign tourists.

5. Other Unique Vending Machines – Drinks, Ice Cream, Convenience Stores

Besides these, Korea has a variety of other unique vending machines.

• Coffee vending machines that dispense high-grade coffee.
• Ice cream vending machines that are incredibly popular in the summer.
• Complex vending machines that have evolved into unmanned convenience stores.

Unmanned convenience store vending machines, in particular, offer convenience and fun by allowing you to easily purchase items similar to those found in small marts.

A Special Vending Machine Experience Only Available in Korea

Korea's unique vending machine culture transcends simply selling goods; it showcases convenience, design sense, and technological prowess as a unique cultural phenomenon.
Experiencing eating ramen at Han River Park, buying flowers at a subway station, and getting handmade desserts in the alleys of Seongsu-dong makes your Korean trip even more special.

Don't just look; try it yourself!

"Korean Vending Machine Tour" will become a must-try experience on your travel itinerary.