How to Use Korea’s Various Unmanned Stores

 

As contact-free activities have been growing during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a recent surge in new unmanned cafes and stores in Korea. They can be easily spotted in many cities including Pyeongtaek, such as an unmanned convenience store near Osan Air Base.

You can enter most of the unmanned stores by using credit card authentication system. The device attached in front of the door verifies your identity with your credit card. Please note that some stores do not accept payment in cash! Once you insert your card, your card will be automatically scanned to open the door.

When checking out the selected items, bring them to the counter and make a payment. The counter has a bar code scanning device with a screen display and a bar code hand scanner. If the product you picked up is hard to be scanned through the device due to shape or weight, try using the hand scanner. When you scan the bar code on the item, you will be able to see the items and the total price on the screen!

After scanning all your items, press the “결제 (Pay)” button on the bottom-right hand. Once done, you will see a message to select the size and quantity of plastic bags. Some stores might not have plastic bags, so we recommend bringing your own shopping bag!

When the ‘Pay’ button appears on the screen, press the “신용카드 (Credit Card)” button on the top-left to make your payment. Insert your credit card in the card reader on the right side of the device to complete the payment. You can also press the “영수증 출력 (Print Receipt)” button to get your receipt! Try purchasing items conveniently at unmanned stores.

[Directions]

By Car: 9-5, Sandan-ro 52beon-gil, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do

경기 평택시 산단로52번길 9-5

By Public Transportation: Take bus no. 2 at Songtan Station → Get off at Pyeongtaek Premium Outlet (14 stops) → Walk for roughly 877m or 15 minutes (estimated travel time: 35 minutes)