emart24 from South Korea opens first store in KLÂ
Convenience stores, also abbreviated as CVS, are common in pretty much every country, including Malaysia. Popular ones from abroad, including FamilyMart and CU, have even made their way to our shores to keep up with the demand for them, as they’ve quickly become go-to spots for those wanting to fuel up on Korean and Japanese food, and more. Â
The newest convenience store that just opened their doors in KL is emart24, a popular retailer and convenience store chain in South Korea with over 5,500 stores there. At their first reserve store in Malaysia at Bangsar South, shoppers can check out a cafe with Korean food and freshly baked pastries, and aisles of Korean beauty products and snacks.Â
Here’s what you can find here.
Reserve store, with Korean food and pastries
Image credit: emart24
At emart24’s first reserve store in Malaysia at The Horizon in Bangsar South, there are a variety of Korean street food popular among Malaysians, including their popular Soy Garlic Cupdak (RM7.90) – or fried chicken in a cup – and Original Sausage (RM6.90) corn dogs.Â
Image credit: emart24
While those outside of KL might be getting all sorts of #fomo feels with their opening here, the Korean CVS, operated by Shinsegae Group, is aiming to open 300 other stores nationwide in the next 5 years. A general store in Sri Hartamas is also currently in the works, and will start operations soon.
Image credit: emart24
As emart24 sets to bring all things Korean to Malaysians – from Korean food, snacks, and beauty products – via their stores, you’ll also find unique street food options such as Eomuk (RM6.90/stick) – deep-fried Korean-style fish cakes that come with options of cheese, crabstick, sausage, or seaweed toppings.
Not leaving anyone out of the fun, all their fresh food and ready-to-eat meals are made with Halal-certified ingredients too.Â
Image credit: @sonstephan2018
Making it convenient for Malaysians looking to grab a quick yet hearty bite, they also have meal options such as Cupbaps (from RM9.90). These are rice bowls that come with different protein options, such as bulgogi chicken or beef, grilled salmon, or tuna mayo.
Those who can’t handle spice will be glad to know that they will get to choose the sauce to pair with their rice, including soys garlic, gochujang mayo, and sweet chilli lime sauce.Â
Image credit: emart24
Among the lighter snacks to find here are pau (RM2.70/each), with interesting filling options of bolognese cheese chicken and K-Spice sausage.Â
Or cool off from the Malaysian heat with their snow bingsu, which comes with toppings such as Milo Dinosaur and Injeolmi, and their soft serve that comes with waffle cone, or bungeoppang cone – which is a fish-shaped pastry popular among Koreans during winter.
Image credit: emart24
Their reserve cafe is where you can get quick bites such as sausage pastries, cinnamon rolls, and chocolate twists too. Their croissants (from RM4.90/each) are not to be missed out on, with sweet and savoury fillings of matcha custard, sweet potato Oreo, and cheese to satiate those with a sweet tooth.
These pair well with their coffee drinks, with options of Americanos, Lattes, and more that are all brewed with speciality single-origin Brazilian coffee. These also go well with their ready-to-eat food options of sandwiches, gimbaps, and samgak gimbaps.
Also shop for Korean snacks and beauty products
Besides the galore of street food and freshly baked pastries you can already get here, there are also well-lit aisles with a wide array of Korean snacks. Expect imported ones too, such as frozen food, ramen, chips, ice cream, beverages and more.Â
Look out for emart24’s in-house brands, including No Brand, I’m E, and Minsaeng, which produce snacks such as potato chips, cookies, popcorn, and coffee.
Image credit: @fujinliow
Teaming up with OnlyKorea, a one-stop distributor for Korean beauty products, emart24’s new store in KL also has a shelf of K-beauty items. You’ll find facial care products from familiar Korean beauty brands including Too Cool For School, as well as a series of perfumes from W.Dressroom.Â
Image credit: @sonstephan2018
emart24, popular CVS from Korea, opens first store in KL
It’s clear that Malaysians are still surfing the hallyu wave, as Korean food and beauty products continue to enjoy vast popularity here. This is why we’re more than excited to hear of emart24’s first store opening at Bangsar South in KL, that is a one-stop shop for Korean products.
As COVID-19 is still a cause for concern in Malaysia, do take note of current SOPs at the store. They include a capacity limit of 30 people in the store at one time, and mandatory social distancing. You’ll have to check in for contact tracing via MySejahtera, and wear a mask at all times too.Â
Address: Ground Floor, Wisma Touch ‘n Go, Tower 6, Avenue 5, The Horizon, Bangsar South, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours (during the MCO): 8AM-8PM, Daily
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Cover image adapted from: emart24 and @sonstephan2018