Directions: E-Mart

Try some local shopping this holiday season! E-Mart is the closest equivalent to Target in Korea. In fact, E-Mart stores used to be Wal-Mart stores, but Wal-Mart failed in Korea. You'll see why when you go to E-Mart. It has a whole different feel.

When you get to E-Mart, you can "rent" a shopping cart for 100 Won. Put the coin in the coin holder on the handle of the cart and separate it from the line of carts. When you return the cart, plug it back in to the line of carts to get your coin back.

Also, Korean stores do not provide shopping bags unless you ask. They also do not back your merchandise. Take shopping bags with you or expect to pay a small fee per bag. If you take bags, you get a small credit back on your purchase per bag.

Finally, E-Mart does have a frequent shopper card, but to get it you may have to take someone with you who speaks Korean. They do take your American credit card.

There are two E-Marts in the vicinity of Osan AB. Here are directions to each.

To E-Mart in Osan:

• From the main gate, turn left out of the gate.


• Follow the road until you see a building that seems to sell toilets on the first floor and a sign reading "Hospitality House" on the second floor.


• Turn right at Hospitality House (this takes you to the Beta/Morin Gate on the left)


• Go past the gate and keep going until you get to the stop sign. (Note: This intersection is a notorious accident spot, so look out! Especially for traffic that doesn't expect you to stop at the sign.)


• Turn right at the stop sign


• Drive over the over pass and to the "Little 1"


• Turn left on the "Little 1"


• Follow the little one north (as though you are heading towards the "Big 1" for about 15 minutes.")


• Look for E-Mart (yellow and black sign) on the left.


• To park-drive to the light past E-Mart and turn left. Take the first left you can take down a small road. Then take the next left to get around the block back to the road next to E-Mart. There is an underground parking deck with a parking attendant waving you in on the right.

To E-Mart in Pyeongtaek: (This is the easiest way for most people, but there are many possible routes.)

• From the main gate, turn left out of the gate.


• Follow the road until you see a building that seems to sell toilets on the first floor and a sign reading "Hospitality House" on the second floor.


• Turn right at Hospitality House (this takes you to the Beta/Morin Gate on the left)


• Go past the gate and keep going until you get to the stop sign. (Note: This intersection is a notorious accident spot, so look out! Especially for traffic that doesn't expect you to stop at the sign.)


• Turn right at the stop sign


• Drive over the over pass and to the "Little 1"


• Turn right on the "Little 1"


• Follow the "Little 1" south for about 15 minutes.


• When you pass under Route 40 (major interstate/highway overpass), you will see E-Mart on the left.


• Do a U-turn at the lights


• Turn right down the small road on your right


• Turn left when the small road intersects/ends at another road. This takes you in to the E-Mart parking lot.