Korean convenience stores — CU, GS25 and 7-Eleven — are everywhere, usually open 24 hours, and far better stocked than most visitors expect. They're perfect for keeping soft snacks in your hotel fridge between meals. If you can't go out, a friend or carer can pick these up in minutes.
Follow your clinic's food advice first — many ask you to avoid spicy, salty and very hot food for the first week.
Soft and filling
- Ready-to-heat porridge (juk) cups or pouches — pumpkin, red bean or vegetable. Let them cool a little after heating.
- Soft tofu — silky tofu packs that need no chewing.
- Hard-boiled eggs — often sold in packs; easy protein.
- Bananas — sold individually or in small bunches.
Cool and soothing
- Yoghurt and drinkable yoghurt — plain or fruit flavours.
- Banana milk — a Korean classic, sweet and mild.
- Fruit cups and pre-cut fruit in some larger stores.
- Pudding and soft jelly — handy when chewing is uncomfortable.
Staying hydrated
- Bottled water — buy a few big bottles for the room.
- Barley tea and corn silk tea — mild, caffeine-free Korean teas.
- Electrolyte drinks — if your clinic is happy for you to have them.
What to skip for now
- Instant ramyeon and cup noodles — very salty and often spicy.
- Triangle kimbap with spicy fillings, and spicy snacks.
- Crunchy crisps, nuts and hard crackers.
- Alcohol of any kind.
For proper meals
Convenience store snacks are great between meals, but you'll want something more nourishing too. AfterOp patients order soft, mild dishes — porridge, soups, eggs, salads and fruit — from the in-room dining menu, delivered to the hotel. See also what to eat after facial surgery.