Help & Guides
English Food Delivery in Korea Made Simple: A First-Timer’s Guide to Shuttle
Seyeon
April 17, 2026
Ordering food in Korea as a foreigner should be exciting, not stressful. While Shuttle is designed to make the process seamless, we know that new users can sometimes run into registration errors, login difficulties, or confusion when setting up a delivery address. Whether you are navigating a restaurant cancellation or wondering how refunds work, these hurdles are easy to clear once you have the "pro-tips" for mastering the app.
I’m Seyeon, an international student living in Korea and an avid Shuttle user who recently joined the team as a Content Intern. I first started using Shuttle because it is an app specifically dedicated to helping foreigners like us, offering everything in English to make navigating food and grocery delivery so much easier. Having used the app for over a year without any issues, I was surprised to see reviews from customers who were struggling. It inspired me to help other users, people just like me, who need the convenience Shuttle provides.
I understand that for some first-time users, those initial steps can feel a bit confusing. We’ve all been there: hungry, tired, and just wanting a simple, stress-free meal. As a student who values efficiency and reliability when time is limited, I know that the small details like getting your address right the first time make all the difference.
To help you get started, here are 9 tips that will guide you from signing up to placing your first order with ease. Plus, my favorite ways to score as many discount codes as possible!
I know, creating a complex password can feel like a hassle when you’re just trying to get to the food! However, security is super important for protecting your account and payment info. To keep things moving smoothly, make sure to include a special character (like *, @, or #), along with uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers. Taking this extra second during sign-up not only keeps your account secure but actually prevents registration errors, making the whole process much more seamless.
Don’t forget to enter your birthday! While it is optional, Shuttle offers special perks such as free delivery on your birthday. It’s a simple step that can give you a fun benefit later on, because who doesn’t love a little bonus?
If you’re new to Shuttle, don’t miss out on your welcome benefit. First-time users can receive ₩1,000 off, and by using the code “SHUTTLE”, you can get up to ₩5,000 off your first order. It’s a simple way to save while trying the app for the first time.
When logging in, you may be asked to complete a two-factor authentication process to confirm your identity. After signing up, check your messages or email inbox for a verification code. If you used your email address, don’t forget to check your spam folder as well, as the code can sometimes be filtered there. Taking a moment to complete this step carefully helps ensure a smooth and successful login.
Setting up your address is the most important step for a successful delivery. You’ll see two options: 'Search an address' and 'Use GPS.' If you’ve spent any time in Korea, you know that romanized addresses (Korean words written in English letters) can be pretty unreliable. It is incredibly frustrating when you can't find your location in English! To save yourself the headache, I recommend searching in Korean if you can, or better yet, using the GPS feature to drop a pin at your exact current location.
Once the location is set, don’t forget to manually fill in the specific details like your building and unit number, or hotel room. Providing these details from the start prevents unnecessary delays and keeps our CS team or your driver from having to call you for directions!
One thing to keep in mind while exploring the menu is that Koreans can be less accommodating to specific dietary requests or substitutions than you might be used to back home. Many traditional dishes use "hidden" ingredients like shrimp paste or meat based stock. If you have strict requirements, it is always best to be extra cautious.
If you do not eat pork, or if you are vegetarian or vegan, remember that meat and seafood are essential ingredients in most dishes, whether it's Asian or Western food. I recommend checking the item descriptions carefully when provided. If you are ever unsure, try to stick to restaurants that explicitly state the the dish is vegan, gluten-free, halal, etc. Being proactive here ensures you can enjoy your meal free of dissappointments!
Shuttle often sends out discount codes, promotions, and important updates like delivery status and cancellations through app notifications. Keeping your notifications turned on ensures you don’t miss out on limited-time deals or important updates about your orders. If you aren't receiving updates, just head over to your phone’s Notification Center to make sure notifications are toggled 'on' for the Shuttle app.
After placing your order, try to keep your phone close by. In some cases, the restaurant or customer service may need to contact you to confirm details like your address or order. Being available can help prevent delays or unexpected cancellations.
If you ever need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to customer support through Live Chat. Providing clear details, such as your order number or screenshots, can help resolve your issue more efficiently.
Before confirming your order, quickly review your order details, including your selected items, delivery address, and total cost. This helps ensure everything is correct from the start.
In the event that an order is cancelled because a shop is unfortunately out of stock or closed, don't worry! Your refund is handled automatically. You can feel confident moving right along to try another shop while the system processes your refund. The timing simply depends on your payment method:
If you ever have a question about a transaction, the CS team is ready to help resolve it quickly. Otherwise, feel free to dive back into the app and explore other options.
Getting started with a new app in a foreign country can sometimes feel overwhelming, but with a few simple tips, it quickly becomes much easier to navigate.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to avoid common confusion, order with confidence, and make the most out of your Shuttle experience. We’re in this together, and once you get the hang of it, ordering through Shuttle can become a simple and convenient part of your routine.
Welcome to the Shuttle community, we’re glad to have you here!
