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Koreatown Galleria
Category: Shopping Shopping Centers Shopping Centers [Edit]
3250 W Olympic BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90006
(323) 733-6000
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
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119 reviews for Koreatown Galleria
Review Highlights
"Upstairs food court is a must try next time."
(in 64 reviews)
"They had my fave hello kitty milk candy."
(in 6 reviews)
"After a full round through the market, you'll leave stuffed."
(in 48 reviews)
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119 reviews in English
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Review from Josh C.
Cerritos, CA
1/22/2012
It's a bit hard to believe that you're even in Downtown Los Angeles once you step inside these doors. EVERYONE is Korean. And by everyone I mean 98%, with the other 2% being the Chinese/Japanese/other people like me that blend in with everyone else.
Parking is FREE in the parking structure, but it was pretty packed when we got their around lunch hour. But finally, a place in Downtown LA where parking doesn't cost you an arm and a leg..
This mall consists of an above average food court on the top level, small shops with everything from shoes and clothes to musical instruments in between, and a fully stocked Korean supermarket underground. Just walking around this place was pretty interesting for a first timer like me!
My only advice to you if you're not Korean like me - bring someone who is. Many of the locals here (including the shopkeepers) ONLY speak Korean. -
Review from aeri k.
Milpitas, CA
11/25/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Maybe it's just a convenience from it being near my house but I always liked this mall out of all the mini malls that koreatown offers for groceries and minimal shopping needs.
I would go to the clothing store jakin and boaz which supposedly closed for remodeling but hasn't opened since. It was my fav place to shop since they offered premium clothing for a little dc.
Hair salon, dentist, optometrist, market, make up store, vitamin store, shoe store, bakery, mostly everything u can find in this little mall -
Review from Joh D.
11/16/2011
It's a Korean mall located at downtown L.A.'s Koreatown. Parking is easy, you have an option on the side street (metered) or parking structure (can be full during lunch hour), but not that hard to find parking.
The place is clean and a nice place to go if you're looking for some hard to find Korean stuff like cosmetics/ skincare, clothing, groceries or just want to try some Korean food, hit the food court. Wide varieties there!
Also, there's two shops here that are worth checking out if you're looking for super cute things / gifts. It's located at the 2nd floor, it's called Tomodachi, the other one I forgot, it's something with "art".
Overall, it's an "okay" place. I will go back here if I need to buy some Korean skincare or makeup. As for groceries, I'll go to Freshia, which is nearer to my place. -
Review from Ali C.
Chicago, IL
1/24/2012
The market on the lower level is quite extensive and parking is free. I particularly like the ready made food section which is vast and scrumptious. There is a huge selection of seaweed and asian vegetables.
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Review from Jaylene W.
Alhambra, CA
The mall is ok but what I came here for was the FOOD COURT!
Prices are a little lower than typical Korean restaurant prices, staff are all friendly. No complaints....
The kimchi stew at one of the venders was ABSOLUTELY amazing, but unfortunately I don't know the name.
I will definitely come back for the food! -
Review from Yvonne K.
12/18/2011
More malls! The first level is actually a Korean market that you can buy groceries and snacks in (and there's even a little Korean bakery there as well). The shops are located on the second and third floors. As far as the shops go, nothing too special; stores that you would find in typical Asian malls. There were clothing shops, video shops, and shops filled with cute little things that sucked me in like a vacuum every time I passed by the entrance. Overall, though, a nice, clean, and relaxing place to take a stroll around :)
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Review from Mitty C.
Fremont, CA
12/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Just another mall...but full of Korean places! Lots of little shops here to browse around or shop at, especially if you're into cute little things! It's pretty clean here, so that's definitely a plus. We really just came here to walk around a little bit after having all-you-can-eat korean bbq just around the corner. There is also a food court in this mall that looks like they give you pretty big portions for good prices. I'm not sure how highly rated the food is though, but I'm sure you can Yelp that. ;)
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Review from Travis I.
**Garden of Eatin'**
How don't more people know about these malls in Koreatown??? The Galleria is an EPIC find. Many of these malls blend in with the surrounding buildings, only because the wealth of their structure lies beneath street level. For example, the subterranean level of the K-town Galleria boasts one of the best markets in K-town. I frequent this place, religiously.
THE MARKET.
- BANCHAN BAR. Dozens of varieties from fishcake and assorted greens to kimchi and marinated bean sprouts. Huge selection.
- CLEAN. This market, unlike many others in the area, is absurdly well-maintained. Clean as can be, and the employees are friendly and helpful.
- FREE SAMPLES. Especially on the weekends, various vendors come out and sling their wares. Do yourself a "flavor" and stop by the grilled meat sample station... Bulgogi, Pork Shoulder, Short rib... All grilled for your snacking delight. After a full round through the market, you'll leave stuffed.
- LOVELY PRODUCE. These folks care about their produce. It's displayed in an artful and organized manner. I can't tell you how much I appreciate that. Are you buying green onions for a dollar? Try SEVEN (yes, seven) bunches for $.99!!! That's what I'm talking about.
THE MALL.
FOOD COURT. Now, don't get me wrong--while the supermarket is amazing, the mall also has a lot to offer, including one of the most impressive food courts I've ever seen. Food courts usually conjure up images of trays filled with cheap, disgusting Chinese food or poorly-made pizza. Not in this mall. Here, the food court is more typical of what you'd find in many Asian countries: Professional folks whipping out piles of fresh grilled bulgogi, alongside boiling stone pots of spicy miso tofu soup. GO TO THE FOOD COURT and DARE to tell me that it isn't freakin' lightyears ahead of standard American food courts! ((Warning, the prices are more typical of those you'd find in a restaurant, but so are the portions... Be ready to spring $10 or so for a memorable meal.)) I've never in my life enjoyed eating at a food court so much.
CAR GADGET STORE. They have a store dedicated to anything that can plug in, snap on, or stick to your passenger compartment; air fresheners, phone mounts, battery chargers, decorative lights, seat covers. They even have hilarious (and comfy) puffy slippers. An odd thing to have in this store, but I'm not complaining.
And of course, the mall has clothing and cosmetic stores... It's a mall. But for me, it's all about the food court and the market.
The only downside.... PARKING. Yeah, it's free, but any place where the Asian driver index is high, your blood pressure will increase proportionally. Worst drivers ever - just as oblivious as can be. How half of these people managed to live this long without drowning in the bathtub is beyond me. Even with a traffic/parking assistant attempting to wrangle the auto-morons, the lot is still too much for me to handle. I simply park on the street just south Olympic (I think it's 8th, or something) and walk in. For this, I have to say 4.5 stars, but I'll round up, because I'll be damned if I haven't become a huge (and grateful) fan of Korean malls and the awesome food those Kokos crank out. Now, all I have to do is book that plane ticket to Seoul.... Anyone wanna gimme some cash for that? ((I won't pay you back))
The Galleria is simply a gift to K-town. And I can't tell you how thrilled you'll be upon your first visit... especially if you are a mall person (which I'm not). And more than likely, your first visit will NOT be your last.Listed in: Good Buy for the Slant Eye
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Review from Sarah I.
Los Angeles, CA
10/18/2011
This. Place. Is. Awesome.
I'm a college student and a foodie, which is usually problematic. This place is perfect if you're on a budget Regardless of if you like asian food or not. The produce is less expensive than you're run of the mill grocery store, and it is WAY fresher.
I went to this place on the hunt for sushi grade tuna and salmon, and I found it. A bit more expensive than I was looking for ($29.99/lb for tuna and $16.99/lb for salmon) but it is sooooooo worth it.
Don't get lost when you are looking for the Market, it's in the basement (P2). I was a bit confused when I accidentally entered the shopping mall upstairs...
Have fun! -
Review from TK M.
Los Angeles, CA
8/22/2011
Probably way too popular Korean Glocery store - doesn't need my review, but I'm writing so that people who read my review will know where to get cool stuff just in case you don't know...
This Korean store, located in the heart of K-town, Olympic and Western, is one of the best place to buy your food - whether it be Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or even Mexican or American. They have all kinds of vegetables and meat at the reasonable price. Can't beat the green onion for 20cents/bunch. They have very good fruits selection too! When the lychee or cherries or strawberries are in season, this is a good place to shop. Love the Rainier cherries (was $2.99/lb when cheapest) They also have wide variety of side dishes you can normally get at Korean restaurant - from seasoned bean sprouts to Kimchi, to pickled or marinated vegetables and oysters and clams and tofu. I'm surprised to see so many Korean food are similar to Japanese food. You can get soy sauce and Udon and Miso soup if you like Japanese stuff as well.
Oh I cannot forget to mention, but they have a bakery right by the cash register and they have tasty bread selection too!!! -
Review from Sarah C.
6/26/2011 5 photos
Tourist's take:
Hey, they have convenient eats, milky boba (no boba of course), a cosmetic store, bakery, market, and bathrooms. I can be here for hours.
Lower level galleria market is spacious and I trolled there for a bit
Snack section is abundant
They had my fave hello kitty milk candy
Gummy candies galore
Grabbed some aloe juice
I had to remind myself of luggage space
Cake house is just a wee bit from the registers
$10 minimum for credit card purchases
Regular good pastries that are convenient
Fave is green tea steamed cake
Had fun at palace beauty
Purchased the oxygen mask goodie
Samples given for purchase
Upper level has the food court
Convenient food ready to order
Got the pork cutlet at food picnic day (sopung ga nun nal)
Hubs got the bbq bulgogi at jin hueng ghak
For something sweet we got drinks at bopioca
My honey dew no boba was more milky similar to melon bar
His honey with boba was more like coffee milk tea
There were cute hello kitty-like stores here but I'm all set with that now
Again I don't have luggage spaceListed in: Wild wild west
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Review from Jayne L.
5/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
I actually like the Koreatown Plaza a lot more than I like this place. This place is a lot more on the boring end. It's no longer poppin' like it used to be (back in the 90s). Then again, it's not bad, either.
I really like strolling around the market and looking at their produce and the bakery side. It's very clean.
PS - Food Court is upstairs.Listed in: Because I'm Korean, KTOWN, LA
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Review from Marc D.
Los Angeles, CA
8/17/2011
The restaurant/kitchen supply store in the basement is the place to get teapots, chopsticks, cutting boards, and anything else your inner chef desires at very low prices.
The grocery store on the first floor is also amazing. They carry every type of everything for good prices, too. And if you're not quite sure what to buy, just put a confused look on your face and nice Korean ladies will appear and give you advice. Works like a charm! (It helps if you're white and have no idea what you're doing). -
Review from Andrea S.
Los Angeles, CA
11/27/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I like that this place is clean and new. A bit overpriced for my taste. Their korean side dishes don't look fresh and its OVERPRICED! wth. the pickled cucumbers has 2 small cucumbers and its $3!!!! what the hizzy mah nizzzy? Im Korean so I usually don't complain too much. But if you're gona sell overpriced food, then make it up for a great service, which i guess this place doesnt have. Most Korean places aren't so good with their service, (but i guess theyre getting better slowly). I like the new galleria better since it's closer to my house, and its less crowded
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Review from Tiffany P.
Chino, CA
8/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best place for groceries and prepared food!!
GALLERIA MARKET:
When I lived in downtown, this was my go-to market for one of the best kalbi, banchan selections, and all things Korean.
FOOD COURT:
Located on 3rd floor, is an abundance of great Korean food. A lot of the vendors are similar, offering the same protein choices, noodles, etc, so I would recommend trying all to discover your fav!
PARKING:
Crooked parked cars. -
Review from Cynthia J.
Fullerton, CA
7/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Deep in Korea town this is your place for Korean goods.
Most of the places on the upper floor where the food court is located are cash only so make sure to have some cash on hand.
Beauty store down stairs is really good. Inside, they also have a store where you can purchase Korean DVDs or CDs. Other stores include random sanrio store, clothing items and a bank.
The bank charges a 3$ service fee if you aren't a customer which is high IMO. Definitely bring cash before going. -
Review from Chris S.
North Hollywood, CA
8/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love going here on lunch breaks when I am just starving. Believe me, come here hungry because you get so much food here it's not even funny. Whether it be the sushi, the bagoke, fried rice, noodles, or boba, they got you covered. Price is more than reasonable for what you get.
Seating is practically cafeteria style, and I never had a problem finding a table to sit at. Busboys are constantly keeping everything nice and clean which is a plus for a bustling place such as this.
Just make sure you bring a friend to roll you out of the place once you're done plumping up. ^_^ -
Review from Julia G.
Santa Monica, CA
8/3/2011
My dad was in town and after being stationed in South Korea long long ago he was craving authentic kimchee and bagoke. We looked for some of the Yelp high-rated restaurants in the area but hard a hard time zeroing in on those two things and finding good ones that spoke English. :)
We decided to head to the mall hoping for a food court full of pictures you could point at. It was AWESOME! I ordered what I thought was one bowl of veggies and rice noodles and got a giant tray I could barely carry. We tried sooo many different things and I don't think we spent more than $10 each.
Everyone there was super friendly and my dad was in heaven. I can't speak to the authenticity of the taste; but the people were definitely authentically kind and generous - and my father and I had no complaints whatsoever. I want to go back for more - very, very soon! Yum! -
Review from Amy C.
Los Angeles, CA
4/17/2011
I like their food court. Their food court is on the top most floor of the building. You take your car all the way up to the roof, park, walk in, and voila! there's the food court.
Food court prices are not necessarily cheaper than at a seat down restaurant. For example, their donkatsu was like 12 dollars (including tax). Considering that Wako is currently having a special at $7.99, this is not such a good deal.
They also were having a special on ja jiang mien (~$5). The portion's not huge but it was just right for me.
I would definitely recommend coming here if you just wanna kick back and eat and you don't want to go to a restaurant alone. It's generally very quiet during the week so you can come here, read a book, or even study. I am not sure if they have wi-fi though. -
Review from Ingrid L.
Los Angeles, CA
6/4/2011 4 Check-ins Here
This review is just for the supermarket downstairs as I don't really have the money to shop anywhere else here.
I came for the first time one afternoon and was blown away by how many samples there were. It's was like Costco but korean! Ran into some problems though when I liked something that I sampled and looked at the packaging only to find that it was all in Korean. The lady that was cooking the samples didn't speak much English and told me "very easy, just add one cup water" I looked at the pictures in the back and it didn't look that simple. Ran into this problem 2 or 3 more times with other samples :[ I may just go ahead and buy things anyways and get a korean friend to translate the directions though.
I come late at night to get the hot foods that have been marked 50% off. So far I've had mackerel in soy sauce and korean pancakes for a dollar each and they've been yummy.
The prices for produce are average. I think i'm spoiled by the super duper cheap mexican markets I live around though. -
Review from Elaine K.
4/24/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I love coming here!
Even though their shopping mall is not fantastic, it's just great cause it's not too busy..and there's free parking...
market+shopping+places to eat=good combination of things to do
Downstairs where the market is where I always go. Why? There's an awesome bakery that has fresh chapsal donuts [anko inside]. For the bakery, if you want to use credit card...need to have a $10 minimum purchase -
Review from Michelle N.
Irvine, CA
7/2/2011
I wish I wasn't so short and petite, because a lot of clothes in the stores here were too big for me. Only thing I liked at this place was the Taro smoothie that was sold at Bopioca.
Also, I felt really uncomfortable in the Ladybug store. There was this girl working there who followed me around everywhere. Literally. I'm not coming back to that store ever again should I go back there (to the Galleria) again. -
Review from Soung S.
4/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Pretty cool Korea Town shopping center. I think the best part about this place is the food court more than anything else, at least to me. They have pretty much everything. I didn't care for much of the shopping stores as none of them really interest me. I did find the CD store and the little gift shops on the top floor to be cool.
Parking here is not an issue unless you come on the weekend. They have a pretty large parking garage thats free. If you are visiting LA then this should be one of your stops for sure. -
Review from Jean J.
Los Angeles, CA
5/7/2011
My favorite Korean market so far.
I live about 10 minutes away, so this has become my go-to Korean store. Their fruit/produce selection is great, their banchan is great, and the place is very clean (which is a MAJOR plus in my book).
The food court upstairs is... meh. I'd much rather drive out of the plaza to one of the many Korean restaurants nearby.
The shops are okay, although I've only visited the accessory stores on the top level (including the cross-stitching shop). -
Review from Sean S.
Whittier, CA
1/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Its the land where the Koreans who have graduated from swap meet to small retailer reside. The plaza is indoors and small but the decor is pleasant. When you walk in there is an upscale feel but the shops carry regular merchandise. I went to the Hello Kitty store on the second floor SE corner. It had a decent selection of gifts and was nicely decorated. The service is very mediocre and if you are not Korean, plan on being treated like a richard-head. Koreans are not warm to foreigners so I felt like a jerk shopping at their stores but at least the scenery was pleasant.
My suggestion: If you are Korean, this is an okay place to come although the variety of stores is limited. Again, it is like an upscale swap meet. If you are not Korean, do not go. You will feel and be treated like poop even though you are buying from the stores.
BTW: The food court was mediocre as well. I ordered a boba and although the flavor was good, there were only 10 boba balls. WTF? -
Review from Kali M.
3/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Galleria is a place I wish I made it to more often (and I also wish I'd discovered it a lot earlier). Fun Korean and other asian/fusion food court eateries (bulgogi bowl for the win!), kitschy Asian shops, and a great market on the ground level.
It's not an American mall, so don't go expecting to find your American mall stores. It's a Korean shopping center, so appreciate it as such! -
Review from Steph C.
12/13/2010
I love the Galleria. I've probably visited this mall a hundred times at least, and wandered inside a hefty percentage of its shops. While there isn't one place in the mall that I love to death, the place as a whole offers convenience and a sense of community that I can't put down for less than five stars.
The food court is solid, with lots of options. I would say I prefer the Plaza food court, but both are solid. There's a cute coffee shop on the top floor, along with a Korean bookstore, if that fits your needs. There are plenty of places for shopping, including a few clothing boutiques and places for shoes and luggage and various miscellaneous Korean things. I also use the optometrist on the second floor.
On the ground level is a giant market with great products and plenty of samples. If you love Korean markets, check this one out. The bakery is also great, and there's a dduk shop with gorgeous displays and tasty samples right by the garage across from a small pharmacy.
Parking is always easy, and in the garage before you even enter the mall are a husband and wife who do alterations and shoe repair. I've been going to them for years. There's also a little nook where you can buy cheap T-shirts and slippers, shijang style, on the cheap.
All in all, the Galleria is a wonderful resource for Koreans and non-Koreans alike. I love the Plaza too, as I have a longer history with that mall, but I find the Galleria more useful. -
Review from Janey R.
Baltimore, MD
5/12/2011
When it first opened it was awesome... now it sucks
it used to be a shopping mall that was incredible, but later became a place where all the brands were the pricey ones and most of the korean stores arent there anymore...
in the end if your only going to the market downstairs your in for a treat. but everything else... it used to be great in the 90s -
Review from jenny k.
Sherman Oaks, CA
4/28/2011
My one stop shop for cheap and delicious produce, prepared banchan (Korean side dishes), and a quick meal!
Koreatown Galleria has a great food court on the 3rd floor with indoor and outdoor seating.
As a Korean vegetarian, I still have a lot of food options! my go-to meal is the vegetable bibimbap at the restaurant in the corner at the opposite end of the bathrooms. Its name has picnic or happy day in it.. something that doesn't make too much sense in English, but sounds pleasant. For ~$8, you get a huge bowl of seasoned vegetables and egg, a side of rice, spicy red paste, banchan, AND soup!
You can walk off your meal afterwards in the 1st floor grocery where you can get organic fuji apples for less than $1/lb sometimes! Also, pick up some baked goods for breakfast the next day in the bakery! -
Review from John W.
Long Beach, CA
Coolest Korean strip mall I have ever been to. This spot offers free parking and a decent coffee shop to boot so please ensure you mark this as your go-to-market when in Koreatown.
The market downstairs just straight up rocks and is cheap. Korean and Chinese goodies all over the place with people bustling all about made me feel like I was overseas again. I really loved that.
Head upstairs for some Korean shopping and oh, don't forget the Hello Kitty shop that is constantly flooded with 8 to 80 year olds buying everything up. I love how Hello Kitty can be innocent for an 8 year old, cute for an 18 year old, a little sexy for a 28 year old, and your 78 year old G-ma still rocks the Hello Kitty car seats and sun visors. Whowhudathunk?
The little mall part isn't "huge" by American standards at all, but again this is the Koreatown Galleria, and for what it is, it's really big. The bookstore was cool, the coffee house was pretty chill, the kiosk where cheap, and when we went there were people raising money for a good cause. You go Korean people!
I liked it here and want to come back for a little personal shopping. -
Review from Amy U.
2/26/2011
I love coming to the galleria! Its my one stop shop for good eats of Korean cuisine.
Downstairs is the market where you can load up on snacks and ingredients to make traditional meals and upstairs is a variety of shops and an awesome food court.
Beef Bone Soup is bomb at Food Picnic Day! -
Review from S p.
Camarillo, CA
4/13/2011
My go to market in ktown. Not the cheapest, but way cheaper than the one on 8th st.
This place is huge too. You can probably find whatever you need here.
All the food that was packaged by the supermarket ie. Banchan,kimchi,fish,haemultang,chicken had been very good. I guess I took this for granted. -
Review from Soo K.
Los Angeles, CA
1/29/2011
I LOVE THE GALLERIA!
The Galleria Market:
the market downstairs has the BEST groceries and the best imported korean/japanese cookie/chip selection. their seafood selection is very fresh too! LOVE their salmon sashimi! their samples are usually decent and they have good fresh produce! service is fast and the bakery is awesome as well!
Tomodachi:
The little asiany/sanrio accessories shop is always fun! they have mario (as in nintendo) stuff and hello kitty crap galore! fun fun!
Giga:
love their car accessory store because they have hello kitty stuff and all sorts of weird cute asian crap!
food court:
AWESOME selection of food. a bit pricey but definitely good stuff to eat! so much variety!
palace beauty:
they have all sorts of awesome korean and american beauty products! they have LA colors stuff, which is AWESOME!
only downside: PARKING IS A PAIN IN THE BUTT BECAUSE PEOPLE CANNOT DRIVE WORTH A CRAP! 4 out of 5 stars in just that alone!!!! i usually just try and drive to the top of the lot but even THAT takes forever because it takes every friggin' asian girl 5 minutes to back out of a spot! and the one waiting for her to pull out takes another 5 minutes trying to get into that spot. COME ON PEOPLE! it's not impossible to fit your damn BMW 3 series into a spot made for an SUV! you are NOT going to mess up your tiny luxury car that you can only afford because you work full time but still live at home with your parents at the age of 31! -
Review from Pilar B.
12/7/2010 1 Check-in Here
I kid you not, I only visit this mall if I'm with another KOREAN! Don't judge what you see, I may look Korean but secretly, I am like a white oreo cookie inside. I can't speak or read any Korean what-so-ever!!
The mall is clean with Korean owned stores. A good selection of foods at the Korean food court. Most of which I DO NOT understand and therefore go by the pictures. There's also a market inside with a bakery.
So get your Kimchi and Korean foodie on at this mall~ -
Review from Katherine S.
Los Angeles, CA
12/20/2010 6 photos
This mall has everything you need in one place -- grocery store, restaurants, and shops! I love that the parking garage is FREE too; you may have to circle a couple times, but just be patient and you'll find a spot.
Some of the clothing stores are a bit pricey, although there are some sales going on right now. My friend bought 2 t-shirts for $15 at a stand in the middle of the floor; the shirts were set out on several tables and a clothes rack. On the 3rd floor there's Tomodachi and another store next to it that has cutesy items, including Sanrio; there's sales going on now! There's also a food court with lots of food to choose from.
On the bottom floor is the grocery store; I didn't check out the produce, but some of their snacks are less than a $1/bag! The grocery store has its own cosmetic kiosk and bakery as well.
I definitely want to come back to try out some of the restaurants.Listed in: KTown
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Review from Raymond K.
Los Angeles, CA
8/12/2010
Its ok. The market is decent but no pet food supplies. They carry a good range of korean baked goods, food court is sub par, asian beauty store is the coolest part because they carry those skin peeling face masks. Market is open til midnight but you have to sneak in through the back parking entrance/exit to get inside (they close the doors on the outside.)
Bakery inside sells baked good half price on tuesday after 8pm. -
Review from Jeannie J.
Hawthorne, CA
7/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is all kinds of awesome. One stop for baked goods from Cake House (sesame balls!), groceries/quick meals from the market, and great food court selection. Total win. Easy parking and convenient location as well. I'm a huge fan!
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Review from Mimi C.
9/8/2010
4.5
Quite possibly my favorite Korean Market. This place is huge!!! Much bigger, cleaner and brighter than Zion Market.
I especially love their self serve banchan section!
So tempted to grab myself a box of seaweed salad, chili anchovies (favorite!!!), chili cucumbers and jap jae ...
Also liked their pre-made food section, at the end of the day if they don't sell off their soups, they mark it off at 50%! My husband got the squid soup. hehe. =)
Could spend so much time looking at all their products! And free samples of food there is always nice. Free parking too! -
Review from Kazuma K.
9/9/2010 1 Check-in Here
The grocery store.
It's open till midnight.
Lots of Japanese products and Korean products! And lots of Korean knock-off products of Japanese products that I've tried, but ultimately decided "nope." Such as "Pepero."
Their bakery is pretty good - the ice cream popsicles they sell there are pretty bomb. Yum!
The orange juice they have there near the check out counter next to Kim Chi is good too!
Anyways I always get some produce here too, it seems to be very fresh and cheap! -
Review from bernadette e.
Santa Monica, CA
1/3/2009 ROTD 3/27/2009
Learning to prepare Korean food is something I've always wanted to do.
Did some research on the internet and found lots of great recipes and cooking videos, so I'm going to give it a shot!
I went to the Korean Market at the Galleria-- list in hand. Unfortunately, most of the product labels are in KOREAN ONLY!!!!!
The produce section is large, fresh, and reasonably priced--with the exception of the small eggplants and zucchini, both of which have seen better days.
Next... I was off to find:
Hot Pepper Paste
Hot Pepper Powder
Sesame Oil
Dried Shitake Mushrooms
Kosari?
Dried Anchovies
Dried Kelp
Soy Sauce
Sesame Oil
Mixed Grain Rice
Bean Paste
seafood, noodles, tofu, etc...
None of which proved to be an easy task. There are rows and rows of different types of soy sauce! And, hot pepper powder??? Forget about it... there's an entire aisle devoted to the stuff!
Innie mini minie moe... I just threw any ol' soy sauce in my cart, then I picked the most expensive pepper powder I could find-- hoping it was the highest quality.
But Kosari? What-the-heck is that?
It was time to enlist the help of a native Korean shopper.
Me: Excuse me... can you tell me what KOSARI is?
Mrs. Choe: Kosari? She starts speaking to her husband in Korean.
Mr. Choe: Sure... my wife will show you.
She walks with me, to the the right aisle, and shows me which kind of Kosari to get.
Her husband translates:
"My wife wants to know what you're planning to make."
I show them my list of of dishes:
Fried Mandu with a dipping sauce
Mandu Soup
Gaji Namul
sun du bu jjigae
bibimbap
deon jang chigae with barley rice and salad
Mrs. Choe starts going through my entire shopping cart, switching out products. She removes the soy sauce I had chosen, which turned out to be a soy sauce soup starter, (not ideal for a dumpling dipping sauce).
Next, she takes out the plastic jar of kimchi and walks me over to where the kimchi, made there at the market, is.
She approves of what remains in my cart and through her husband's translation, leaves me with a few parting words:
Soak the kosari in hot water before use, overnight is even better.
Use large dumpling wraps for 'beginner' dumpling maker (easier to fill)
Don't overcook eggplant, lightly cook in oil or it will get 'mushy' (sprinkle with sesame seeds [or did she say 'crushed' sesame seeds?]
Talk about friendly people! I love the Choe's!
SIDENOTES:
-- TOTAL Cost: $144
-- Grocery photos uploaded to my profile
-- I'm also going to make a vegetarian dumpling (tofu ,spinach, shitake) and possibly invent a seafood version, in addition to traditional meat-filled dumplings for my carnivorous friends.
-- I'm NO expert in Korean cuisine... I've had it a 1/2 dozen times, but was limited in what I could eat as a vegetarian. Seafood soups and stews were always good, as were, the side dishes and pickled foods etc...
-- A Korean website I found useful: http://www.maangchi.com with video lessons
-- It's such a foreign cuisine to me that it poses a fun challenge.
