Seoul Market — Attraction in Phoenix

Absolutely thrilled by my first visit today! Im a Glendale native but lived in Tempe for a few years, just moved back. In doing so, I lost easy access to several nearby asian markets, and Asiana Market is also a lot further from me than expected. I've been missing Hotteok (korean filled hotcakes) and thought I'd give this place a visit just in case they had it... They absolutely did! I expected to have fewer options in such a small location (yes, the aisles are VERY narrow), but i was blown away. Lots of drinks (Korean and some other Japanese drinks as well), an impressive snack selection, lots of frozen options packed into a small space. Basically, this place is small, but it is filled to the brim. Prices seem pretty fair, a 5 pack of buldak ramen was $5.99 which is the same or less than H-Mart, and individual packs of ramen and similar dried noodle packs are about $1.60-2 each. The microwaveable bowl type ones seemed to be $2.99 for the ones I got. The snacks seem to tend towards larger bags but the price seemed proportionate. I didn't have time to really puruse the rice cakes and fresher foods but my basket was full so that will have to wait. Overall, I'm absolutely thrilled to learn how well stocked, priced, and close Seoul Market is, and I can't wait to come back...

The service was really bad and very unpleasant n unprofessional. The whole staff didn't even acknowledge us when we came in to shop. There were other Americans who came into the shop n totally ignored them too. But there were a few Korean families who came in n acknowledge them with politeness n manners. The staff totally ignored us. Being a veteran, I served in South Korea near the DMZ in 1973 n served in Saigon, South Vietnam. I was never ever treated with disrespect and unwanted. While station in South Korea, the people there treated us with the utmost respect n even invited us into their homes. I learned a little Korean words n I knew what the staff were talking about. I even try to talk to them with respect n honor. But they all just ignored me. But the Korean family was treated with respect n with big smiles. I still totally respect n honor the Koreans people. I felt so very uneasy n unwanted. I don't think we won't return back to Seoul Market. They need to treat all the people the same with respect, honor n smiles. As a veteran, I would totally fight n defense South Korea. Thank you. Air...

Has a lot of the same generic asian ingredients as other Asian grocery stores as well, but where it sets itself apart (for me at least) is the Koreans who work there and make authentic food on the spot. The kimchi and other such foods are made right in the kitchen inside and stored in a nearby glass door fridge, so you know not only is it going to be good, but it's been touched by experienced hands and not machines. Some places make their food on the spot as well, but here, they back it up with the expertise and authenticity brought from Korea, instead of just following stock recipes like other stores might.

Good for Korean groceries (though maybe total grocery option wise you'll find a bigger selection at a normal chain Asian grocery) if you want to try your hand at Korean cuisine....