Seoul Stop x ArtBox — Local services in Buena Park

I am writing this to express my concern and disappointment regarding the experience I had at this store today on 9/8/25 which left me feeling unfairly targeted and profiled as a potential thief. At first I was actually enjoying the store and liked looking at all the things they have. I’m not Korean so I was trying to really read and research certain products. While shopping, I noticed that I was being followed and watched closely by a staff member despite displaying no suspicious behavior. This staff member could have not been anymore obvious pretending to hold up sheet masks to his face standing from a distance. This treatment made me feel extremely uncomfortable and singled out. At no point did I act in any way that should have warranted such scrutiny. It appeared that I was being judged not by my actions, but by assumptions — and that is deeply troubling. INSTEAD, approach your customers and ask if they need assistance or help with anything. I even approached him myself to ask about products and it yet still continued. Bro, at that point just ask to search then! I noticed it wasn’t only until I was checking out, the employee then put down the sheet masks and went behind the counter. Let this be known for both the OWNER and employees of this store to be mindful to their customers. Im usually never bothered and hardly do reviews, but this really bothered me. I understand what a business has to do to ensure safety and especially monitoring to prevent thefts that potentially could happen, but tailing people around isn’t the way to do it(you’re going to loose business). By reading other people’s comments about how they’ve experienced the same encounters, I don’t think the issue has been addressed since it continues to happen to customers. This is probably why the ratings for your store are as they are. Also, there is a security guard standing outside the store..what is their purpose then if they are suppose to be monitoring?!? If your store is having issues with several thefts going on, then invest in proper security cameras monitoring the inside of the store, or maybe invest in detectors at all entries along with the security guard that stands by outside.. with ALL of that then your store should be GOLDEN! 👌🏽 I believe in supporting businesses that treat all customers with respect and fairness. No one should have to feel criminalized simply for walking into a store. In stating all this I hope that you take this matter seriously and reflect on how staff are trained to handle customer interactions. Profiling not only alienates loyal customers, it also damages the...

I like this convenient store, from asian snacks and drinks to skincare and cosmetics. It's a nice store that has almost everything you might need in a rush. You have a headache but forgot aspirin, a travel size is here, and what caught my eye was the instant Ramen station. The cashier was sweet and informative. I did have a pleasant time shopping at the beginning even though it was busy and crowded. It's what happened at the Ramen section and security guard that I gave this review 3 stars.

After purchasing my items, I was walking to the Ramen counter.  I wanted to video the Ramen display, but within a second, a security guard at the door came up next to me and said, " YOU CAN'T TAKE PICTURES." Surprised, I said," No? oh ok, "I put down my phone and proceeded to the Ramen counter. As I saw many customers with their phone up taking pictures and videos in the store, I felt singled out. I didn't see any signs at the display not allowing videos and pictures, just a sign that said "SMILE you're on camera", but I felt the eyes of the security guard staring at me at the counter which made me uncomfortable, so sadly, I didn't video for my daughter like I planned to because I didn't want to be approached by the security again. When I left the store, I looked to see if there were any "no photo signs" at the entrance/exit. There were none. As I turned around near Ncat USA to look at the Seoul Stop, I caught him singling another woman with her phone up at the Ramen display, she turned and ended up almost stumbling into an aisle display.

This "no photo/video taking" experience was a surprise to me, since there were IG contests where customer were able to submit photos of themselves at the store not so long ago, and also countless social media reels, pictures and videos from customers (this is how I found out about this place). If photos are not allowed, there should be signs at the doors and inside the store, especially at the Ramen display. This will prevent customers from being accosted by the security guards when they take out their phone to use the camera for any reason.

I will post a few photos from the video to go along with my review since other customers...

The selection of items available at this store was really cool, but the racism was so disappointing! It was crazy to scroll down these reviews and see the owner reply to earlier comments saying employees would be educated on this... when very clearly they are STILL being trained to egregiously follow Latino customers all throughout the store (I looked around and Asian customers had NOBODY tailing them like we did). In the big year 2025!? The Source has been my favorite place to shop and eat with friends/family for years and I've always been met with so much kindness and hospitality at other shops/restaurants. I was looking forward to having another cool store to add to my list of go-to's, but clearly latino customers aren't welcome or wanted there. Very sad that The Source is allowing this place to ruin the experiences of loyal patrons. To Seoul Stop: please invest in cameras if you really want to watch anyone who walks into your store with a little melanin THAT badly. I know so many teenagers/kids love the source and would hate for anyone younger than me to feel like they're hated/unwanted at their favorite place.

Unfortunately I don't think I'll ever feel comfortable going back there. It was cool to see so many Korean snacks and makeup products in person, but many of the prices I checked were all at least a dollar more expensive than other online and local retailers. Can't justify paying a premium at a place that doesn't want me as a customer in the...