For mid-to-long-term stays or study abroad, the presence of ‘local supermarkets’ supporting the local diet is indispensable. Knowing the stores that locals use daily, rather than tourist-trap prices, can significantly enhance the comfort of your stay.
This time, we’ll introduce four carefully selected stores, focusing on Asian supermarkets and local marts loved by international students and locals in Seoul’s ‘Hongdae’ area, known as a hub for youth, extending to authentic Asian markets in Shin-Okubo, Japan, and Philadelphia, USA. From product lineups and tax-free information to smart shopping tips, we’ll provide plenty of in-depth local insights!
Hongdae Mart 24
📍 Address: 1F, Hongdae Mart 24, 1 Sinchon-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Located about a 5-minute walk from Hongik University Station, ‘Hongdae Mart 24’ (홍대마트24) is a strong ally for locals and international students. It’s a 24-hour local supermarket where you can find Korean seaweed, snacks, ramen, and daily necessities at more reasonable prices than convenience stores or typical souvenir shops.
It’s also perfect for killing time after a late night out in Hongdae or when arriving in Korea on an early morning flight. They frequently run sales on fresh meat and campaigns offering 10% off alcoholic beverages like wine and whisky, making it ideal for daily use. What’s more, for travelers and international students returning home temporarily, ‘tax-free shopping’ is a welcome perk. With purchases over 15,000 won, you can get a tax refund, which is a big advantage compared to buying in tourist areas like Myeongdong.
The store has friendly and kind ‘ajumma’ staff; while Japanese might not be widely spoken, their warm service ensures foreign customers can shop with peace of mind. This spot is highly recommended for those looking for genuinely cheap items and wanting to experience local vibrancy.
Mono Mart Plus
📍 Address: Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
For mid-to-long-term stays in Korea, when you ‘really miss Japanese flavors!’, ‘Mono Mart Plus’ (モノマートプラス) is a Japanese food specialty store in Donggyo-dong, Hongdae area, where you should rush to. It offers a wide array of Japanese seasonings, sauces, and frozen foods not commonly found in regular Korean supermarkets.
Especially praised by international students and Japanese residents is the selection of ‘Japanese meal kits’ and frozen foods that can recreate an ‘izakaya’ (Japanese pub) atmosphere at home. Items like oden, takoyaki, and various fried foods are instant hits, allowing you to enjoy Japanese flavors simply by warming them up, garnering strong support from Korean youth and self-catering residents.
Originally, this store had a strong wholesale component for businesses, so you can often find commercial-sized products and ingredients for stores at lower prices. While some say the ramen selection is somewhat limited, it offers reasonable prices for an offline market, and just browsing can give you the exciting feeling of walking through a Japanese supermarket.
Asia Super Store
📍 Address: 2F, 1-8-2 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0072, Japan
Shifting our focus from Korea, let’s introduce a supermarket that supports the diets of international students and foreign residents in Japan. ‘Asia Super Store’ in Tokyo’s Shin-Okubo area is renowned for specializing in Thai ingredients and goods, so much so that it’s called ‘the closest place to Thailand in Japan’.
The store is filled with the aroma of spices not found in Japanese supermarkets, offering a rich selection of fresh herbs like dill, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. Also, the handmade deli section is a must-see. The ‘Som Tum’ (papaya salad) is of professional quality, with peanuts and dried shrimp packaged separately to maintain their texture. Furthermore, rare local sweets like ‘Khao Tom Mat’ (steamed sticky rice with banana) and Thai pudding ‘Khanom Mo Kaeng’ are also available.
While Asian supermarkets can often be chaotic, this one is popular for its beautifully arranged products and cleanliness. It’s a vibrant spot, brimming with authentic energy, frequented by locals who love ethnic food and international students from Southeast Asia. Note that only cash payments are accepted, so be sure to prepare accordingly.
Asianfresh Food Market
📍 Address: 142 N 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
For those studying or staying in the US, ‘Asianfresh Food Market’ located in Philadelphia’s Chinatown can be considered a lifeline. Known by locals as ‘mini H Mart’, it’s a one-stop shop for ingredients from across Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and Thailand.
The first floor offers a tempting array of fresh meat, seafood, and vegetables like napa cabbage and enoki mushrooms at affordable prices, perfect for those who cook for themselves. The second floor displays a vast selection of imported snacks and frozen foods, from Japanese sweets to Thai chips. The owner is incredibly kind, often helping carry large purchases to customers’ cars, giving a sense of warm, local community.
However, like many international supermarkets, there’s a ‘trap’ where imported or sale items (such as mystery boxes) might include expired products. Checking the date on the package before purchasing is an essential skill for smart shopping abroad.
Shopping Tips to Make 120% Use of Asian Supermarkets
During mid-to-long-term stays abroad, effectively utilizing Asian supermarkets and local marts significantly impacts your quality of life. Here are some real shopping tips practiced by international students and local residents.
Firstly, ‘thoroughly utilize tax-free and discount rules’. Many supermarkets, like ‘Hongdae Mart 24’, offer instant Tax Free (duty exemption) for purchases above a certain amount (e.g., 15,000 won). Always carry your passport and stock up to save money—it’s a golden rule.
Secondly, ‘know the best times to target deli items and meal kits’. Handmade deli foods prepared at local supermarkets (such as Khao Man Gai, Som Tum, or izakaya menus) tend to run out before the evening rush hour. If there’s a specific local food you want, visiting from morning to early afternoon is best.
And most importantly, ‘adopt a self-preservation mindset’. In local supermarkets, discounted items or special offer boxes might contain products that are nearing or past their expiration date. While unthinkable in Japan, in other countries, ‘checking with your own eyes’ is fundamental. As long as you keep this in mind, Asian supermarkets can become the ultimate entertainment space, adding colorful flair to your life abroad.
