Have a Taste for Korean? Try These Online Markets

Unless you are living in a large metropolitan area where there is a huge influx of ethnic groups from other countries, it can be downright hard or next to impossible to find authentic traditional foods or food items needed in the preparation of traditional meals. This is true for even such ethnicities with large populations in the U.S. such as Koreans. If you are Korean or you have a liking for Korean cuisine and you live somewhere out in the small town Midwest areas of the country, you will have a problem finding your necessary ingredients. With the internet and the online stores available, this is no longer a problem. Korean ingredients and prepared foods can be had at usually reasonable prices before the shipping and handling fee. There is a price for everything. Here I have compiled a list of the best sources of Korean foods that can be bought online.

KGrocer.com
Kgrocer is one of the largest online suppliers of Korean foodstuffs on the web. They carry a full line of foods and ingredients directly from Korea, many prepared, canned, or jarred. Categories vary and include Ramen noodles, Heat & Eat cooked rice, Kimchi, Ready to serve & eat, Instant cook, Ready to cook, snack, Easy to store Easy to eat, Dried, Drinks, Noodles, Health food, Condiments & spices, Tea, Medicine, and kitchen ware. Many items carry prices discounted from the list at up to 20%. KGrocer is located in Los Angeles and they usually ship within 24 hours of ordering.

Koamart
Koamart is also one of the leading online grocers for Korean foods. They are also located in Los Angeles and carry a large variety of products, most of which are discounted online. Categories are a little more extensive than that of KGrocer and include Refrigerated & Pickled, Canned, Condiments & Spices, Cooked rice, Dried, Drinks, Ginseng & Herbs, Instant soup, Kimchi, Noodles, One step sauces, Porridge, Ramen, Rice & Grains, Seaweed & Laver, Snacks & Desserts, Udon, Tofu, Tea & Coffee, Kitchenware, and more. Koamart also offers bulk discounts and shipping to APO/FPO addresses.

HMart
HMart is a great online store that specializes mostly in organic Korean foods. They offer much more than food and their website is a bit difficult to navigate due to it being mostly in Korean, however, there is just enough English to get by for those of us who love Korean food but cannot read the language. Their prepared foods are as authentic as you can get and delicious. This store is geared to Koreans by Koreans and you will find authenticity here that can't be beat.

Flaming Cabbage
This company, located in Wayne, NJ has a great product lineup with categories of Ramen, Organic, Snacks, Drinks, Instant, Tea, Dried, Sauce, Rice, Condiments, and Seasoning. While their selection is not as wide as the above stores, they have great prices and flat rate shipping of $9.99 for orders under $99.00 and free shipping for orders of $99.00 or more.

Simply Asia
Simply Asia is a manufacturer of authentic Asian foods packed and prepared to heat and serve. They include all Asian foods and not only Korean. These products are a far cry from the authenticity they claim, but most pre-prepared foods are. They will do in a pinch.

Asian Food Grocer
Asian Food Grocer's selection is impressive, however hardly any of it is Korean. This site if filled mostly with Japanese products, but a smattering of Korean can be found inside. Their prices are a little more expensive than the others and I have not tried to order from them personally.

VeryAsia.com
VeryAsia.com is not a fancy website, but they do have some Korean foods for sale. While very limited, it is authentic and many items can be had for free shipping or you can take advantage of one of their many sales that offer up to 50% discounts. They also offer a $5.00 off online coupon on orders of $65.00 or more.

Yollie's
Yollie's is a small online retailer that carries Korean food in small quantities. Again, it is mixed with products from other Asian ethnicities and it is hard to find the true Korean products. If you have no choice, you can try this site, but I would stick to the bigger Korean stores.

Authentic Korean food is difficult to find unless you live near large Korean populations. Online it is not much easier beyond the first four stores on my list. Visit those and go to the others only in times of need.