When most people think of Korean food, Britain probably isn’t the first country that comes to mind. But over the past two decades, the UK’s cultural landscape has evolved—and Korean cuisine is riding that wave of change.
According to the most recent census, just over 20,000 people in the UK identify as Korean, with a significant number living in New Malden, a quiet suburb in southwest London that has become the heart of the Korean community.
Across the Atlantic, the Korean diaspora is much larger. Back in 1982, a Korean immigrant opened a small ethnic grocery store in New York City called Han Ah Reum—later shortened to H Mart. Today, H Mart is a household name in North America, with over 99 locations across the U.S. and Canada.
Now, H Mart has arrived in the UK, with two stores already open.
Last week, I visited the New Malden branch to see what all the buzz was about.
It was a bustling Saturday afternoon, and the store was packed. About half the shoppers appeared to be Korean, and the atmosphere was lively and familiar. The shelves were lined with Korean staples: Soju, gochujang (chili paste), BBQ sauces, sesame oil, crispy fried chicken, and even dairy products tailored to Korean tastes. There were also fun touches like Squid Game-themed merchandise, adding a pop culture twist to the shopping experience.
The store also boasts a wide selection of fresh seafood and meats, catering to both traditional Korean cooking and curious newcomers.
Compared to the sprawling supermarkets and warehouse-style stores I’ve visited in Korea, this H Mart felt more compact—and noticeably chilly inside!
Curious to see what I found?
Check out the video below for a closer look at the UK’s growing Korean food scene.