These Korean Stores in Ottawa Have it All: Snacks, Groceries, and K-pop Albums Galore!
After a visit to Seoul, I found myself reluctant to leave. I didn’t know I’d fall in love with the city as much as I would.
What I miss the most, as simple as it may sound, are the little delights that only tourists truly appreciate — like the late-night convenience store runs, where I’d stock up on an unholy amount of snacks to devour on the spot.
Whether I was craving something sweet like Melona ice cream or craving a grand savory meal of instant noodles with egg and sausages, I could easily satisfy it.
Fortunately, Ottawa has something similar. I’ve been working on this list for quite a while now, collecting the best Korean stores that remind me of Korea.
From snacks that make you question why you ever bought Canadian chips to skincare products that promise you’ll look as poreless as your favorite K-pop idol, these stores have it all, and then some!
1. Seoul Mart
Media credit: @intheglebe
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zueJub13bvR7Y2AQ6
Address: 22 Pretoria Ave
Contact details: +1 613-567-9988
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Seoul Mart is a shopper’s paradise, beckoning to anyone looking for a wide selection of Korean grocery items.
Among the noteworthy offerings on their shelves are ice creams, noodles, snacks, and fresh produce.
They also have dumplings that you can simply heat up and enjoy. I recommend putting them in the air fryer for a deliciously crispy texture.
Be sure to check out Seoul Mart’s prepared dishes, ideal for those who don’t want to go through the trouble of whipping up a classic Korean dish in their kitchen. Regulars usually go for the kimchi and the Korean fried chicken.
2. Arum Korean Market
Website: https://www.sushiboxgroup.com
Address: 300 Laurier Ave W
Contact details: +1 343-984-5327
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM
Arum Korean Market is a downtown favorite for Asian delights. Though their store may be small compared to others on the list, don’t let that deter you.
With shelves stocked full of authentic Korean ingredients and snacks, you’ll find yourself being transported straight to this East Asian country!
Think instant noodles, spices, sauces, and snacks – everything that you’re most likely looking for is already here. And since Koreans love their kimchi, you can expect to buy fresh batches during your visit.
The best part about this store is that you can browse and shop through their online website too, ensuring a faster and more convenient transaction.
3. OK Mart
Website: https://okmart.ca/en
Address: 1508 Merivale Rd Unit #17, Nepean
Contact details: +1 613-228-1181
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday – 9:30 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Located inside City View Plaza, OK Mart is a bustling hub of international flavors most specializing in Korean offerings that will delight any food enthusiast.
They have a lot of staples that first-time dabblers of Korean cuisine will find exhilarating. Plus there’s a wide array of produce available, ensuring you have fresh ingredients to create authentic Korean dishes at home.
Be sure to check out their frozen options before you go. They have an assortment of products available, including pancakes, seaweed rolls, fish cakes, rice cakes, and dumplings.
4. Mergi Shop
Website: https://www.instagram.com/mergishopottawa
Address: 382 Rideau St
Contact details: +1 613-366-6459
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, and Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 9:30 PM
Mergi Shop is your one-stop shop for everything Korean. I go here to replenish my pantry with Korean snacks, considering the wide array of unique choices available that are hard to find in Ottawa.
There are also plenty of drink options, ranging from vitamin-enriched beverages to refreshing green teas.
In addition to being able to stock up on Korean and Japanese groceries, visitors can also purchase Korean skincare, featuring popular brands like Beauty of Joseon for its sunscreen and Mediheal for its toner pads.
5. Hungry Ninja
Website: https://hungry-ninja.ca
Address: 1529 Merivale Rd, Nepean
Contact details: +1 613-290-4921
Operating hours:
- Monday – 11 AM to 6 PM
- Tuesday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Don’t be fooled by its name; Hungry Ninja also offers Korean grocery, providing a diverse selection of ingredients and products for your next culinary adventure.
From chocolates and candies to instant foods and dry goods, be ready to encounter a wide range of delicious treats and essentials.
That said, they’re quite well-known for their snack options, so be sure to procure some for yourself!
It’s also quite convenient to shop from their website, so check it out if you want the items delivered straight to your doorstep.
6. Sukoshi Mart
Website: https://sukoshimart.com/en-as
Address: 50 Rideau St
Contact details: +1 613-860-6866
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM
K-pop fans, get ready to finally exhale! I know you’ve been waiting for this one.
Sukoshi Mart offers K-pop albums that will satisfy those who want to start collecting, along with lightsticks from your favorite groups.
That said, it can get quite expensive here, likely due to the high demand, but I know that the excitement of finding rare items makes it all worth it!
Aside from this, they have a wide variety of products like stationery, plushies, blind boxes, and even some snacks worth looking into.
You’ll also find an impressive selection of beauty products and skincare essentials. It’s a one-stop shop for anyone looking to dive into Korean pop culture.