H Mart Irvine NorthPark

H Mart Irvine - Northpark offers a variety of products, including a wide range of fresh ready-to-eat items and a good selection of rice. The store is spacious, clean, and features a decent variety of yogurt drinks, although the yogurt section is limited. The parking lot can get crowded, but the location is convenient with ample parking in the Northpark Plaza, which also has shops like Chipotle, MooMoo Hotpot, Chase Bank, Chevron, Supercuts, and several boba shops. Inside, visitors are greeted by the bakery Tous Les Jours Café on the left, serving fresh pastries and bread. Further in, a food hall offers popular eateries like Cho Dang, Paik Noodles, CHD, and KTown, with another restaurant, Moobongri, opening soon. The quick grab-and-go section provides options such as corn, kimbap, and some proteins, though stock can be low at times. A recent addition is the Art Box store on the right side of the entrance, a "Korean Creativity Store" with unique items like stationery, plushies, bags, lunch boxes, and more. The prices are often in Korean won, so checking the conversion is recommended, but many cute items are affordable, such as pens for $2.59 each. The cashier service is quick and efficient with many check-out aisles open.

Customers appreciate the fresh produce and meat, which are usually restocked on Thursday mornings. The frozen food and Ramyeon selections are also good, perfect for a late-night snack after watching a KDrama. The food court is a popular spot for freshly cooked, hot meals, and the bakery Tous Les Jours is great for desserts. The Art Box is also a favorite for stationery and stuffed toys. Overall, many enjoy the freshness and variety at H Mart, considering it a luxury.

However, some customers have expressed frustration about being rushed out of the store 15-20 minutes before closing, feeling pressured to leave despite the store still being open. They believe this practice is poor business and inconvenient, especially when everyone is funnelled into one line and waiting.

A common concern among shoppers is the increasing sweetness of Korean food, which many find too sugary and inedible. Pre-marinated meats like bulgogi and candied banchan are considered overly sweet, making them less enjoyable. Some mention that pairing these with white rice can be problematic for diabetics. One customer noted that the last bulgogi they bought was unfinishable, though they found the premarinated kalbi to be good. They suggest that management consider reducing the sugar content in recipes to better highlight authentic Korean flavors.