Finding Korean ingredients in Portland is not as difficult as you might think.

While it doesn't have a large Korean town like LA or New York, it has a sufficient environment for enjoying Korean cuisine.

Many people used to frequent the H Mart in Beaverton, but it has closed down, so there is no H Mart in Beaverton now.

Therefore, the nearest H Marts are in Tigard and the southeast Belmont area of Portland.

The H Mart located in Belmont is particularly accessible from downtown Portland. It offers a wide range of Korean ingredients, as well as Japanese and Chinese products, and you can find fresh vegetables, meats, seafood, frozen foods, side dishes, and ready-to-eat meals all in one place.

When looking for Korean ingredients in Portland, it's not just H Mart that you can rely on.

One of the places that locals have been visiting for a long time is Boo Han Oriental Market.

This traditional Korean market, located in southeast Portland, consistently sells Korean ingredients such as kimchi, gochujang, doenjang, Korean ramen, frozen dumplings, tteokguk rice cakes, and various side dishes. Although it is not large, it has a warm atmosphere reminiscent of a neighborhood Korean supermarket, making it popular among regular customers.

In the Beaverton area, G Mart is also well-known. It has a high proportion of Korean ingredients and well-stocked meat and side dish sections. Many Koreans visit to buy bulgogi meat and pork belly, and there is also a Korean restaurant on the second floor, allowing you to enjoy a meal after shopping.

The 99 Ranch Market, a Chinese Asian market, is also frequently visited by Koreans. While it is not a specialty Korean store, you can find most popular items like kimchi, ramen, dumplings, and gochujang.

Recently, a new 99 Ranch Market opened in eastern Portland, further expanding the options available.

Another Asian market is SF Supermarket. While it has a high proportion of Vietnamese and Chinese ingredients, it also carries a significant amount of Korean vegetables and seasonings, making it a popular stop for Koreans.

The Tigard H Mart is larger and has convenient parking, attracting many Koreans on weekends. It offers not only basic ingredients like kimchi, gochujang, doenjang, soy sauce, sesame oil, perilla oil, seaweed, kelp, and anchovies but also a variety of frozen foods, Korean snacks, beverages, and side dishes. Popular ramen like Shin Ramyeon, Chapagetti, and Buldak Bokkeummyeon are also easily available.

In the Portland area, there are various Asian markets besides H Mart. The 99 Ranch Market in Beaverton, Fubonn Supermarket in Portland, and Hong Phat Food Center are Chinese or Southeast Asian markets, but they also sell a considerable amount of Korean ingredients. You can easily handle simple grocery shopping at these places as well.

Recently, it has become easier to find Korean foods in regular American supermarkets. Stores like Fred Meyer, Safeway, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods are increasingly selling Korean dumplings, kimchi, ramen, and gochujang.

Many people are also taking advantage of online shopping. Using services like Weee!, Amazon, and various Asian food delivery services, you can conveniently have heavy rice or bulk ingredients delivered to your home.

Another advantage is that there is no sales tax in Oregon. You can pay the exact amount listed on the price tag at the store. This can be quite surprising for those who have moved from California or Washington.

In conclusion, there are not many inconveniences in daily life in Portland due to the availability of Korean ingredients.

As long as you know a few Asian markets centered around the Tigard H Mart and Belmont H Mart, you can easily prepare most Korean dishes at home. While the selection may not be at the level of LA, it is sufficient for a regular Korean dining experience.