The most frequented place for grocery shopping among Koreans living in Irvine is H Mart.

The H Mart location in Irvine is situated near Culver Dr. and is the largest Korean supermarket in the area. It offers a full range of Korean ingredients, including vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, side dishes, frozen foods, noodles, sauces, and beverages, along with a fresh produce section, a side dish section, and a food court serving Korean snacks, kimbap, and sundubu. The store typically operates from 8 AM to 10 PM and is open on holidays.

In addition to H Mart, there is Zion Market nearby in Irvine. Zion Market is a chain of Korean supermarkets with several locations in Orange County, including in Fullerton and Garden Grove, making it a popular choice for Irvine residents as well. It offers a different selection of Korean imported snacks, beverages, health foods, and herbal ingredients, complementing what H Mart provides.

Another Asian market is 99 Ranch Market, a large Taiwanese Asian supermarket located in Irvine and the surrounding area. 99 Ranch carries not only Korean ingredients but also a variety of Asian ingredients from China, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand, with a particularly extensive fish section that serves the diverse Asian communities in Irvine. Additionally, Mitsuwa Marketplace, a Japanese market, is located in Costa Mesa, about a 15-20 minute drive away, offering Japanese ingredients and restaurants. Trader Joe's and Whole Foods Market in Irvine are also popular for organic and Western ingredients.

Even if you don't make your own Korean side dishes or kimchi, the Korean markets in Irvine sell a variety of side dishes and meal kits, making it easy for working families or those who find it hard to spend time cooking to enjoy Korean food conveniently. Online Korean markets (Hmart.com, Weee! Korean ingredient delivery app) are also actively operating, allowing for delivery orders to Irvine addresses when you don't have time to shop in person. Among Koreans living in Irvine, it is common to use both H Mart and Costco (Costco Irvine, 2 Costco Dr.) to buy bulk basic ingredients at Costco and specialized Korean ingredients at H Mart.