• Banner 1
  • Banner 2
  • Banner 3

Welcome to First Korean Market

At First Korean Market, nestled in the heart of San Francisco, a delightful world of Korean culinary treasures awaits. This cozy, family-run grocery offers a carefully curated selection of authentic sauces, seasonings, and prepared dishes like japchae and banchan, all designed to elevate your dining experience. Its inviting atmosphere makes it the perfect stop for busy families seeking quick meal solutions or those craving a taste of home. With options for takeout, delivery, and even catering, First Korean Market embodies convenience without sacrificing quality. Each visit promises new surprises, making it a cherished gem for both locals and newcomers alike.

First Korean Market: Reviews & Ratings

Julie V.
Julie V.

This is the perfect little neighborhood market. It carries the "good" Sriracha - not the knock off one you'd find at Whole Foods. It has most Asian sauces and seasonings you'd need as well as some premade items like japchae! The cashier is really quick at ringing up items and the store itself never seems to be too crowded. It's a good place to stop by before deciding to make the journey to HMart!

Ryan T.
Ryan T.

I discovered this spot when I didn't want to go through the depths of chaos that is in H-Mart when I only wanted one Korean item. This was my first time visiting this grocery store, and it had all the charm I'd imagine from a family-run market. The layout is cozy, with aisles that are on the tighter side, but still manageable for a couple of people to browse together without feeling cramped. I cannot wait to have kids and they grow up eating Korean food. They also got soju bottles here which is clutch! This is a nice Korean market when you don't wana go to the behemoth of H-Mart which is also a trek to get to on 19th and we're feeling lazy.

Karen Y.
Karen Y.

I know this place has been here for a while but it was my first time entering this grocery store and it was exactly how I envisioned a family run grocery store. The aisles were tight but you could sort of have 1-2 people browse the items in an aisle at the same time. The prepped meals were all in front right before check out and before you exited. I was pleasantly surprised that they stocked a lot of items that aren't at the larger Asian grocery stores. I think if you want to stock up on pantry items or are hungry for a fast lunch (or dinner!), definitely head here and see what they have. It might surprise you.

Daisy L.
Daisy L.

I'm so glad I discovered this market! It's small but will satisfy your snack and frozen goods needs. The market is tidy and well run! I find the items reasonably priced, and I don't have to go as far as Walmart to shop for Korean groceries. There's an assortment of ready-made banchan and kimbap to choose from. Their fish cake banchan is solid! I'll be coming back to try more banchan!

Daf G.
Daf G.

When my husband and I are feeling too lazy to cook from scratch, we head to our favorite Korean market to stock up on groceries for the week. We love Korean bbq food because it's so easy to prepare and have a fully satisfying, meaty meal ready in no time. Pro Tip: Korean markets often have a variety of ready-to-eat banchans (side dishes) like homemade kimchi, japchae, fish cakes, cucumber salad, and squid. I usually pick 4-5 different ones depending on what catches my eye that day. Then, I head to the freezer aisle for the meats. Some are pre-marinated, but I always grab a pack of thinly sliced frozen beef brisket. It lasts us for at least three meals when paired with rice and the sides. My go-to formula: 1-2 packs of meat, 4 sides, rice, and soju or makgeolli (a milky, slightly sparkling rice wine) Two bags of groceries usually come out to $98, which is a good price for two people to enjoy several quick and delicious meals throughout the week.

Sammi L.
Sammi L.

Started coming to First Korean Market after my friends moved to the area in early 2023 and another local friend recommended their prepared foods. Since then, it's been a pretty regular stop for us when we want something easy for dinner. The shop is small, but they have a decent selection of shelf-stable items, frozen foods, soju and prepared food. We regularly get instant noodles, soju, japchae and kimbap at FKM. Portions for items like the Korean chicken and meat entrees can run a bit small for the price, but we still come back for them and more. The owners can be a bit terse depending on the day, but that's pretty standard to me for an Asian market so I don't mind. Still one of our regular stops in the neighborhood.

Jeff L.
Jeff L.

Kinda pricy but everything is good. Service is fine. Ambiance is a market, what you want. Jeff's Ultimate Tip: Get fermented gochujang instead of regular gochujang.

Jo W.
Jo W.

Quaint little mom n pop Korean shop with Korean and Asian market basics. It's not fancy, but at least we're able to get items like Honey lemon tea and Buldok ramen here. Easy and convenient little spot.

Alisa B.
Alisa B.

Very reasonable prices and cozy interior. Easy to find everything you need. The prepared food is what my friends and I came here for. Pretty convenient! They have a great variety of banchan (side dishes) and kimbap! I recommend the beef kimbap. 0.7 lbs of kimbap (2 rolls) for $7.99 is not bad. The mackeral is also fried well and delicious. The kimari was decent. Since it was sitting out, it wasn't very crunchy. My only complaint is that there's no utensils for the prepared food! We went to eat our food at a park nearby and ended up having to use our hands for everything.

Lee D.
Lee D.

This is a GREAT place to get your Korean food fix to-go. Quality/Quantity - Good, made fresh in house. Entrees: Kimbap - 3 of each... Meat Pancake Fried Mackerel Side dishes: Squid Japchae Seaweed BellFlower Root Fish Cake Puffed Corn Cookies (okay, this is more for dessert) Apples Atmosphere - Small local Korean grocery store, probably the first one open in this neighborhood. Open 7 days a week from 9:00-6:30pm. Street parking, good luck. Service - Self service. Price - $117.87, yes we overbought as usual... Owner Comment - Congrats to Junghun and family for a successful business since as long as I can remember, which is a very long time...

Location

Welcome to **First Korean Market**, a delightful gem nestled in the heart of San Francisco at 4625 Geary Blvd. This charming international grocery store embodies the warmth and community spirit of a family-run establishment. If you're looking to stock up on authentic Korean ingredients or simply indulge in a quick bite, this market is your go-to destination.

One of the standout features of First Korean Market is its impressive selection of Asian sauces and seasonings, curated to satisfy the cravings of home cooks and culinary adventurers alike. Whether you’re searching for the "good" Sriracha or traditional banchan, you’ll find it all here. Customers rave about the premade items, including delicious japchae and an assortment of ready-made banchan, which offer a taste of home in a snap.

First Korean Market is not just about variety; it also prioritizes convenience. The market offers various utilities, from quick takeout and delivery options to a wheelchair-accessible layout. It's designed to ensure that everyone can enjoy the offerings, whether they’re stopping by for street parking or using the bike parking facilities. Plus, they accept various payment methods, including Apple Pay, Android Pay, credit cards, and even cryptocurrency!

  • Cozy Atmosphere: The market’s layout is intentionally compact, creating a cozy environment where you can browse comfortably. Despite its smaller size, the aisles are packed with delightful finds, making it an enjoyable shopping experience.
  • Homestyle Touch: Many customers have noted the charm of First Korean Market, likening it to the cozy feel of family-owned grocery stores. This intimate setting is perfect for families looking to introduce their children to the joys of Korean cuisine.
  • Quality at Affordable Prices: The pricing is reasonable, as noted by regulars who appreciate avoiding long trips to larger grocery stores like H-Mart for simple grocery runs.

As you venture further into the market, you'll appreciate the prepped meals conveniently located near the checkout, perfect for those busy days when cooking feels daunting. Make sure to grab some soju or makgeolli to pair with your meals; these beverages enhance any dining experience.

My personal passion for Korean food blossoms with each visit, as I stock up on essential items and indulge in some of First Korean Market's specialties. Whether it’s filling my fridge with delicious marinated meats or grabbing a quick meal for a busy night, I always leave with a smile and a satisfying haul.

If you're ever in the San Francisco area, don’t hesitate to make First Korean Market a pit stop. You'll leave inspired and ready to cook, all while enjoying the simple pleasures this charming grocery store has to offer.

For inquiries, feel free to contact them at (415) 221-2565. Experience the warmth and flavors of Korea at First Korean Market—you won’t be disappointed!