The Best Korean Grocery Stores Near Disneyland: A Local's Guide to H Mart and A.R. Supermarket
Most people visit Disneyland for the rides, parades, and fireworks. It's easy to spend an entire vacation without ever leaving the resort area. But after living near Disneyland for many years, I've discovered that some of Orange County's best experiences are just a short drive away.
I live close enough to Disneyland that I can see the fireworks almost every night. Around 9:30 p.m., the sky lights up, and even after all these years, I still find myself looking outside to watch. Friends who visit always think it's exciting. For me, it's simply part of everyday life.
Living here has also introduced me to places that many visitors never discover. Just ten to fifteen minutes from Disneyland is Garden Grove, home to one of the largest Korean communities in Southern California. It's filled with amazing restaurants, bakeries, cafés, and some of the best Korean grocery stores you'll find anywhere in the United States.
Whenever friends or family visit, I usually take them to Garden Grove after a day at Disneyland. Instead of another crowded restaurant near the parks, we browse the markets, enjoy authentic Korean food, and shop like the locals do.
Over the years, two grocery stores have become my favorites: H Mart Garden Grove and A.R. Supermarket (Arirang Market).
Although they're only a few minutes apart, each offers something different. H Mart is my favorite for fresh produce, everyday groceries, and prepared meals, while A.R. Supermarket is where I always go when I'm planning a Korean BBQ.
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H Mart Garden Grove is one of my favorite places to shop for fresh produce, Korean BBQ ingredients, and delicious prepared foods. |
Why Visit a Korean Grocery Store During Your Disneyland Vacation?
At first, grocery shopping may not sound like something you'd do on vacation. But Korean grocery stores are very different from a typical supermarket.
They're part grocery store, part food court, part bakery, and part restaurant. Even if you don't plan on cooking, they're wonderful places to explore and enjoy a delicious meal at a reasonable price.
You'll find freshly made kimbap, Korean fried chicken, dumplings, noodles, sushi, rice bowls, homemade side dishes, desserts, and seasonal fruit—all under one roof.
If you're staying in a hotel, the prepared foods make an excellent dinner after a long day at Disneyland. If you're staying in an Airbnb, you'll also find high-quality meat, seafood, and fresh vegetables for cooking.
One thing I've learned after living here for so many years is that these stores aren't just popular with Korean families. People from every background shop here because the quality is consistently excellent.
For me, these markets aren't tourist attractions. They're simply part of my weekly routine, and that's exactly why I enjoy recommending them to visitors.
Getting There from Disneyland
Both H Mart and A.R. Supermarket are located in Garden Grove, only about a 10 to 15-minute drive from Disneyland.
If you have a rental car, parking is free and easy at both locations. Uber and Lyft are also convenient options if you aren't driving.
I usually recommend visiting on a weekday if possible. Weekend afternoons can be quite busy, especially around lunchtime and dinner, while weekday mornings are much more relaxed.
Store Locations
| Store | Address | Approx. Drive from Disneyland |
|---|---|---|
| H Mart Garden Grove | 8911 Garden Grove Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92844 | 10–15 minutes |
| A.R. Supermarket (Arirang Market) | 9580 Garden Grove Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92844 | 10–15 minutes |
H Mart Garden Grove
If it's your first time visiting a Korean grocery store, H Mart is the perfect place to start.
The store is bright, clean, well organized, and easy to navigate. Signs are clearly marked in English, making it comfortable even if you've never cooked Korean food before.
I stop by H Mart almost every week. Even when I only plan to buy one or two things, I somehow end up leaving with a full shopping cart.
Fresh Produce I Trust
The produce section is one of the biggest reasons I keep coming back.
Seasonal fruits and vegetables are consistently fresh, beautifully displayed, and reasonably priced. Since H Mart is a large chain with high turnover, I rarely have to worry about quality.
While H Mart offers excellent produce year-round, it's their seasonal selections that I look forward to the most.
One item I buy without hesitation every summer is their watermelon.
It may sound funny to recommend watermelon at a grocery store, but after shopping here for years, H Mart has earned my trust. Their watermelons are consistently sweet, juicy, and full of flavor. Whenever I'm hosting friends or family, I almost always pick one up because I know it'll be a hit.
Fresh Meat That's Worth Bringing Home
While A.R. Supermarket is my first choice for marinated galbi, H Mart is where I usually shop for fresh meat.
One of my favorite things to buy is pork belly, or samgyeopsal. If you've never tried Korean BBQ pork belly before, you're in for something special. Unlike bacon, it's fresh, thick-cut pork that's grilled without curing or smoking, allowing the natural flavor of the meat to shine.
Depending on the weekly specials, I can often find good-quality pork belly for around $7 to $8 per pound, which is an excellent value. The meat is always fresh, nicely cut, and perfect for grilling at home.
Whenever friends visit from out of town, Korean BBQ is usually one of the first meals I prepare. Wrap a piece of grilled pork belly in fresh lettuce with rice, grilled garlic, and a little ssamjang, and you'll quickly understand why it's one of Korea's favorite dishes.
I've introduced quite a few people to Korean BBQ this way, and every single one of them has gone back for seconds.
Prepared Foods That Make Life Easy
Not every meal has to come from a restaurant.
There are plenty of days when I simply don't feel like cooking after work. Instead of stopping at a fast-food restaurant or ordering takeout, I usually stop by H Mart.
The prepared food section is one of my favorite parts of the store.
Fresh kimbap, Korean fried chicken, japchae, dumplings, rice bowls, sushi, and dozens of homemade side dishes are prepared daily. Everything looks fresh, tastes homemade, and is reasonably priced.
Honestly, I've had meals from H Mart that were better than some casual restaurants around tourist areas. If you're staying near Disneyland and want something delicious without spending a fortune, don't overlook the prepared food section.
It's one of my favorite local secrets.
Don't Miss the Food Court
Before I leave H Mart, I almost always take a walk through the food court.
Whether you're craving Korean comfort food, handmade dumplings, noodles, or a quick snack, there's plenty to choose from. It's a great place for lunch before shopping or dinner after a long day at Disneyland.
If you still have room afterward, stop by Paris Baguette for coffee and a pastry. It's one of my favorite ways to end a shopping trip.
Why I Keep Going Back to A.R. Supermarket
Although I shop at H Mart almost every week, A.R. Supermarket has a special place in my heart.
Whenever there's a birthday, holiday, family gathering, or backyard barbecue, I already know where I'm going.
I head straight to A.R. Supermarket.
For my family, it's almost become a tradition.
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| Whenever I'm hosting a family BBQ or party, A.R. Supermarket's marinated galbi is always my first choice. |
The Galbi That Never Disappoints
If there's one product I recommend to everyone, it's A.R.'s marinated galbi.
Whenever I'm hosting a party, I don't spend time wondering where to buy the meat. I simply drive to A.R., pick up a few trays of their marinated galbi, and it honestly feels like half of the party planning is already finished.
The beef is tender, flavorful, and perfectly marinated. As soon as it hits the grill, the aroma fills the backyard and everyone starts gathering around. I don't even have to tell people that dinner is ready—they can smell it.
I've served A.R.'s galbi at family celebrations, birthday parties, and casual weekend barbecues for years. I honestly can't remember a single time it disappointed anyone.
In fact, one of the questions I hear most often is, "Where did you buy this?"
That's usually when I tell them about A.R. Supermarket.
Fresh Korean Side Dishes
Of course, Korean BBQ isn't complete without side dishes.
Before I check out, I always stop by the refrigerated banchan section. You'll find a wide variety of traditional Korean side dishes, including kimchi, seasoned spinach, bean sprouts, fish cakes, pickled vegetables, and braised potatoes.
If you're trying Korean food for the first time, buying a few different side dishes is an easy way to experience an authentic Korean meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
H Mart vs. A.R. Supermarket: Which One Should You Visit?
People often ask me which store I recommend, and my answer is always the same.
It depends on what you're looking for.
If it's your first visit to a Korean grocery store, start with H Mart. It's modern, spacious, and easy to navigate. The fresh produce, meat department, prepared foods, and food court make it a great introduction to Korean grocery shopping.
If you're planning a Korean BBQ or want to bring home marinated meat that's ready for the grill, A.R. Supermarket is my first choice. Their galbi has been part of so many family gatherings at my house that I honestly can't imagine having a barbecue without it.
If you have enough time, I actually recommend visiting both. They're only a few minutes apart, and together they offer one of the best Korean food experiences you'll find near Disneyland.
Local Tips from OC Joomma
- Visit on weekday mornings if you want a quieter shopping experience.
- If you're staying at an Airbnb, don't miss the fresh meat section—you can enjoy an authentic Korean BBQ for much less than restaurant prices.
- Even if you're staying in a hotel, the prepared food section is worth visiting for an easy and affordable dinner.
- Don't leave without trying fresh fruit. During the summer, H Mart's watermelon is one of my favorite purchases.
- If you're hosting a family gathering or backyard barbecue, A.R.'s marinated galbi is always my first recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far are H Mart and A.R. Supermarket from Disneyland?
Both stores are about a 10 to 15-minute drive from Disneyland, depending on traffic.
Can I shop there if I don't speak Korean?
Absolutely. Both stores are welcoming, and H Mart in particular has plenty of English signs, making it easy for first-time visitors.
Are the prepared foods good?
Definitely. I buy them regularly whenever I don't feel like cooking, and I've often enjoyed them more than meals from casual restaurants nearby.
Which store is better for Korean BBQ?
For fresh pork belly, I usually go to H Mart. For marinated galbi, A.R. Supermarket is my personal favorite.
Final Thoughts
Living near Disneyland has taught me that some of the best experiences in Orange County aren't found inside a theme park.
While millions of visitors come for the rides and fireworks, some of my favorite memories have been much simpler—shopping for fresh fruit at H Mart, picking up marinated galbi from A.R. Supermarket before a family barbecue, or introducing visiting friends to Korean food for the first time.
I still watch the Disneyland fireworks almost every night, but whenever someone asks me where to eat or shop after a day at the parks, Garden Grove is one of the first places I recommend.
If you have a free afternoon during your Disneyland vacation, take a short drive and explore this neighborhood. You don't need to know anything about Korean food to enjoy it. Just bring your curiosity—and maybe an empty shopping bag.
I hope this guide helps you experience a different side of Orange County, one that locals have enjoyed for years.
See you in the next OC Joomma guide!