Viral Korean convenience store culture comes to LA

Videos of people eating at Korean convenience stores are racking up millions of views on YouTube, with new quirky products constantly hitting shelves, turning each visit into a treasure hunt. 

Now, that viral convenience-store culture has arrived in Los Angeles with the just-opened Mokja in Highland Park. 

Mokja is a cafe, restaurant, market, and neighborhood hangout all in one —  modeled after the multifaceted convenience stores in Korea, the convenience store capital of the world. 

The founders of Mokja are Korean chef Debbie Lee, who made it to the top three in season five of the show “Next Food Network Star,” as well as Frank and Michelle Law, the founders of Be Bright Coffee. 

Lee described Korean convenience stores as comforting safe spaces. 

“It’s open 24-7,” Lee said. “It’s a place you can go after work if you’re tired, if in the middle of the night you’re hungry for a bowl of noodles, or if maybe you’re heartbroken and want to meet your friends over there for a little beer and some snacks. It’s a place for everyone to congregate.”

Korean convenience stores are also accessible on any budget. 

“I honestly think that right now with this economy and the current culture, people just want something for a quick fix,” Lee added. 

Lee is called the queen of modern Korean gastropub fare and you can see why. Food at Mokja certainly tastes a lot better than your average convenience store. It’s elevated with complex flavor notes, at affordable prices. 

I most enjoyed the egg sando for $11, the PBL&T (pork belly, lettuce and tomato sandwich) for $14, the oxtail hand pie for $9, the spam musabi for $5, and the jollypong cookie inspired by Korean jollypong cereal for $5. 

Plus you can make your own ramen at their DIY ramen bar, a staple of Korean convenience stores. 

The specialty lattes, at $8 a pop, are next-level creative concoctions, inspired by Korean flavors. My favorite was the misugaru latte for $8. 

Co-Founder Frank Law is the 2024 US Barista Champion. “He has brought his take on the most iconic Korean drinks,” Lee said. 

Just like K-pop and K-dramas, Korean convenience stores are starting to spread around the world, to countries like Malaysia, Mongolia, and even the US. 

A major Korean convenience store chain CU, just opened three locations in Hawaii. For now, Angelenos can get a taste of the viral trend here in Highland Park. 

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters