Hansung Ggoolmott Kimchi

A friend in Tucson mentioned that he missed freshly made kimchi, so I decided to bring him a care package on my trip to Arizona. I figured I'd check out this place since it looked like they made fresh kimchi in the back. Probably better than what I can get from Hmart It's a small shop, and most of the items didn't have English labels. The owner was very nice, so I just asked for his recommendations. Before suggesting anything, he asked about my friend's age and gender--which caught me off guard. What does that have to do with kimchi preferences? I had no idea.After that, I asked what else he thought I should bring. He suggested either chili paste or bean paste, so I went with a 1/2 galon bean paste.I think my friend was really overwhelmed by the care package. My sister also swears that oyster kimchi is to die for--her friend's friend sometimes brings some over. So next time, I guess I'll have to get some for myself too!

Kimchi was delicious! Crisp, marinated with just the right amount of sweetness and spiciness. Don't get me started with the oyster kimchi....so yummy. They take cash and card.

I am all for supporting small businesses, especially when they do it so SO well. If you like kimchi, you must get it from this small shop right next to Knott's Berry Farm. They have all the classics + specialty items like baek kimchi/dongchimi (white kimchi), cucumber kimchi, oyster kimchi, etc. etc. etc. They also have banchan, frozen dumplings, frozen fish, dried goods, sauces amongst their random treasure trove of Korean goods. If you are lucky enough to see their shikhye/gamju (sweet rice punch) in stock, please pick one up. Prices are very on par with the big stores for their kimchi yet the quality is infinitely better.

This is where my family comes to grab their kimchi! Haven't had any problems coming her as a non-Korean speaker. Their kimchi has the right amount of fermentation and saltiness. It's necessary to have kimchi on hand in any household.

It's across the street from the fire station and so close to Knott's Berry Farm. This little mom and pop type of shop is a dream for kimchi lovers. Kimchi from green onions, young napa, radish, etc. Almost anything you can think of. Fresh kimchi that knocks the socks off any kimchi you buy from the big grocery markets. They don't have it too often but they also have a really good rice drink in a gallon. It can get pricey but worth it since I don't think I can find it anywhere.Typically every time I go there it's an elderly Korean gentleman working. He speaks very little English so most of the time I point to show him which items I'd like to purchase. But he's such a nice man that he's always smiling.

As a Korean.....this place is heaven!!! It's a little hole in the wall store in a plaza. But don't let the outside fool you!!! I've never seen oyster kimchi anywhere, not even in restaurants when I go eat bossam. But this place!!! Not only do they have the oyster kimchi, but it is SO delicious! They use oysters imported from Korea and they are super creamy, fresh and pair so well with the radish kimchi! Their regular kimchi is also very crunchy, fresh and mouthwatering! The store owner is very nice and he was so helpful too! If you're ever in the area and want some real kimchi, make sure to go here!

Sometimes, you find something so good it literally makes you stop and ask yourself if you want to share it on Yelp. You worry about if somehow the quality of the product will diminish if it becomes too popular, if it becomes more difficult to find parking, etc... HGK is literally THAT place! So I've heard of HGK for years but somehow never stopped in. Maybe because I live SO close to an Hmart, maybe because I've grown accustomed to mediocre, store bought kimchi. But a few weeks ago I decided to drive out and see what all the hype's been about.HGK is literally right across the street from Knott's Berry Farm, located in a small, unassuming little strip mall. It has its own parking lot and is easily accessible.When I walked in, I was greeted by an adorable friendly Korean gentleman who was eager to help me. He explained that they were out of cut kimchi that day, but that the whole one was better anyway!Customer started coming in, all knowing exactly what they wanted- everyone was speaking Korean & they all wanted both the whole regular kimchi and white radish kimchi as well. So I basically decided to get what everyone was ordering, along with cucumber kimchi (my favorite). I was expecting the prices to be higher than what I'm used to, but I was pleasantly surprised that the price points were similar to, if not a bit cheaper than what I'm used to paying at Korean grocery stores!Most of the other customers were also purchasing bags of frozen Mandu (Korean dumplings) but I forgot to bring my cooler and decided to try some on my next visit. FYI- they carry other Korean snacks and staples. It's a rather small shop, but there's definitely variety!Anywho, I literally raced home and couldn't wait to taste everything- O.M.G. It was AMAZING!!! It was the first time in years I felt like I was eating delicious, homemade kimchi. HGK is LEGIT!!! The Napa cabbage kimchi and cucumber kimchi were both perfectly seasoned, crunchy, and deliciously. I normally am not a white kimchi fan, but HGK's has now made me a fan. My family was shocked to see me inhaling it (lol)!If you are anywhere in the SoCal area and want/need kimchi, this should be the ONLY place you get it from. It really is THAT good! Not only that, knowing that you're supporting a small business that not only provides a superior product but also great customer service should make you as big of a fan of HGK as I now am!

Fresh kimchi and delicious flavor. I got the white kimchi, regular kimchi and cucumber kimchi. The customer service was amazing too. They were very busy and still give everyone the attention they deserve.

I was gating keeping this place not wanting prices to go up, but oh well. If you're a kimchi connoisseur, this is the spot. Koreans from all over SoCal will make the trek to get homemade kimchi and other variations of fermented vegetables at this place.

Pick it up a couple times a year when heading to that area. The older gentleman, who I assume owns it, does a great job. Always talk to people who drive long miles also to pick up. GREAT STUFF!!!