Pop in Seoul Asian Market to open

A local couple is bringing a Korean convenience store concept to Springfield. Jung and Julie Kim have signed a lease for space at 2637 Chatham Road to open Pop In Seoul Asian Market in the shopping center that also houses Café Moxo and Papa Murphy’s.

“An Asian convenience store is a little different than an American convenience store,” said Jung Kim, noting that in addition to selling snacks, drinks and ready-to-eat meals, it will be a gathering place where people can linger and relax.

The space will include indoor seating for about 20 people plus a patio area, allowing customers to enjoy food on the premises. A kitchen space is being added in the back of the business. Pop In Seoul will serve freshly made kimbap, a popular Korean dish of cooked rice and various fillings, and will also have an induction cooker to allow customers to prepare their own noodles.

“We are building a bookshelf 12 feet long and 6 feet tall to display instant Ramen noodles – 28 different flavors to choose from,” Jung said. “People can pick their flavor and enjoy it at the store.”

The couple had visited family members who already lived in Springfield before making a decision to relocate here in 2022. Jung said while he initially worked at Springfield Clinic, his background is in the restaurant industry and he knew he eventually wanted to start his own business.

“I had worked at a sushi restaurant in Utah and a Korean restaurant in Indiana. When I moved here, I got a job at Springfield Clinic for a couple years and while I was working there, I slowly planned to go out on my own,” he said.

Jung said his younger brother, who lived in Springfield before moving to Korea last year, is now planning to return to the U.S. to help run the store. His wife, Julie, is helping with the marketing side of the business.

“Our theme is visually based around the Seoul subway system, with different stops in the store,” Julie said. She said that in addition to food and drinks, the store will offer some K-pop inspired beauty and lifestyle items. There will also be activities popular in Korean culture such as a photobooth with filters, claw machine and blind boxes, which are themed boxes with surprise collectible toys. 

“We want this to feel more modern and have a younger vibe than the traditional Asian market,” said Julie. “This will be a place for people to commune and hang out.”

Jung said the grand opening will be determined by how long it takes the equipment to arrive, but Jan. 15 is the target date.