I recently heard about this new SSG Food Market near Chungdahm area and I finally made the trek to see what the fuss was all about. :) Located in one of Seoul’s wealthiest neighborhoods, this is one of those high-end markets where the shoppers are most likely Gangnam’s classy ajumas and young mothers. It’s a bit similar to Whole Foods Market in the US, only more upscale. Get ready for a deluge of supermarket photos!

This ain’t your neighborhood shijang. The produce area is designed to have a countryside feel to it, except that it’s meticulously clean and all the produce is polished spotless. It really is quite a beautiful sight to see~~

Personally, I couldn’t afford to buy fresh fruits or veggies here on a regular basis, but they have an impressive selection of imported products, like snacks, breakfast cereals, drinks, beauty products… it’s worth a visit just to see if they have your favorite snack from back home. There is also a large cheese room and a butcher area, but we don’t need to go there, rah? :)

Doesn’t it look like a supermarket from back in the US? :) There weren’t that many customers when I went (I actually think the staff there outnumber the customers), but I don’t think they’ve been open for that long so maybe things will pickup later. It’s certainly a different kind of shopping experience for Korea. Overall, it’s a pretty impressive store.

While they have the standard imported goods that you can get at almost any Korean department store or foreign food shop in Itaewon, they also have a few unique products that might make it worth the trip:

Imported Silk soy milk, both chocolate and vanilla flavors in the BIG cartons! At 9,000won per carton, they are super expensive though…. Small cartons are also available.

Gluten free baking mixes for muffins, cakes, pancakes, pizza, and also all purpose flour mix.

If you’re gluten-intolerant, this store just may be your heaven.

Organic, vegan and gluten free chocolate and vanilla pudding mixes!

SSG has its own line of spices and herbs.

Are you tired of all the supermarket pictures yet?

Chiiiiips….

Pickles and salad dressings in the fridge section.

Nuts, dried fruits, and grains~

You can also buy pre-made dishes and banchans, paid by weight. Sorry for the grainy photo… was using my iphone~!

On the first floor (above the market), there is a fancy shmancy bakery/cafe called The Menagerie. I doubt anything is vegan, but it makes for good eye candy.

Bunny cupcakes!!! Too cute. Must recreate.

Anyway, I definitely think SSG Food Market is worth a visit. Even if you don’t buy anything, if you’re anything like me, you’ll have fun just going up and down the isles examining all the pretty shiny packages and well-designed food labels, and geekily reading ingredients lists.

Directions to SSG Food Market:
Address: 서울시 강남구 청담동 4-1

It’s a little hard to get to because it’s not close to any subway station… I’m guessing it’s at least a 20-minute walk from Chungdam station, so your best bet is to take a bus or taxi. Please refer to this link for a map and opening hours. The market is in the basement floor of a grey highrise building with ‘Chaum’ written above the main entrance. There is also signage for the SSG Food Market above that.

Feel free to leave a comment!