By Dahye Kim
In early August, the thriving neighborhood of Brookline, Massachusetts, welcomed a new store at 1028 Beacon Street, formerly the site of a Whole Foods market. The arrival of a new H Mart store near South Campus provides more accessible and convenient shopping for groceries and Asian food, students say.
H Mart is a global supermarket chain recognized for its extensive range of Asian and international food products, offering a diverse shopping experience with a variety of prepared Asian foods, skin care products, houseware, and Asian grocery products.
The opening of the new H Mart has promptly captured the interest of Boston University students.
“I was so excited,” said Chloe Yoon, a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences.
“I saw the news that a H Mart would open near the school during summer vacation. This is one of the main reasons I decided to live in South Campus.”
Previously, H Mart in Cambridge opened in 2014 and was the only store for Asian goods and food shopping near Boston University.
“I love that I don’t have to walk all the way to Cambridge to go to H Mart. Having an Asian market near my house allows me to incorporate different cuisines into my meals,” said Brian Lee, a resident of the Fenway neighborhood.
Alongside Lee, many other students have embraced the convenience brought by the new H Mart. Delaney Peng, a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences, said, “I didn’t go to the Brookline area when Whole Foods was there, but now I go often because H Mart offers me ready-to-eat food like musubi and Korean side dishes.”
In addition to making food shopping convenient, the construction of the South Campus H Mart has expanded students’ gourmet experiences by allowing them to discover and experiment with a wide range of Asian ingredients and flavors.
“I really like instant noodles, and H mart is where I found a variety of options, including Shin Ramyun and Buldak, which were not available at Whole Foods,” Tosin Adeyola, a sophomore at the College of Arts and Sciences, said.
However, within the Boston University community, opinions on the new H Mart are diverse.
Yuna Kim, a sophomore at College of Communication, said she was disappointed about less varieties in a new store.
“I personally thought it was smaller than I expected compared to the H Mart located in Cambridge. Other H Marts have a space for dine-in, which H Mart in Brookline doesn’t,” she said. “The worst part was that they don’t have a liquor section.
“The reason why I love Cambridge H Mart is that they also have various alcoholic beverages besides the foods, including Korean ones, but not having its own alcohol section was unexpected.”
According to some individuals, H Mart is perceived as having higher prices compared to other grocery stores.
Anastasia Kon, a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences, said, “I recently noticed that the prices are relatively expensive compared to the nearby Star Market, so I don’t go there often.”
The opinions are controversial as they show that the new H Mart has both positive and negative perspectives on the local community. Some believe that it is great to have a nearby Asian grocery store, while others think it lacks the diversity of beverages such as liquors.
On the other hand, some members of the community are thrilled about the cultural diversity that the H Mart brings to the neighborhood.
Sylvia Lee, a senior in the College of Communication, said, “Having a store like H Mart nearby not only makes it easier for us but also enriches the area’s cultural diversity. I think it’s a great learning experience for everyone.”
The presence of H Mart adds to the multicultural effects of the Brookline location and creates opportunities for cultural exchange and appreciation.
Beyond its role as a grocery store, the H Mart offers a wide range of Asian-cooked dishes, such as Gimbab, a Korean rice roll with fillings, and Chapchae, a Korean stir-fried glass noodle dish. This diversity has transformed the store into a popular gathering spot for students who are fond of Asian foods.
“It’s not just about shopping. It’s also about the experience,” Myungjun Park, a freshman at Questrom School of Business, said. “Trying new dishes always makes me excited, and H-mart provides its experience with diverse Asian groceries. It is fun to introduce the foods I enjoy from my home country to friends from other countries.”
H Mart has transformed into a communal space where students can explore a variety of Asian flavors, extending its role beyond grocery shopping to further social interactions and cultural exploration.
Phuc Phan, a freshman at the Questrom School of Business, said, “I now get excited when my friends invite me to join them at H Mart.
“The shopping experiences are incredibly memorable to me.”
Throughout these diverse perspectives, the new H Mart is a place where convenience, culture, and community converge.
“It’s more than just a store,” Park said. “It’s a gateway to new flavors and friendships.
“This brand-new place not only brings groceries and meals but also serves as a bridge that connects people through their shared love for food and exploration.”
