California Market on Western Avenue
This sign is on the corner of Western Avenue and 5th Street in the city of Los Angeles. Being north of Wilshire Boulevard, it’s technically not Koreatown, but we still refer to this area as Ktown.
The Koreans call this grocery store Gaju or Kaju Mah-ket (Hangul: 가주마켓).
가주 is short for California State, as in the State of California, and 마켓 is the Korean transliteration of the English word “market.”
This store is cramped and sells Korean, American, Japanese and Mexican products at a markup higher than at HK Super, located just a few blocks north.
Still, California Market has its charm. As long as you’re not claustrophobic, you can slurp down a bowl of noodles while sitting down inside. If you click on the picture, you’d be able to make out the stylistic logo of Bosco Cake Salon on the premises.
Store Hours: 7 AM to 2 AM (HK Super closes at midnight.)
Address: 450 S Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90020