H & H Mart: Where to Find Korean Groceries and Convenience Items Across South Carolina
What H & H Mart is and where to find locations
H & H Mart is an Asian grocery chain with multiple locations across South Carolina that stocks Korean groceries, prepared foods, and everyday convenience items. The stores carry fresh produce, frozen seafood, pantry staples like gochujang and soy sauce, instant noodles, and ready-to-eat Korean dishes. You'll also find beauty products, household goods, and a small selection of American brands alongside the Asian inventory.
H & H Mart has physical locations in Columbia, Charleston, and the Greenville area. Store hours and exact addresses change, so calling ahead or checking the store's website before you visit is the fastest way to confirm current hours and what's in stock. Some locations have a small seating area or counter where you can eat prepared items on-site.
Key Takeaways
- H & H Mart stocks Korean groceries, frozen seafood, fresh produce, and prepared Korean foods at multiple South Carolina locations.
- The stores carry both specialty Asian ingredients and common convenience items, so you can shop for one meal or a full week of groceries.
- Calling ahead confirms current hours, location details, and whether specific items are in stock before you make the trip.
- Most locations have limited seating where you can eat prepared foods purchased at the store.
Korean groceries and pantry staples you'll find
H & H Mart's main draw is Korean ingredients that are harder to find at standard supermarkets. The stores stock gochujang (red chili paste), doenjang (soybean paste), Korean soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. You'll find instant ramen and other Korean noodles, dried seaweed, Korean rice, and canned vegetables. The frozen section carries Korean fish cakes, dumplings, and seafood like squid and shrimp.
Beyond Korean staples, the stores also carry Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian products—soy sauce varieties, curry pastes, fish sauce, and noodles from multiple countries. If you're cooking a specific dish and need an ingredient you can't find elsewhere in South Carolina, calling the location nearest you is worth the effort; staff can often tell you whether they have it or when it might arrive.
Fresh produce and prepared foods
Most H & H Mart locations have a produce section with Asian vegetables like bok choy, daikon radish, bitter melon, and Korean perilla leaves. The selection and freshness vary by location and season. The stores also carry fresh herbs like Thai basil and cilantro bundles larger than what you'd typically find at a standard grocery store.
The prepared food section offers Korean dishes ready to eat or heat at home—kimchi, seasoned vegetables, rice bowls, and sometimes Korean fried chicken or other hot foods. Prices are usually lower than restaurant takeout for the same items. Quality and variety depend on the location and time of day, so arriving earlier in the day typically means more options.
Beauty and household products
H & H Mart carries Korean and Asian beauty products including sheet masks, BB creams, serums, and skincare lines popular in Korea. The selection is smaller than what you'd find in a dedicated beauty store, but prices are often competitive. Household items include cleaning supplies, kitchen tools, and small appliances common in Asian kitchens.
These sections are useful if you're already shopping for groceries and want to pick up a specific product, but they're not the primary reason to visit. If you're looking for a particular brand or item, a quick phone call to the store can save you a trip.
Payment methods and store policies
H & H Mart locations accept cash and major credit cards. Some locations may have minimum purchase requirements for card payments or offer discounts for cash, so asking when you call ahead is helpful. Return and exchange policies vary by location, particularly for fresh produce and prepared foods.
Parking is available at most locations, though some stores in busier areas have limited spaces. If you're planning a large shopping trip, arriving during off-peak hours (mid-morning or early afternoon on weekdays) usually means easier parking and shorter checkout lines.
How H & H Mart compares to other Asian grocery options in South Carolina
South Carolina has other Asian grocery stores, including some that specialize in Chinese, Vietnamese, or Japanese products. H & H Mart's strength is its focus on Korean groceries and prepared foods, making it the most reliable choice if you're cooking Korean meals regularly or looking for hard-to-find Korean ingredients. Prices are generally competitive with other specialty Asian grocers.
If you live far from an H & H Mart location, some items are also available through online Asian grocery retailers that ship to South Carolina, though shipping costs and delivery times vary. For fresh produce and prepared foods, visiting in person is the only option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know Korean to shop at H & H Mart?
No. While some packaging is in Korean, most products are clearly labeled or recognizable by sight. Staff can help you locate items or explain what something is if you ask. If you're looking for a specific ingredient for a recipe, bringing the recipe or a photo of the item on your phone makes it easier for staff to help you find it.
Are prices higher than regular grocery stores?
Prices on specialty Korean items are usually lower than what you'd pay at a standard supermarket, since those stores often don't carry them at all. Prices on common items like rice or produce may be similar to or slightly lower than chain supermarkets, depending on what's in season and the specific location.
Can I order online or by phone for pickup?
Policies vary by location. Some H & H Mart stores may take phone orders for prepared foods or let you reserve items, but most operate as walk-in stores. Calling ahead to ask about ordering options for your nearest location is the best approach.
What if I can't find a specific Korean ingredient?
Call the store and describe what you're looking for. Staff can tell you if they have it, when it might arrive, or suggest a substitute. If the item isn't available anywhere in South Carolina, online Asian grocery retailers can ship it to you, though delivery takes longer and costs more.
Are there H & H Mart locations outside the Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville areas?
Locations change over time. The best way to find the store nearest you is to search online or call the main number for the South Carolina region. If there's no H & H Mart near you, other Asian grocery stores or online retailers may carry similar products.