[UNSCENE MAGAZINE] Haddon House: Seoul's Friendly Neighborhood Foreign Grocer

While living in Korea, one finds it difficult to locate certain foods and sundries, seemingly on a daily basis. There are a few good foreign markets in the Itaewon area, but one which is greatly overlooked is Haddon House, located east of Itaewon station, just around the corner from Oksu.

Upon walking in, it feels more like a typical western grocery store, albeit a small one. There's a good selection of fresh produce – from avocados to asparagus, and fresh herbs from mint to dill. At the end of the first aisle is a freezer with some frozen meats, such as full-sized turkeys. Just beyond is a wide assortment of jarred and canned goods, including some of those harder to find canned fruits and veggies, such as artichoke hearts. If you're a snob about quality, there are some excellent choices to be found.

Continuing down the next aisle you'll find a wide array of fancy mustards, steak sauces, hot sauces and, well, more sauces. Beyond is a plethora of pastas and on the left are mixes for curry, soup, sauces and others of the same variety. You'll find candy, chocolate and the other options to satisfy. If you're planning to make a ganache and lamenting the so-so quality of chocolate here, you'll be pleased to find some gourmet chocolatiers represented.

Turning around the next aisle you'll find some cereal. Being a cereal aficionado, I took great stock of their choices. Included were Cap'n Crunch, Honey Bunches of Oats, Corn Pops, Fruit Loops, Apple Jacks and Crispix. They also have a 30 pack assortment of tiny cereal boxes for those who just can't settle for one. Further down are some chips, crackers, cookies, snack cakes and other junk foods difficult to find.

Then we finally get to the frozen foods section with some name brand frozen pizzas, waffles, sausages, veggies, fish sticks, burritos and the list continues. At the end of the aisle are what appear to be freshly butchered cuts of meat; frozen, granted, but fresher looking than other meats encountered. Finishing the tour, is a good assortment of cheeses and deli meats, liquors and wines, herbs and spices, cooking utensils and baking vessels. (I was surprised to find Madeleine pans.)

Their prices might be a bit high, but normal for foreign goods. The staff is incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. They bag your groceries, and will carry them out to your car, if you have one. If you don't, you can get free home delivery if you spend more than 180,000 won. The store is well-stocked, well-organized and clean.

Haddon House is definitely worth checking out if you are looking for something and just can't find it anywhere. They speak English, so you can call beforehand and inquire about the item you're looking for. Even if they don't have it, you should still take a walk around and browse their many goods and items. Haddon House, unbeknownst to many, contains an unmatched selection and variety among foreign food markets in Korea.

Contact Information and store hours:
Haddon House is open from 8:30 am to 9 pm daily
Phone number: 02-794-0511
All major cards accepted

Directions:
Getting to Haddon House from Itaewon station is quite easy. From exit four, simply hop on the 110B and go 8 stops to Okjeong Middle School. Turn right out of the bus and walk for about 30 seconds. The building is on the left and has 'Haddon House Supermarket' above the door. It is in the basement of the building.

By: Matt Hall