OUR STORY

Emart America sources American products and partners with local merchants for hypermarkets in South Korea, while also producing high-quality health and wellness products for mainstream U.S. consumers at affordable prices.

Emart America sources American products and partners with local merchants for hypermarkets in South Korea, while also producing high-quality health and wellness products for mainstream U.S. consumers at affordable prices.

Emart’s first hypermarket in Changdong, South Korea, opened in 1993

Since 1993

THE BEGINNING

In November 1993, Emart opened its first hypermarket in Changdong, South Korea. In 2006, the company expanded into the sourcing industry. Today, Emart has acquired Walmart Korea and continues to be a leading force in the retail sector.

Exterior of Starfield, Emart’s large-scale shopping complex in South Korea

Starfield

BEYOND HYPERMARKET

Emart takes great pride in its expertise in sourcing. We supply products for South Korea’s largest complex department stores, including brands like Starfield. Emart’s innovation and strong sales performance continue to drive our growth.

Emart America logo over Earth, symbolizing global expansion

Vision

GLOBAL EMART

Today, Emart is South Korea’s largest sourcing company, with a growing presence in international markets. Through the manufacturing and retailing of diverse products, Emart continues to expand as a global sourcing leader.

Aerial view of the Emart America headquarters in Southern California

ABOUT EMART AMERICA

Emart America is the U.S. hub of Shinsegae Group, Korea’s largest and most influential retail conglomerate.

We operate across local manufacturing, national distribution, and global sourcing—delivering authentic Korean and global products to customers throughout the United States.

From our state-of-the-art production facility in Oregon to our retail partnerships with major U.S. chains, Emart America plays a key role in bringing the richness of Korean food culture to the American market.

Our Core Business Pillars

Manufacturing

We proudly produce high-quality Korean meals locally at our dedicated facility in Salem, Oregon, ensuring authentic taste and reliable freshness for the U.S. market.

Sales & Distribution

Our products are distributed nationwide through trusted retail partners such as Costco, H-E-B and Bristol Farms, as well as leading Korean-American grocery chains including H Mart, Zion Market, and Hannam Chain.

Global Sourcing

We collaborate with top-tier U.S. vendors to source fresh, frozen, grocery, and lifestyle products—including national brands and exclusive private labels—delivering exceptional value and variety to our customers.

OUR FAMILY

Emart America Timeline

Discover the milestones that shaped our journey from vision to reality.
Two tall beige office buildings with arched windows and palm trees along a street in Koreatown, Los Angeles
Feb 2009

Established LA Sourcing Office

Opened our first U.S. sourcing office in Koreatown, Los Angeles, to begin global sourcing operations.
Modern multi-story office building with a reddish-brown exterior, large glass windows, trees, and a parking lot under a clear blue sky
Apr 2013

Emart America, Inc. Founded

Officially incorporated in the U.S. and relocated headquarters to Cerritos, California.
White office building with large glass windows, trees, and a parking lot under a clear blue sky
Mar 2017

Headquarters Relocated to Cypress, CA

Expanded corporate operations and logistics capacity with new Cypress office.
Exterior of Emart America’s soup manufacturing plant in Oregon with green doors and a blue sky.
Mar 2018

Acquired Oregon Soup Manufacturing Plant

Secured a local production base to enhance HMR product capability in the U.S. market.
Wegmans grocery store exterior
Jun 2018

PK Products Enter Wegmans

Achieved first mainstream retail entry with PK brand placement at Wegmans.
Costco Wholesale store exterior
May 2021

Costco Launch of Oregon HMR Spicy Seafood Soup with Pork and Vegetables

Introduced Oregon-plant-produced Spicy Seafood Soup with Pork and Vegetables nationwide through Costco.
Text on a yellow background indicating $100M achieved by emart America
Dec 2021

EAI Global Sourcing Surpassed $100 Million

Achieved a major sourcing milestone through Emart America International’s global network.
Shinsegae Foods manufacturing facility with parked cars and landscaped grounds
Mar 2022

Second Oregon Plant Completed

Expanded manufacturing capacity and began production at Oregon Plant #2.
Emart America office building with large windows, a stone entrance, and accessible parking spaces
Apr 2022

Headquarters Moved to Brea, CA

Relocated to a larger office to support continued growth across North America.
H-E-B Fresh Foods store exterior with red roof and signage.
Jun 2022

Began Supply to H-E-B Texas

Launched direct product distribution to major southern U.S. retail chain H-E-B.
Grocery store entrance with shopping carts, produce displays, and nationwide distribution signage
Nov 2023

Nationwide Mainstream Expansion

Expanded distribution of Beef Bulgogi into mainstream grocery stores nationwide.
Emart America and Kyung Bok Kung co-branded Galbitang and Spicy Green Onion Galbitang packages displayed beneath both brand logos
Nov 2024

Emart America x Kyung Bok Kung Collaboration

Released premium Galbitang (Beef Short Rib Soup) co-branded with Gyeongbokgung.
H Mart store front with red logo on a beige building
Nov 2025

H Mart Private Label Launch

Introduced H Mart’s Private Label Beef Bulgogi developed by Emart America.