00:00They're a viral sensation, with videos of people eating at Korean convenience stores racking up millions of views on YouTube.
00:08Angelitos can now get a taste of viral Korean convenience store culture with the opening of Mokja in Highland Park
00:15in August.
00:16Mokja is a cafe, restaurant, market, and neighborhood hangout all in one, modeled after the multifaceted convenience stores in Korea,
00:25the convenience store capital of the world.
00:27The founder of Mokja is Korean chef Debbie Lee, who made it to the top three in season five of
00:34the show Next Food Network Star.
00:36The Korean convenience store, it's open 24-7. It's a place you can go after work if you're tired, if
00:43in the middle of the night you're hungry for a bowl of noodles,
00:46or if maybe you're heartbroken and want to meet your friends over there for a little beer and some snacks.
00:52I honestly think that right now with this economy and the current culture, people just want something for a quick
00:58fix, and I think that's the beauty of a Korean convenience store.
01:01Lee is called the queen of modern Korean gastropub fare. I can see why. The food is elevated with complex
01:09flavor notes at affordable prices.
01:11These are some of Mokja's bestsellers. The egg sando, the oxtail hand pie, the musabi and onigiri, and the cookies,
01:20based on Korean Jolly Pong cereal, almond cookies, and choco pie.
01:25Plus, you can make your own ramen at their DIY ramen bar.
01:28The lattes, which are a little more expensive, are next-level creative concoctions, inspired by Korean flavors.
01:36I parted up with Frank and Michelle Law B. Bright Coffee. He is the 24 U.S. barista champion who
01:42happened to go to Seoul to compete,
01:44and he has brought his take on the most iconic Korean drinks that he would like to serve and share
01:50with everyone.
01:51Just like K-pop and K-dramas, Korean convenience stores are starting to spread around the world, to countries like
01:58Malaysia, Mongolia, and even the U.S.
02:00A major Korean convenience store chain, CU, just opened three locations in Hawaii.
02:07For now, Angelenos can get a taste of the viral trend here in Highland Park.
Comments