High Street Market: A Cure for Western Wants

No good meat. No good cheese. No good bread. What to do? Enter High Street Market. The Market, which opened in a former wine bar in Itaewon in December, was founded with the intention of combating those comfort food dilemmas facing many foreigners in Seoul. With a selection of hard-to-find meats, cheeses, breads and wines, taking a trip to High Street Market is close to being back in the West. Originally conceived as a meats deli by importer Kip Richardson, it wasn’t until he joined forces with three other men, all experts in their respective areas, that the current form of High Street began to take shape. He drafted the partnership of Dan Shulte, wine importer and connoisseur, Jay Suh, cheese and pairings expert, and Micha Richter, German baker extraordinaire. With their powers combined, High Street Market was ready to sate the cravings of Seoul’s expatriates. The premise of the business is simple, Schulte said. “We carry the highest quality Western food and drink at the best possible price.” “But it’s not just the foreigners,” Richter said. “We’re starting to see more and more Koreans discovering our food culture.” It’s easy to see why. Ranging from premium teas and coffees to growlers of European beers to the ever-elusive ground turkey, High Street has some unusual wares. High Street’s proprietors add their expertise to the shopping experience. “We’re mostly foreigners ourselves,” Richardson said, “So we think we know best what other foreigners are looking for.” “I am an importer,” Suh added. “I know the products well and I can explain them to the customers. I can help them with recipes and uses for the products. “We’re all specialists and we listen. That’s the key.” Getting there: Take Line 6 to Itaewon. Take Exit #4 and walk two blocks. High Street Market is on the second floor on the left. Phone number: 02-790-5450