In the heart of Barcelona’s Eixample, at 195 Carrer València, Kim Market opened this summer. More than a traditional supermarket, it is considered the city’s first konbini. Branded as a “Korean Market & Tasting Experience,” the store offers an immersive visit: its interior mimics a Seoul bus stop, while each aisle showcases iconic Korean products, many popularised by K-dramas or viral on TikTok.
Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., it welcomes both locals and curious tourists. With snacks, ramen, drinks, colourful ice creams, and pre-cooked meals, Kim Market provides a unique cultural and culinary experience.
What is a konbini?
The term konbini (or kombini) comes from the English “convenience store” and refers to the ubiquitous Japanese mini-marts. While not originally Korean, Kim Market adapts the concept, combining a supermarket with a Korean cultural experience, making it Barcelona’s first establishment of this kind.
Origin and evolution of konbini
- The original concept evolved from American convenience stores. In Japan, the first konbini opened in Tokyo in May 1974, and today there are over 50,000 such stores nationwide.
- The concept consolidated over the following decades, with iconic chains such as 7-Eleven (present in Japan since the early 1970s), Lawson and FamilyMart offering everything from pre-cooked meals to banking services, 24 hours a day. While Kim Market closes at 10:00 p.m., it still showcases the most typical products of a Korean konbini.
- In Japan, these stores are more than just commercial outlets; they serve as community hubs – clean, efficient, stocked with fresh products, offering constant variety and ready for emergencies, all while playing a central role in daily life and culture.
Why talk about konbini in the case of Kim Market?
Although konbini is traditionally associated with Japan, its spirit – a convenient, accessible store offering ready-to-eat products – perfectly suits Kim Market’s approach. The shop adapts the concept, blending convenience, variety and an immersive atmosphere into a multi-level Korean cultural experience. While it doesn’t operate 24 hours or replicate Japanese design, it embraces the konbini philosophy of accessibility, pop culture, fast food and visually engaging displays.
Kim Market as a catalyst for the “Korean wave” in Barcelona
The launch of Kim Market is no coincidence. It taps into the global Hallyu – Korean wave – which spans K-pop, K-beauty, and – most notably – Korean cuisine. Barcelona has become the ideal stage: from restaurants like Little Corea and speciality butchers, such as Sonny, to now offering an immersive store where visitors can stock up on authentic Korean products.
Kim Market delivers a full cultural experience: colours, flavours, design, and tradition combine to bring Korea to Catalonia. It’s more than a shop – it’s a gathering place for food lovers, K-pop fans, international students and the curious alike.