Did you know there are not one, but TWO Koreatowns in DFW? There are also several little Asian shopping pockets scattered across the metroplex, including strips in Plano and Frisco. However, if you’re looking for more than just a strip, head over to Dallas Koreatown on Royal Lane, or Carrollton Koreatown on Old Denton Rd. Each has its own unique appeal, and in this post, we’ll explore both. We’ll also cover the new Dallas H Mart set to open in Dallas Koreatown in 2025!
Without further ado, here’s What’s Up, Dallas!
Table of Contents:
- Dallas Koreatown (Old “Koreatown Dallas”)
- Carrollton Koreatown (“New Koreatown”)
- 2025 Dallas H Mart
- Our Top Five Recommendations!
- Conclusion
Dallas Koreatown (Old “Koreatown Dallas”)
Did you know that Dallas Koreatown wasn’t officially recognized until 2023? Yep! That’s when Governor Greg Abbott designated the 1.5 mile stretch along Royal Lane (between Luna Rd and Harry Hines Blvd) as “Koreatown Dallas.”
But let’s be honest — if you’ve lived in DFW for any length of time, you already knew this was the spot. It’s been a hub of Korean culture, cuisine, and commerce for decades.
It’s located in the Asian Trade District — and for good reason!
With over 21 shopping centers and more than 300 retailers, many of which are Korean owned, this place is a true cultural hub! You’ll find a mix of Chinese and Vietnamese shops too! Whether you’re stocking up on ingredients at Komart, enjoying authentic Korean BBQ at Seoul Garden, or indulging in late-night karaoke at Burnin 92, Dallas Koreatown has you covered.
The reason we know so much about Dallas Koreatown is because we used to visit often — just about every time we went to King Spa (a Korean-inspired spa with saunas and a movie theater). We spent many memorable days there, back when it was still relatively new and before the adjoining water park opened. We have fond memories of cashing in Groupons and cycling between the infrared, high-heat, cold, and crystal rooms. Afterward, we’d head out for Korean BBQ. Good times!
Even though Old Koreatown Dallas is aging, there’s still plenty of life and things to do there. That said, it’s more of a place to gather and eat than to truly hang out. If you’re looking for somewhere to linger longer, try DFW’s other Koreatown in Carrollton.
Address: 2598 Royal Ln, Dallas, TX 75229
Carrollton Koreatown (“New Koreatown”)
Anyone who can’t appreciate Carrollton Koreatown is just a hater. Aptly referred to as “New Koreatown,” this area has become a vibrant complex where you can eat, hang out, and explore. Centered around the H Mart on Old Denton Rd, it has exploded in popularity. Think boba galore, trendy bakeries, karaoke spots, and plenty of Instagram-worthy desserts.
While Dallas Koreatown has the history, Carrollton Koreatown brings the energy! At the center of it all is H Mart, the flagship destination for Korean groceries in the area. From fresh produce to marinated meats ready for the grill, and an enticing food court, it’s your one-stop shop for everything Korean.
But what about the other shops in the complex? Craving a quick bite? Grab a Korean corn dog from Oh K-Dog, or Chicken from BBQm or a Happy Fruit Tea boba from Nature Brew.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t miss bingsu (Korean shaved ice) or Ah-Boong’s famous fish-shaped waffle ice cream cones.
And if you’re up for some fun, head over to SingBox for karaoke!
Oh, the Possibilities!
Do you see where we’re going with this? You can just show up with your friends or family, browse some shops and restaurants and have a good time. Check out stores like Pink Box, packed with cute Korean and Japanese stationery, home goods, and tiny gifts. Or maybe cram job applications all day at Tom N Toms Coffee, or gorge yourself on all you can eat Shabu Shabu while marveling at your choice of hotpot ingredients. Go wild. Make a day out of it. The possibilities aren’t endless, but they are many!
Though we dearly love both Koreatowns, Carrollton Koreatown feels fresher and more vibrant than its Dallas counterpart, buzzing with activities and an ever-growing list of trendy spots. Whether you’re in the mood for food, fun, or retail therapy, this is the place to linger longer and soak up the modern side of Korean culture in DFW.
Address: 2625 Old Denton Rd Apt 200, Carrollton, TX 75007
2025 Dallas H Mart
You know how we said Old Koreatown is great for eating, but New Koreatown is better for hanging out? Well, we might be eating our words in 2025, because a brand-new H Mart is set to open in Dallas Koreatown later this year!
Located at 2534 Royal Lane, this two-story Dallas H Mart will be a game-changer for the area. The 70,000-square-foot supermarket will occupy the first floor, offering a mix of Asian and American groceries, fresh seafood, ready-made meals, and specialty food items. The second floor? Office spaces and additional retail. Plus, there’s talk of outdoor dining areas and improved landscaping — a major facelift for this long-underutilized area. H Mart is investing over $28 million in renovations, so expect great things!
City of Dallas in the Mix
The city of Dallas is optimistic about this development, too. They’ve approved nearly $4 million in economic incentives to make it happen, and the project is expected to breathe new life into the surrounding neighborhood. Think road improvements, new housing, and more retail options — all conveniently located within walking distance of the Royal Lane station on the DART Green Line.
The foundation has already been poured, and construction is underway! While the official opening date is late 2025, we are already counting down the days. If things go according to schedule, the new Dallas H Mart will be completed by July, and hopefully it will open only a month or two after that. If Carrollton’s H Mart is any indication, this new location will become a magnet for foodies, families, and anyone looking to experience the best of Korean culture in Dallas.
Fun Fact: The “H” in H Mart stands for “Han Ah Reum,” which loosely translates to “one arm full of groceries.” And if you’ve ever shopped there, you know that’s a very real possibility!
Address: 2534 Royal Ln, Dallas, TX 75229
Our Top Five Recommendations!
If you’re visiting our two wonderful DFW Koreatowns, here are our must-try spots:
Dallas Koreatown
Komart – Your go-to for authentic Korean ingredients. Let’s hope the new H Mart doesn’t overshadow this gem. It has our favorite snacks, some of which we have only found in Korea. As a matter of fact, this might be the best place to buy Korean snacks out of all the other Asian groceries (yes, including H Mart). Might we recommend the Lotte Pepero Oreo White Cookie. Also, there might be a roasted sweet potato outside the grocery. If there is, congratulations. Try a roasted sweet potato too!
Mozart Bakery – Freshly baked goods and a cozy spot to relax. There are multiple Mozart Bakeries in the metroplex, but we tend to gravitate towards this one because it’s less crowded and perfect for remote work. We love any and all Korean Bakeries, but that’s another post. In the meantime, might we recommend the green bean bun, which is like it’s red bean brother but a touch more savory while still being delightfully sweet.
Carrollton Koreatown
Nature Brew – A chic cafe with fantastic drinks and vibes. Order the Happy Fruit Tea with boba. You’re welcome. We wrote an entire post on boba, and trust us, you’re not likely to find a better classic fruit tea boba than the Happy Fruit Tea. Packed with a mix of fruits too numerous to count, it’s absolutely delicious. Try this drink first!
Zzizim – Savory Korean cuisine and Pajeon pancakes to die for. Listen, this is the spot. In our humble opinion, this is where you have the best green onion pancake in Dallas. They even have a pancake flight if you’re in the mood to try something new. We love this restaurant and recommend it with our full chests. Our go to order is the Seafood Green Onion Pancake (always and forever) and the LA Galbi.
H Mart Carrollton – The original DFW hotspot for all things Korean. Enough said.
Of course, there are plenty of spots we didn’t list. For example, right by Komart, there’s a kimbap place that’s so good (maybe the best in Dallas?), and it features perilla leaves in the rolls.
There are also a ton of spots we haven’t tried yet but are eager to, like No.1 Plus Chicken, a local favorite in DFW. All that to say, our recommendations aren’t exhaustive, but they should help you get started if you’re looking to explore.
Conclusion
No matter which Koreatown you choose, you’re in for a treat. Both Dallas Koreatown and Carrollton Koreatown offer something unique, and with the upcoming Dallas H Mart build, the future of Korean culture in DFW looks brighter than ever. Let us know which Koreatown is your favorite in the comments below! And as always, subscribe to our newsletter for more things to do in Dallas and DFW. Also, if you love Asian cuisine from all over the continent, check out our posts on The Best Hand-Pulled Noodles Dallas! and The Joy of Momos: Dumplings You’ll Love! We share all the details you’ll need to enjoy these delicious foods!
