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Korean grocer to replace Hispanic market in LA Koreatown

August 4, 2015
Monte de Zion sits on the corner of Vermont Avenue and James M. Wood Boulevard. (Korea Times)

Monte de Zion sits on the corner of Vermont Avenue and James M. Wood Boulevard. (Google Maps)

A Korean market will take the place of a Hispanic market in Koreatown, Los Angeles.

The building, located on the intersection of Vermont Avenue and James M. Wood Boulevard, is currently a Monte de Zion owned by Hwang Gyu-man, Zion Market owner.

Hwang said he has requested construction permission from the city to tear down the Monte de Zion to replace it with a four-story building, which will include a Korean market on the first floor and a parking lot.

The existing 24,000-square-foot building houses Monte de Zion on the first floor and apartment units on the second floor. Hwang opened the store three years ago after acquiring the building for $3.2 million following the closing of Liborio Market.

“There’s a lack of Korean markets on the southern part of Vermont Avenue in Koreatown,” he said. “We’re planning on opening a Korean market, but we will make a final decision once the permits come through.”

Zion Market has locations in Koreatown, Cerritos, Buena Park, Irvine, Hawaiian Gardens and San Diego.