By Honorary Reporter Alexia Hurtado from Mexico

Walmart is the world's biggest hypermarket chain and the market leader in Mexico. (Wikimedia Creative Commons)

Walmart, the world's largest multinational hypermarket chain and the leader of the field in Mexico with around 2,700 stores, is also great for shopping for Korean products. 

Hallyu (Korean Wave) has radically transformed the global consumption of Korean products from entertainment and skincare to cosmetics and food. Thanks to globalization, getting Korean products in a host of countries is possible, including Mexico, where the selection of such items has grown. Once available just in Korean-heavy neighborhoods of large cities, they are now within reach of most in Mexico at Walmart or other chains like 7-Eleven.

On March 12 and 22, I visited two Walmart stores in the southeastern city of Merida to see what Korean products were sold there. 

These are Korean skincare and beauty products I found at a Walmart in Merida. (Alexia Hurtado)

The stores carried quite a few Korean products, especially cosmetics like face masks of brands such as MJ Care and Farm Stay. The brand Lock was especially popular thanks to its wide range of products like foundation, eyeliner, primer, mascara, lipstick, gloss, blush and glitter.

Many Korean food products are also available at Walmart stores in Mexico. (Alexia Hurtado)

Turning to food, Samyang Buldak (Fire Chicken) and Shin Ramyun are two popular ramyeon (instant noodle) brands as well as Sempio for gochujang (red chili paste), Bibigo for steamed rice and Yopokki for tteokbokki (spicy rice cake). Among drinks, the best known are the grape flavored soda Bong Bong by Haitai, Chupa Chups soft drink by Namyang Dairy Products, and carbonated watermelon- and melon-flavored drinks by SFC Bio.

Due to lack of information, many Hallyu fans still don't know that these products are more readily available at large franchises like Walmart. I hope that my field study helps many to discover and enjoy more Korean products.

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.