Mokja 먹자 -- meaning "let's eat" is what happens when a Korean convenience store and a proper café have a baby, all in one spot in Highland Park. Inspired by the casual charm of Korean convenience stores and neighborhood delis, Mokja brings together fresh bites, house-made banchan (반찬), grab-and-go staples, barista brewed coffee & tea, and thoughtfully curated goods– all in one place. It’s quick, it’s satisfying, and it’s rooted in the kind of flavors and moments that feel familiar, even if it’s your first time.

At its core, Mokja is about access: making Korean food culture feel easy, welcoming, and part of your daily life.

Why “your neighborhood k-markettë”

“Your neighborhood k-markettë” is both a nod and a wink. It draws from the familiarity of the corner market, the place you trust, the place you return to but filters it through a distinctly Korean lens.

The umlaut isn't just for style, it's phonetic. It mirrors how Korean speakers naturally soften "market" into "marketeu" (마켓으/마케트), rounding out the ending with an extra vowel sound. Say it out loud like that, a little rounded, a little affectionate… kind of like your Korean mom would. 

Our food comes from Chef Debbie Lee (of neighboring Yi Cha), with options like build-your-own ramyun, a mayak egg sando, and everyday Korean grab-and-go's. For coffee, we teamed up with Be Bright’s Frank La, the 2024 U.S. Barista Champion, who brings  his own playful take on Korean flavors: lattes, teas, sparklers, and an espresso program made with a lot of heart.
Plus the shelf stuff: AAPI and POC goods, cookbooks, hot sauce, swag.

Come grab a coffee, pick up a snack, stock your pantry, or just sit for a minute. It's yours now too.