Springfield has welcomed its first Korean convenience store, home to the city's first self-serve ramen station.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Springfield has welcomed its first Korean convenience store, home to the city's first self-serve ramen station.

Jung Kim, owner of Pop in Seoul, opened the store with his wife Julie as an ode to his love for home.

"I am always missing my home. I haven't been in Korea for about ... since 2016," he said. "Every time I want to go somewhere to feel like, 'oh, I'm home.' I have to travel at least, like, one-and-a-half hours or even to Chicago."

Now Pop in Seoul, just weeks away from its grand opening, is showing a slice of what it will have to offer. With a wide array of Korean and Japanese snacks, K-beauty products, fresh kimbap made daily, stationery and a self-serve ramen bar. 

With more than a dozen options, customers can pick their ramen of choice, choose their toppings and cook it right in the store. 

Jung said the store was designed with community in mind. 

"I would like to have our community and the residents come here, just hang out with happiness and joy. That's what we would like to offer to this community," he said.

The grand opening is planned for April 2. For updates, you can check out Pop in Seoul's Facebook or website.

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