Decoding New York

Koreatown: Here v. There

From Decoding New York

Introduction
Little Italy
* Evolution
* Here v. There
* Economy
* What's Real
Koreatown
* Evolution
* Here v. There
* Economy
* What's Real
Comparison
* Photo Gallery
* Sources

When people talk about the heart of New York City, they usually mean the flashy Times Square, the great shopping area of Herald Square and, of course, a tourist must-see – the Empire State Building. As the 21st century unfolds, however, it brings changes not only through the new technology and bigger screens on Times Square and the top notch fashion boutiques from the all over the world, but it also evident through the changes in the neighborhood. Among the many things that have been rooted long time ago in that area, there is one part that is just beginning to mature – and that is Koreatown.

For many people today, especially the tourists, the map of the heart of New York City looks a little different from the map two decades ago. Now, people have added a new destination to visit on their tour around the city – Koreatown.

Many find it surprising to see how quickly this neighborhood has become one of the popular sights, in the midst of the other remarkable destinations and some are hesitant to give a full credit to Koreatown. However, after figuring out what is it about Koreatown that really allowed the neighborhood to develop and attract tourists and new Koreatown devotees, it will no longer leave doubts in people’s minds whether Koreatown deserves to be among the best tourist attractions.

Koreatown. Grand opening of a new karaoke center. Photo by Evgeniya Kim

Indeed, Koreatown has sprung as a dynamic young-spirited neighborhood just about overnight. And everything about it is telling us that it’s not planning to slow down its pace any time soon, in fact it’s only beginning to spread its wings. So what makes Koreatown so worthy of visiting that it has a street named Koreaway dedicated to the neighborhood? First of all, one thing that distinguishes Koreatown from other ethnic neighborhoods in NYC is that this neighborhood doesn’t have a history here. In fact, the history is in progress right now and we are the lucky witnesses to its development. The area boasts the variety and quality of ethnically traditional and modern merchandise and foods available to satisfy the pickiest customer. Koreatown is a predominantly business area, filled with traditional Korean restaurants; stores and supermarkets selling Korean foods and ethnic merchandise such as Korean music, clothing; large business corporations, firms for public service, banks, museums, beauty salons, internet cafes, hotels, and of course, the hangout places like noraebang (Korean karaoke) to satisfy the nocturnal lives of the young crowd. What is interesting about Koreatown is that although it is a young neighborhood, it has already created an image as a vibrant middle to high class area. There is really no evidence of clear assimilation in Koreatown with the American culture. Unlike Little Italy, Bay Ridge, or Rego Park for example, Koreatown is strictly Korean. Korean language is a predominant language; it is hard to communicate with anyone in any language other than Korean, especially if the conversation goes beyond the scope of that person’s particular job. Most of the employees in stores and restaurants are young Korean immigrants who came to New York to continue their education, work, or in search of a better life. Some of them came to make money and are planning to move back; others, however, were highly unsympathetic towards Korea and used their immigration to New York as a gateway to greater opportunities.

Koreatown. Koreatown at night. Photo by www.koreatown.com

Overall, even though one can’t detect an obvious assimilation pattern with the American culture, its convenient location and tourists bring life to the neighborhood. More assimilation can be seen however at night – that’s when the life begins for the young crowd. This is true for Koreatowns in other cities, such as Los Angeles. The night life in Koreatown sets it apart from many other ethnic neighborhoods in New York as does the sense of an enclave where Korean culture predominates although others are welcome to try it..

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