K-town, as
Koreatown is affectionately called by people who work in and visit this largely commercial neighborhood, remains somewhat unknown, despite its prime location. Its small size and competitive location — bordered by 31st and 36th Sts. and Fifth and Sixth Aves. — lead it to be easily overshadowed by nearby destinations like the
Empire State Building and
Macy's. And as in
Chinatown, language can present a barrier.
Once focused on fulfilling the needs of New York's burgeoning Korean-American community (according to the U.S. Census, the city's Korean-American population has grown from 69,718 in 1990 to 86,473 in 2000), it has seen an increase in non-Korean traffic in the last few years.
There was never a formal plan or agreement to create a Korean commercial district in Manhattan, since most Koreans settled in Queens. In fact, the concept of K-town didn't even exist. But rents were low and the foot traffic high because of the surrounding office buildings and the proximity to the Garment, Gift Shop and Flower Districts .
So from a bookstore and a handful of restaurants, K-town sprang into being. And with their success, more and more Korean businesses settled in the neighborhood as immigration from Korea grew. By the mid-1980s, the area started to resemble a street in Seoul.
See also
Last updated: 05-07-2005 08:45:54
