Buena Park officially designates Korean Town, a thriving hub for local Koreans

[Photo by Anaheim special coverage team]

A wealthy neighborhood in the city of Buena Park, Orange County where many Korean stores are located, was officially named a Koreatown on Tuesday, a day before the 2023 World Korean Business Convention takes place, suggesting that Orange County in California has emerged as a new pivotal place for South Korean communities in the United States.

Local figures, including Buena Park Mayor Arthur C. Brown and Councilwoman Joyce Ahn, unveiled the community sign on the day, with Ahn a proponent of the Koreatown designation within the City Council. During the event, Mayor Brown acknowledged the commitments made by those who worked for the designation, emphasizing their dedication to the prosperity of the local Korean community.

“The recent official designation of Koreatown signifies a pivotal moment for our community. It not only mirrors the cultural diversity of our city but also symbolizes an ongoing spirit of cooperation and harmony,” Ahn said, adding, “According to the Census, approximately 20 percent of Buena Park’s residents are Korean Americans as of 2020, with over 1,000 local Korean-owned businesses. The designation extends beyond mere geographical recognition and is a commitment to our city’s economic advancement.”