The City of Melbourne has officially designated a Koreatown in Melbourne's CBD.
Melbourne’s love for kimchi and bibimbap has taken a formal step forward. For years, an informal Koreatown has thrived around Healeys Lane, home to over 25 Korean restaurants and businesses. Last week, the council voted to ratify the precinct at the Future Melbourne Committee meeting.
The decision paves the way for four traditional Korean totem poles, or jang-seung, to be installed at the entrances of the precinct on Lonsdale and Little Lonsdale streets. Standing nearly three metres high, these jang-seung will enhance the area’s atmosphere and create perfect photo moments for visitors to share globally.
Koreatown in Melbourne
- The City of Melbourne has officially designated a Koreatown in Melbourne’s CBD
- Four traditional Korean totem poles, or jang-seung, to be installed on Lonsdale and Little Lonsdale streets
- Koreans are among the top 10 diaspora in the City of Melbourne
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The production and installation of the jang-seung will be funded by the Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea in Melbourne, while the council will cover project management and necessary approvals. The official designation of Koreatown is set to add to Melbourne’s vibrant multicultural scene, joining the ranks of Chinatown and the Greek precinct.
Koreans are among the top 10 diaspora in the City of Melbourne, with more than 2,500 calling the city home, and over 25,000 living across Victoria. The announcement also comes as South Korea becomes an increasingly popular destination for Melburnians, with a record 90,000 Australians visiting the country in 2022–23.
A celebration of Korean culture
Lord Mayor Nick Reece highlighted the importance of this cultural recognition: “Healeys Lane and the surrounding area has become a mecca for Korean food and culture – boasting some 25 Korean businesses, including some of the most exciting and popular restaurants in town.”
He added: “Council has ‘put a ring on it’ – making our Koreatown status official – joining colourful Koreatowns in cities like Toronto, LA, New York and Sydney.”
Business and Global Opportunities portfolio lead, Councillor Kevin Louey, praised the initiative, stating, “Healeys Lane has been synonymous with all things Korean for many years, and this formal endorsement is a win for the dedicated small business owners in the area.”
The Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea, Changhoon Yi, expressed his gratitude to the council for supporting the project, noting that “the designation of ‘Korean Street’ is a significant step in strengthening the cultural ties between Korea and Melbourne.”
Find out more about Koreatown’s official designation.
