Taken by Susan

I first visited South Korea from Australia thirty years ago, and I quickly developed a passion for Korean cuisine. Upon returning to my hometown of Melbourne, I struggled to find more than a couple of Korean restaurants in the central business district to satisfy my cravings.

Fast forward to 2024, and everything has changed. Fuelled by the growing interest in Korean food and culture driven by the Korean Wave or “Hallyu,” Melbourne now boasts an official Koreatown, featuring over 25 Korean restaurants and businesses such as Seoul Toast Bong, Seven Starr, Jan Gun, Sukbong, Pocha, and Gami.

Melbourne, the capital of the state of Victoria, is slightly larger than the Korean peninsula, with a population of 5 million and an area 16.5 times that of Seoul. Approximately 25,000 Korean residents call Victoria home. 

In September of this year, the Melbourne City Council officially designated its own Koreatown, joining other major cities like Sydney, New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles with recognized Korean precincts.

At the launch, Melbourne's Lord Mayor, Nick Reese, remarked that Koreatown “has become a mecca for Korean food and culture, featuring some of the most exciting and popular restaurants in town.”

Kim Eun-seo, a biomedicine student and president of the Melbourne University Korean Students Society, shared, “As someone living abroad, Healeys Lane is my go-to for Korean food, and I’ve tried most of the restaurants there. Beyond food, I hope to see more spaces that showcase the full diversity of Korean culture.”

Locals have affectionately referred to Healey’s Lane as "Koreatown" or "Kimchi Lane" for years. To mark Koreatown’s official status, four three-meter-tall jang-seung have been installed at both ends of Healeys Lane. These were funded by the Republic of Korea’s Melbourne Consulate. Consul General Yi Chang-hoon described the designation of “Koreatown” as a significant step in strengthening cultural ties between Korea and Melbourne, expressing hope that Koreatown will thrive as a tourist attraction and enhance the status of the Korean community in Melbourne.

Australia-Korea Business Council Chief Executive Liz Griffin emphasized the growing appreciation for Korean culture, noting the global popularity of K-pop and acclaimed Korean dramas and films like Squid Game and Parasite. “These cultural phenomena not only entertain but also spark dialogue about Korean society and values, deepening the connection between our countries,” she said.

She added. ..”this official recognition celebrates Melbourne’s vibrant Korean community and underscores the increasing significance of Korean culture in Melbourne’s business landscape.” Trade between Victoria and South Korea has reached $3.5 billion, nearly doubling since 2019. Several major Korean companies, including Samsung, Hanwha Defence Australia and GS E&C have established in Melbourne. Hyundai and Kia are trusted household names, while the demand for Korean beauty products has surged, with Korean brands such as Dr. Jart, Sulwhasoo, Innisfree, and Laneige now featuring in major Australian retailers.

Korea’s thriving entertainment industry is capturing audiences across the whole of Australia, with more people enjoying Korean TV shows, films, and music. In 2022-23, South Korea also emerged as a popular travel destination, welcoming 90,000 Australian visitors.

Melbourne’s and Australia’s love affair with Korea, Korean cuisine and culture is on the rise.