San Francisco is home to one of the largest and most vibrant Korean communities in the United States. Nestled in the city‘s Richmond District, San Francisco‘s Koreatown is a bustling ethnic enclave filled with Korean restaurants, businesses, cultural centers and more.
For those looking to experience authentic Korean food, culture and community, San Francisco‘s Koreatown is a must-visit destination. This ultimate guide covers everything you need to know about Koreatown SF, from its history and location to the best places to eat, shop and explore.
A Brief History of Koreatown in San Francisco
San Francisco‘s Koreatown traces its origins back to the early 1900s when Korean immigrants first began arriving in the city. Many early Korean immigrants settled in Chinatown, but as their numbers grew, they began forming their own distinct community.
After World War II, a wave of Korean immigration led to further growth of the Korean population in San Francisco. By the 1970s, Koreatown was firmly established in the Richmond District along Geary Boulevard from Arguello Boulevard to Clement Street.
Over the decades, Koreatown continued to expand and solidify itself as a thriving hub of Korean culture and commerce. Today, it remains at the heart of the Korean community in the Bay Area.
Where is Koreatown Located in San Francisco?
San Francisco‘s Koreatown is centered on Geary Boulevard between Arguello Boulevard and Clement Street in the Richmond District. The main thoroughfare of Koreatown is Geary Boulevard itself, which is lined with numerous Korean businesses and restaurants.
In addition to Geary Boulevard, Koreatown extends into the residential blocks on either side containing apartment buildings, houses, churches and community centers serving the Korean population.
Some of the major cross streets in Koreatown include Balboa Street, Cabrillo Street, 6th Avenue and Clement Street. This rectangular area makes up the densest concentration of Korean establishments and residents.
Koreatown Demographics and Population
Koreatown forms the cultural heart of the Korean community in San Francisco and the Bay Area. Approximately 17,000 Korean Americans live in San Francisco itself, making up about 5% of the city‘s population.
The broader Bay Area is home to around 100,000 Korean Americans, forming one of the largest Korean populations outside of Korea. Koreatown serves as the hub for this vibrant community.
Within its boundaries, over half of Koreatown residents identify as Korean American. Other Asian groups including Chinese, Japanese and Filipino Americans also have significant populations.
Major Korean Cultural Centers and Organizations
Koreatown is home to numerous organizations that preserve Korean culture and bring the community together. Some highlights include:
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Korean Center Inc. – Non-profit community center offering programs for seniors, youth and the underserved. Also hosts cultural events.
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San Francisco Korean-American Senior Center – Provides meals, health services and activities specifically tailored for elderly Korean Americans.
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Korean Community Center of the East Bay – Promotes Korean cultural heritage with educational programs in Oakland/Berkeley area.
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Institute of Korean Studies – Offers Korean language classes, cooking instructions and seminars on Korean history.
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Korea Times – Long-running Korean language newspaper serving the Bay Area and based in Koreatown.
Korean Businesses and Restaurants
Koreatown is packed with Korean restaurants representing all the major cuisine styles. From barbecue to bibimbap, steamed buns to Korean fried chicken, all your favorites can be found here.
In addition, Koreatown offers Korean markets like Seoul Market and Dragon Market for ingredients. H-Mart has a large outpost here as well. Shop at these markets for banana milk, snacks, kimchi, rice cakes and more.
Beauty supply stores, Korean bookstores, acupuncture clinics and karaoke bars also abound in Koreatown. Song hae Wan , Hangaram and Korea House are popular karaoke destinations.
Annual Festivals and Events
Several festivals promote and celebrate Korean culture annually in Koreatown:
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Cherry Blossom Festival – Takes place every April, celebrating spring with live music, food and performances.
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Korean Festival – Large street festival in September with Korean music, dance, food and crafts.
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Lunar New Year Festival – Marking the Lunar New Year, this festival includes cultural exhibitions and games.
How Koreatown Compares to Other Major Koreatowns
Los Angeles has the largest Koreatown in the US, spanning over 3 square miles with around 150,000 residents. New York City‘s Koreatown in Manhattan is also extremely sizable.
Though smaller than LA and NYC‘s Koreatowns, San Francisco‘s Koreatown holds its own in terms of culture, commerce and community. It provides an authentic Korean enclave without feeling overwhelmingly huge.
Transportation and Accessing Koreatown
Koreatown is served by several Muni bus lines including the 2, 3, 38 and 38R. The Geary and Balboa BART stations are located close by as well. Driving, Uber/Lyft and biking are other options.
Metered street parking can be tricky but garages are available, like the CA Auto Park garage at 3770 Geary Blvd.
Why Locals Love Koreatown
Residents cite Koreatown‘s strong sense of community, abundance of Korean businesses and eateries, and excellent public transit access as major advantages.
The neighborhood feels worlds away from downtown but is still centrally located. It provides an immersive Korean environment while still being part of the diverse, vibrant city of San Francisco.
Guide to Experiencing Koreatown as a Visitor
No trip to San Francisco is complete without a visit to Koreatown. Here are some top things to do:
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Try Korean barbecue classics like bulgogi and kalbi at Jong Ga House or Young Korean Dining
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Sing your heart out in a private karaoke room at Seoul Karaoke
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Marvel at the huge selection of Korean groceries at Dragon Market
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Learn to make kimchi and other banchan at a cooking class with Maangchi
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See traditional Korean dresses and arts at the Korea Culture Center
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Shop for Korean beauty products and snacks at miscellaneous stores along Geary Blvd
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Sip bubble tea at FunTea and chow down on savory pancakes at My Tofu House
The Future of Koreatown
Koreatown remains at the heart of Korean culture in San Francisco. Koreatown establishments continue updating with new owners and new generations, ensuring traditions are preserved.
At the same time, Koreatown also evolves along with the population. New fusion restaurants, cafes, bars and other modern businesses mix with traditional ones. The neighborhood strikes a perfect balance between old and new – an authentic Koreatown that moves forward into the future.
With its resilient community, rich cultural roots, and distinctive charm, Koreatown remains a quintessential San Francisco neighborhood and a hub for Korean Americans in the Bay Area and beyond.
