Day 259: Koreatown, Asian Trade District, Dallas, Texas
📌APIA Every Day (259) - Koreatown in Dallas emerged in the 1980s as a vibrant commercial district along Royal Lane and Harry Hines Boulevard. This transformation began when Korean American entrepreneurs established businesses in what was previously an industrial area. Initially, many Korean-owned businesses were concentrated along Belt Line Road in Irving before migrating to this Dallas location. By the 1990s and early 2000s, the district experienced rapid growth, with over 200 Korean-owned businesses thriving in the area. The commercial ecosystem grew organically, starting with wholesale businesses and expanding to include restaurants, grocery stores, banks, law offices, and other supporting enterprises.
While the district flourished for decades, it has faced significant decline in recent years. Contributing factors include the COVID-19 pandemic, economic shifts, and the migration of businesses to suburban areas like Carrollton, which now boasts its own Koreatown. Today, the number of Korean-owned businesses in the original district has decreased to approximately 50-60, with many original establishments either closing or relocating. Despite this downturn, the area continues to host key cultural and commercial establishments that serve both Korean and non-Korean communities, maintaining a connection to its heritage.
In an effort to preserve and revitalize the area, the Greater Dallas Korean American Chamber of Commerce is working to obtain an official Koreatown designation from the city. This initiative includes installing street toppers on Royal Lane from Luna Road to Harry Hines Boulevard. According to Pew Research Center data from 2019, approximately 41,000 Korean Americans lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, though local Korean consular offices estimate the number may be even higher. Securing this designation represents not only a step toward economic rejuvenation but also a celebration of the cultural contributions Korean Americans have made to the region, ensuring Koreatown’s legacy for future generations.
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