Day 321: Koreatown, Allston, Massachusetts

📌 APIA Every Day (321) - Allston is a dynamic and diverse neighborhood located in the western part of Boston, Massachusetts. Bordered by the Charles River, Brighton, and Brookline, Allston is known for its vibrant arts scene, student population, and eclectic mix of cultures. The neighborhood is closely tied to neighboring Brighton, and the two are often referred to together as Allston-Brighton. With Harvard University’s growing presence in North Allston and proximity to Boston University, the area is a bustling hub of academic, residential, and commercial activity. Allston's mixed international eateries reflect its layered urban history and multicultural identity.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Allston became a significant point of settlement for Korean immigrants, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s, when changes to U.S. immigration policy allowed for a larger influx of Korean families. As Koreans settled in the neighborhood, they established churches, grocery stores, restaurants, and community organizations that helped shape Allston's cultural and economic landscape. The area around Harvard Avenue became a cultural center, sometimes referred to as "Koreatown" by locals, though not formally designated. These Korean American communities played a key role in diversifying Allston and contributing to its reputation as a welcoming place for immigrants seeking opportunity and community in the Boston area.

Efforts to preserve Allston’s rich immigrant history, including its Korean American legacy, have emerged through both grassroots and institutional initiatives. Organizations like the Allston Village Main Streets work to support local businesses and promote cultural events that reflect the neighborhood's diverse roots. Academic institutions such as the Boston University Initiative on Cities have also explored the impact of immigration on Boston neighborhoods like Allston, documenting stories through oral histories and urban studies. No major historic landmark specifically commemorates Korean American history in Allston as of yet.

Written by Billy Zeng

LEARN MORE:

Bright Allston Historical Society: History of Brighton-Allston

Harvard: Get to Know Allston: A History

Global Boston: Korean Immigration History in Boston

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