Healy's Lane has officially become Melbourne's very own Koreatown after the City of Melbourne unanimously voted to 'put a ring on it' at the Future Melbourne Committee (FMC) meeting on 3 September. .
Healy's Lane, which stretches from Lonsdale Street to Little Lonsdale Street, is already home to nearly 25 Korean businesses and has existed as an “unofficial” Koreatown for many years.
With city council approval, Melbourne now proudly has an official Korean constituency, joining other major cities such as New York, Toronto, Sydney and Los Angeles.
“Healey's Lane has long been synonymous with South Korea and this official endorsement is a win for the region's dedicated small business owners,” said Cr Kevin, the council's Business and Global Opportunities Portfolio Lead. Louey said.
“We can't wait to see Melbourne's Koreatown thrive. From gourmet cuisine like kimchi and bibimbap at our most popular restaurants to a vibrant entertainment scene, Koreatown will rejuvenate your senses. ”
Koreans are the ninth largest diaspora in Melbourne, with over 2,500 Koreans calling Melbourne their home.
As part of the Korean Town establishment, four authentic janseung (traditional Korean totem poles) will be installed at both ends of Healy's Lane.
Jangseong traditionally stands at the edge of Korean villages as a symbol of protection from evil spirits.
A three-meter-tall pole marks the entrance to the precinct, increasing the “sense of arrival and opportunity” for visitors to the city.
The four chancens will be funded by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Melbourne, but the council will oversee their installation.
Lee Chang-hoon, Consul-General of the Republic of Korea in Melbourne, said, “Koreatown recognizes Koreans as members of the city of Melbourne.''
The Consulate-General is working with the Melbourne Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MKBA) to aim for an official opening ceremony in the first half of 2025.
The ceremony kicks off an exciting lineup of Korean festivals across the city, followed by the annual Korean Festival in Federal Square in May.
Consul General Yee also wants to commission a mural on Healy's Lane to start welcoming Melburnians to Koreatown.
“Melbourne is a multicultural melting pot. We are proud to have 2,500 Korean-born Melburnians living in our city and formalizing Koreatown will attract more tourists and We look forward to attracting businesses to the area,” said Mayor Nick Reese. •
