Korea in the World: Los Angeles
In this segment, we examine how Koreans live in other countries, and how Korean culture is making a global impact. This month’s writer is Jenn Tinoco, a current GN Copy Editor from Los Angeles, California. If you know someone who sees Korea in another country or if you yourself are such a person, please e-mail gwangjunews@gmail.com.
Have you ever seen a real life “melting pot?” And no, I am not being literal; I am referring to the City of Angels, also known as Los Angeles or “L.A. Galbi!” to some.
Los Angeles is the second most populated city in the United States, ranking at 3.8 million people according the 2012 census. Located on America’s West Coast, it closely borders Mexico, with Central America neighboring nearby, as well as numerous ports that connect L.A. to Asia and the rest of the world. There is no question as to why there is a vast number of different cultures situated in one sunny, yet glamorous and funky city.
“Koreatown” is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in L.A. and not only includes Koreans but many other Asians, Latinos (residents from Spanish-speaking countries) and African Americans. This area even has its own rich feature, which is known as “Hancock Park,” and according to local residents, it was pronounced differently by newcomers in the later generations who were not familiar with the original word “Hanguk,” meaning “Korean.”
From restaurants, wholesale marts, clothing shops and convenience stores (which were heavily devastated during the 1992 Rodney King riots) to community churches and karaoke bars, Koreatown has a huge impact in L.A. Being a native myself, when I walk into a Korean-owned establishment, L.A. shop owners might know how to speak Spanish better than some second or third generation Latinos. Whether a local or tourist, one can easily witness that these establishments are intertwined with some of the other 100-plus cultural influences co-existing in the city.
One example is the food joint located a few miles north in the neighborhood of Glendale. “Teriyaki Me!” has a Japanese-based food menu item but is run by Korean-born, Eugune Kim. Catering a certain menu when the owner originates from a different background is a familiar sight in big cities like L.A.
In the summer of 1982, Eugene Kim’s family migrated to the U.S. to have a better life and more opportunities. Originally from Seoul, Korea, the family also moved around the Gyeonggi Province only to move back to Seoul and finally overseas. “My father was a fan of Eugene Normandie, an orchestra conductor, so I was named after him – Kim Yoo-jin. I already had an English name before leaving my homeland,” he explained.
Kim attended high school in America and was later accepted to continue his education at the University of Southern California. “My wife and I both attended U.S.C. When my best friend was dating his wife (then girlfriend), we used to all hang out together. My wife Ann happened to be the sister of my friend’s wife. So we started to date. Now my best friend is also my brother-in-law.”
His stepfather was from Seattle, Washington, a city that is huge on teriyaki food. “My stepfather owned a few teriyaki restaurants and I learned from him.” Kim credits that experience to his success.
Kim’s restaurant is very basic, simple and clean. He has a “mom and pop” shop feel to it and has an amazing line of cooks who all hail from either Mexico or Guatemala. The menu derives from the staple meats: beef, chicken and shrimp, as well as tofu. California is huge on having vegetarian options.
Over the years, Eugene has become a local community star with his fabulous food menu. Walking into “Teriyaki Me!” the slogan “Eat Healthy, Every Day,” is plastered on the walls. Digital photo prints accommodate the menu descriptions on the adjacent wall near the counter and the prices are on average $6.75+tax for the Chicken teriyaki bowl, as an example. This includes grilled chicken and vegetables on a bed of rice, which can be replaced with brown rice for those who optimize for a fiberrich diet. The spicy tofu salad is superb on the tongue and some patrons opt for the “Aaron Special” which is named after Aaron, a comic book storeowner who works just down the street from the restaurant. Aaron just kept ordering a fried fish style rice and salad combo with tempura on the side and it became a menu creation. This special became so popular that after seven years it is still a favorite. Eugene’s wife also creates the authentic mustard dressing sauce, which is heavily Korean influenced and delicious, usually added to the salads but can be asked for as an extra dipping sauce.
“The Korean community in L.A. is huge. There are many functions, events, organizations and restaurants in the city. It is very easy and accessible to be connected. My future plan is to open up more restaurants and eventually franchise,” stated Kim, who has not been back to Korea in more than 27 years. He wishes to visit his country by 2015. But, as many can see, Koreans in America have only kept growing and adding a percentage of success not only to the economy but to their local communities.