Buena Park has approved a plan to install Koreatown signs along the 5 and 91 Freeways, marking a major step in recognizing its growing Korean American business district.
$45K Approved for Koreatown Sign Installation
At a regular city council meeting on May 13, the Buena Park City Council voted 3–2 to allocate $45,281 from the general fund for the installation. The initiative was led by Mayor Joyce Ahn, who emphasized the importance of acknowledging the area’s identity and cultural significance.
Under the approved plan, the city will coordinate with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to install seven freeway signs. Mayor Ahn said the project could be completed as early as June or July, depending on Caltrans’ schedule.
The signs will be placed as follows:
- 5 Freeway: Two signs at the northbound Beach Boulevard exit, and one sign at the southbound exit
- 91 Freeway: Two signs each at the eastbound and westbound Beach Boulevard exits
Originally, the city planned to install eight signs, with one placed near each exit and one directly at the exit. However, due to space limitations at the southbound 5 Freeway exit, only one sign will be installed there, reducing the total to seven.
Each sign will follow California’s brown-background design used for cultural destinations. One version will read “Koreatown Next Exit” in white letters. Another version will display “Koreatown” alongside a directional arrow.
Although Buena Park initially sought to include the city’s name on the signs, the state rejected the proposal, citing concerns that it would appear promotional, which is not permitted under California guidelines.
In September 2023, the Buena Park City Council officially designated the portion of Beach Boulevard between Orangethorpe and Rosecrans Avenues as Koreatown, an area with a high concentration of Korean businesses. A formal sign unveiling ceremony was held on October 10 at The Source Mall.
Buena Park is now the second city in Orange County, after Garden Grove, to establish an officially recognized Koreatown.
The motion passed with support from Mayor Joyce Ahn, Vice Mayor Connor Traut, and Councilmember Susan Sonne. Councilmembers Carlos Franco (District 2) and Ramiya Hossain (District 4) opposed the funding.
Mayor Ahn said the freeway signs will signal the Korean American community’s visibility and reinforce the significance of the largest Korean American commercial district in Orange County.
BY SANGHWAN LIM [lim.sanghwan@koreadaily.com]
