Los Angeles Koreatown, one of the city’s most densely populated neighborhoods, faces a shortage of green spaces where residents can relax and connect. Korean Americans are voicing a growing need for everyday community-based parks that integrate naturally into their lives.
Inkyu Hwang, 30, a Koreatown resident, said he wants a park that is safe to use in the evening. “In Korea, it’s common to take a walk in the park after dinner to help with digestion,” he said. “From large parks like Hangang Park to small neighborhood green spaces, there are many easily accessible options.” In Koreatown, however, he said there is virtually no place for a peaceful evening stroll. Since getting married in March, he and his wife have often had to leave Koreatown, usually heading to Larchmont, just to walk together.
Hwang noted that in Korea the idea of “life after work” has become routine, with parks serving as natural meeting points for professionals. “Running clubs are popular in Korea,” he said. “People gather in the park after work, go for a run, and then hang out — maybe even grab a beer together.” In Koreatown, however, heavy traffic, safety concerns, and the presence of homelessness make evening park use difficult. “Even if a new park is built, it’s meaningless without proper safety measures,” he said. “Clean spaces can quickly turn into homeless encampments.”
For parks to be truly usable in the evening, safety must come first, Hwang stressed. He suggested increasing streetlights and, if more police patrols are not possible, setting up a real-time security camera system.
Parks are also vital as places where people build social connections. Chaelin Kim, 25, who graduated from college in New York, emphasized this role. “Back in New York, I often met up with friends at a park,” she said. “Even if we didn’t stay long, starting our time together in a park set a different tone.”
Kim believes Koreatown feels overly functional, focused mainly on eating and drinking. She said a public green space could shift the way people connect. “Parks create breathing room,” she explained. “Even after cafés or restaurants close, people can continue talking.” She added that residents could walk together, read books, or enjoy simple picnics.
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
