Koreatown, Palisades Park Explained

Koreatown, Palisades Park
Other Name:Palisades Park Koreatown
Native Name:팰리세이즈파크 코리아타운
Coordinates:40.847°N -73.9971°W
Settlement Type:Koreatown
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Type2:County
Subdivision Name2:Bergen
Subdivision Type3:Agglomeration
Subdivision Type4:Borough

Koreatown in the borough of Palisades Park (shortened to Pal Park Korean: 팔팍), Bergen County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey, is centered around the business district on Broad Avenue,[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] which has been called a "Korean food walk of fame".[9]

Background

The municipalities with the highest density of ethnic Koreans in the Western Hemisphere and the home of both the highest Korean-American density and percentage are in Bergen County,[10] with the highest density and percentage, as well as uniquely a majority, of any municipality in the United States,[11] at 53.7% of the borough's population in 2022.[12] Along with Palisades Park,[13] [14] [15] [16] abutting towns also have high percentages: Leonia (%), Ridgefield (%), Fort Lee (%). Chusok Korean Thanksgiving harvest festival has become an annual tradition in Bergen County, attended by several tens of thousands.[17] [18] In the 1990s, a continuous stream of Korean immigrants moved into Palisades Park and purchased most businesses;[19] [20] It became one of the largest and fastest growing ethnic Korean enclaves outside of Korea (and has been called Koreatown on the Hudson,[21] the Korean Village,[22] and Little Korea[23] [24]). Broad Avenue is the biggest and densest Korean commercial district in Bergen County, the heart of the Korean American community,[7] and growth of the community has been accelerated by zoning laws which allow duplex homes on land previously containing a single home.[25]

Cuisine and culture

Broad Avenue in Koreatown has been referred to as a "Korean food walk of fame",[9] with diverse offerings.[26] Palisades Park's Koreatown now incorporates the highest concentration of Korean restaurants within a one-mile radius in the United States,[27] and Broad Avenue has evolved into a Korean dessert destination as well.[28] [29] Korean Chinese cuisine is now also available in Koreatown, as is misugaru.[30] Bulgogi and galbi are staples on Broad Avenue in the Palisades Park Koreatown.[21] Korean cafés have become a major cultural element within Palisades Park's Koreatown, not only for the coffee, bingsu (shaved ice), and pastries, but also as communal gathering places.[31] Koreatown in Palisades Park has emerged as a dominant nexus of Korean American culture.[26] The Palisades Park Senior Citizens Center provides a popular gathering place where even Korean grandmothers were noted to follow the dance trend of the worldwide viral hit Gangnam Style by South Korean "K-pop" rapper Psy in 2012.[32] Palisades Park High School has hosted national Kumdo martial arts tournaments.[33] [34] A jjimjilbang offers saunas and bibimbap in Palisades Park's Koreatown.[35] Approximately 120 Korean stores were counted in Palisades Park in 2000,[15] a number which has risen significantly since then, featuring restaurants and karaoke (noraebang) bars, grocery markets, education centers, book stores, financial institutions (such as Shinhan Bank and Woori Bank), offices, electronics vendors, apparel boutiques, and other commercial enterprises. Koreatown has also grown in and introduced Pocha to the community, which is just another word for a bar, but pochas have a different style.

Signage & dual-naming Broad Avenue

In 1996, an ordinance was passed that storefront signage be same size in English as in Korean.[36] It was one of seven towns in Bergen County to do so.[37]

In mid-2015, a proposal was submitted by the Korean-American Association of Palisades Park to the mayor and council of Palisades Park to add a second name to Broad Avenue, such as "Korean Market Street" or "Korea Way".[38] The mayor's response was to request a public vote on implementing this addition.[39] As of 2018, it remained controversial.[40]

Monuments and memorials

In 2010, in a public park near the public library a brass plaque on a block of stone, was dedicated to the memory of comfort women, tens of thousands of women and girls, many Korean, who were forced into sexual slavery by Japanese soldiers during World War II.[5] [41] In May 2012, borough officials in Palisades Park rejected requests by two diplomatic delegations from Japan to remove a small monument from the park.[42] [43] Days later, a South Korean delegation endorsed the borough's decision.[44] The first Japanese delegation cited apologies offered by their country's government for its involvement as justifying the removal of the monument, while officials from the second delegation controversially claimed that "comfort women were a lie". In 2017 the monument, the first of its kind in the United States, was relocated to more prominent location.[45] A similar memorial in nearby Hackensack was raised behind the Bergen County Courthouse, alongside memorials to the Holocaust, the Great Famine of Ireland, and the Armenian genocide,[46] and unveiled in March 2013.[47] [48] An annual cross-country bicycle ride dedicated to the honor of the comfort women ends at the Palisades Park memorial, following a penultimate stop at the memorial in Hackensack.[49]

A memorial dedicated to the victims of the tragic sinking of the Sewol ferry off the South Korean coast on April 16, 2014, was unveiled at the public library in May 2014.[50]

Korean language in civic affairs

Ballots are printed with the Korean language since 2012.[14] Jason Kim was serving as deputy mayor of the borough of Palisades Park in May 2012.[51] As of May 2014, Korean Americans had garnered at least four borough council seats in Bergen County.[52] In July 2015, Shawn M. Lee was sworn in as Palisades Park's first Korean-American police sergeant and Gina S. Kim was sworn in as the borough's first municipal clerk, reflecting the growing political influence of the Korean American population in Palisades Park.[53] In November 2015, Palisades Park hired two more Korean-speaking police officers, bringing the total to four.[54] In January 2019, Christopher Chung was sworn in as the first Korean-American mayor of Palisades Park.[55] Korean Americans have attended town meetings in large numbers, requested Korean language interpreters to be present at these meetings as of August 2016.[56] [23] In 2019 the town created a Korean language version of its website.[57]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Book: The Authentic Voice: The Best Reporting on Race and Ethnicity. Arlene Notoro. Morgan. Alice Irene. Pifer. Keith. Woods. 2006. Columbia University Press . 9780231132893 . Broad Avenue is the fulcrum of something larger: a parallel universe - that re-creates American traditions in Korean style. Koreans call it "Koreatown"..
  2. Book: Ph.D, Reed Ueda. America's Changing Neighborhoods: An Exploration of Diversity through Places [3 volumes]]. September 21, 2017. ABC-CLIO. 9781440828652. Koreans have given rise to ethnic enclave businesses...Koreans operate 95% of all businesses around the mle-long commercial strip of Broad Avenue..
  3. News: Llorente . Elizabeth . Palisades Park Grapples with Change . The Record . August 23, 1998 . 9780231132893 . May 16, 2021.
  4. Web site: NJ 한인타운 팰리세이즈파크…새로운 한인 이민역사 창조의 무대로. 미주중앙일보. 13 January 2019 .
  5. News: Lee . James F . In suburban N.J., let off steam the traditional Korean way . The Washington Post . December 31, 2014. June 9, 2021.
  6. Web site: Pyong Gap Min . Population Growth and Racial Composition in Korean Enclaves in the New York-New Jersey Area, 1980-2010 . RESEARCH CENTER FOR THE KOREAN COMMUNITY QUEENS COLLEGE OF CUNY . August 5, 2012 . May 20, 2021 . the Korean business district in Palisades Park: on ten blocks along Broad Avenue, on a few blocks along Grand Avenue, and a few blocks along Bergen Boulevard. This business district created in a very suburban Korean enclave has no high buildings and no major shopping malls.
  7. News: Sobko . Katie . 2018-02-09 . In Palisades Park's Koreatown, hope and pride running high . . 2021-06-07 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210607003409/https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/bergen/palisades-park/2018/02/09/palisades-parks-koreatown-hope-and-pride-running-high/1073276001/ . 2021-06-07 . "Bergen County has the nation's highest concentration of people of Korean heritage. Edgewater, Fort Lee, Leonia and other Bergen County towns are also rich in Korean culture. but Palisades Park, with its strip of shops and restaurants on Broad Avenue dubbed 'Koreatown,' is the heart of the community.".
  8. Changing the Landscape of an American Town: Immigrantrification of a Korean Ethnoburb and Its Cultural and Economic Consequences. Halyna. Lemekh. October 1, 2022. Journal of International Migration and Integration. Springer Link. 10.1007/s12134-022-00990-x. 36213220. 9526211.
  9. Web site: Karen Tina Harrison. 2007-12-19. Thriving Korean communities make Fort Lee and Palisades Park a boon to epicures.. June 10, 2021.
  10. Web site: Mahwah library hosts Korean tea ceremony to celebrate new year. James O'Neill. North Jersey Media Group. February 22, 2015. February 22, 2015. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20150222201039/http://www.northjersey.com/news/mahwah-library-hosts-korean-tea-ceremony-to-celebrate-new-year-1.1275756. February 22, 2015.
  11. [Richard Pérez-Peña|Pérez-Peña, Richard]
  12. Web site: ACS Demographic and Housing Estimates Palisades Park borough, New Jersey. United States Census Bureau. August 18, 2024.
  13. Web site: Palisades Park borough, New Jersey QuickLinks. U.S. Census Bureau. July 28, 2015. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140513134539/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/34/3455770lk.html. May 13, 2014.
  14. Web site: Korean language ballots coming to Bergen County. Karen Sudol . Dave Sheingold . © 2012 North Jersey Media Group. 2011-10-12. 2012-05-14.
  15. Book: Asian Americans: Contemporary Trends and Issues Second Edition. Pyong Gap Min. Pine Forge Press - An Imprint of Sage Publications, Inc. 2006. 9781412905565. 2012-03-29.
  16. Web site: New York serious eats. Serious Eats © 2006-2012. Brian Yarvin. 2008-06-13. 2012-03-29.
  17. Web site: Koreans in North Jersey give thanks at harvest festival. Mary Diduch. North Jersey Media Group. September 14, 2013. September 15, 2013.
  18. Web site: Tens of thousands celebrate Chuseok at NJ event – the Korea Times.
  19. News: 1,000 Rally for Korean-American Merchants Who Fear Backlash of Bias in Palisades Park. The New York Times. 24 November 1999. Hanley. Robert.
  20. Web site: PALISADES PARK JOURNAL As Koreans Pour In, a Town Is Remade. The New York Times Company. RICHARD PÉREZ-PEÑA. 2010-12-15. 2012-03-29.
  21. Web site: Korean Food Crawl with Kimchi Smoke's Rob Cho. Sophia F. Gottfried. NorthJersey.com - part of the USA TODAY network. January 12, 2017. January 12, 2017.
  22. Web site: Palisades Park Municipal Court. SpinJ Corporation. August 18, 2024.
  23. Web site: Ma . Myles . As Korean population grows, Palisades Park learns the language . NJ.com . January 16, 2019 . May 21, 2021 . Anyone who has spent time on Broad Avenue knows: Palisades Park is Bergen County's Little Korea..
  24. Web site: Koreans in New Jersey urged to rise to Census count challenges | Collaborative Journalism. August 6, 2020.
  25. News: This Small New Jersey Town Became a Different Kind of Suburb. Binyamin Appelbaum. The New York Times. March 25, 2024. April 3, 2024.
  26. Web site: Dining Out. Serious Eats.
  27. Web site: Palisades Park, NJ: K-Town West of Hudson. 11 June 2007. WordPress.com. 2011-09-24.
  28. Web site: Ung: Destination spot for desserts. Elisa Ung. North Jersey Media Group. February 9, 2014. February 9, 2014.
  29. Web site: Five Korean dishes to try this summer. Elisa Ung. North Jersey Media Group. June 12, 2014. June 12, 2014.
  30. Web site: Korean coffee chain expanding in North Jersey. Joan Verdon. North Jersey Media Group. June 5, 2014. June 6, 2014.
  31. Web site: Sweet treats and caffeine, with twist. Katie Sobko. northjersey.com - part of the USA TODAY network. February 10, 2018. February 11, 2018.
  32. Web site: 'Gangnam Style' dance craze catches fire in North Jersey. Sachi Fujimori . Elyse Toribio . © 2012 North Jersey Media Group Inc. All rights reserved. 2012-09-22. 2012-09-22.
  33. Web site: Kendo championship a draw for New Jersey competitors, other states. Minjae Park. North Jersey Media Group. November 17, 2013. November 17, 2013.
  34. Web site: Kumdo tournament to draw more than 220 at Palisades Park. Monsy Alvarado. North Jersey Media Group. November 16, 2013. November 16, 2013.
  35. News: A Korean Spa Offers Saunas, Bibimbap and a Taste of Home in New Jersey. Richard Morgan. The New York Times. January 2, 2017. January 2, 2017.
  36. News: Debating The Language Of Signs;New Jersey Towns Tell Asian-Owned Stores: Advertise in English, Too. Robert. Hanley. The New York Times. April 9, 1996.
  37. News: Opinion | Mute in an English-Only World . The New York Times . 18 April 1996 . Lee . Chang-Rae .
  38. Web site: Palisades Park on its way to rename street Korea Way – The Korea Times.
  39. Web site: Palisades Park asked to add Korean Market Street. Monsy Alvarado. North Jersey Media Group. August 30, 2015. August 30, 2015.
  40. Web site: Racial Tensions Brew Against Korean Immigrants in New Jersey Town. July 29, 2018.
  41. Web site: Comfort Women Memorial Stays in Palisades Park, Despite Objection from Japanese Government | Video.
  42. News: In New Jersey, Memorial for 'Comfort Women' Deepens Old Animosity. The New York Times. Kirk Semple. May 18, 2012. 2012-07-12.
  43. Web site: Sexual slavery issue, discussed internationally, pivots around one little monument in N.J.. S.P. Sullivan. New Jersey On-Line LLC. June 8, 2013. June 9, 2013.
  44. Web site: Palisades Park monument to 'comfort women' stirs support, anger. North Jersey Media Group. Monsy Alvarado. July 12, 2012. 2012-07-12. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120714013436/http://www.northjersey.com/community/at_the_library/news/Palisades_Park_monument_to_comfort_women_stirs_support_anger.html. July 14, 2012.
  45. Web site: Monument honoring 'comfort women' to relocated.
  46. Web site: New Jersey's Korean community awakens politically. © 2012 North Jersey Media Group Inc. All rights reserved. Rebecca D. O'Brien. 2012-10-14. 2012-10-19.
  47. Web site: Bergen County marks International Women's Day with Korean 'comfort women' memorial. S.P. Sullivan. New Jersey On-Line LLC. March 8, 2013. April 6, 2013.
  48. Web site: Memorial dedicated to women forced into sexual slavery during WWII. Monsy Alvarado. North Jersey Media Group. March 8, 2013. April 6, 2013.
  49. Web site: Arriving in Palisades Park, three men complete cross-country trek in honor of 'comfort women'. Monsy Alvarado. Gannett Company, Inc. September 2, 2016. September 3, 2016.
  50. Web site: Palisades Park library creates memorial for South Korean ferry victims. Monsy Alvarado. North Jersey Media Group. May 2, 2014. May 3, 2014.
  51. News: In New Jersey, Memorial for 'Comfort Women' Deepens Old Animosity. The New York Times. Kirk Semple. May 18, 2012. 2012-05-20.
  52. Web site: South Korean officials, Menendez lead Englewood discussion on improving joint economy. Monsy Alvarado. North Jersey Media Group. May 12, 2014. May 12, 2014.
  53. Web site: Palisades Park installs first Korean police sergeant, borough clerk . Monsy Alvarado. North Jersey Media Group. July 28, 2015. July 28, 2015.
  54. Web site: Palisades Park hires three new cops, including two who speak Korean. Monsy Alvarado. North Jersey Media Group. November 27, 2015. November 28, 2015.
  55. Web site: Palisades Park makes history in Bergen County, swears in first Korean-American mayor. Kristie Cattafi. NorthJersey.com - part of the USA TODAY network. January 3, 2019. January 31, 2019.
  56. Web site: Palisades Park residents want Korean-language interpreters at town meetings. Monsy Alvarado. North Jersey Media Group. August 22, 2016. August 25, 2016.
  57. Web site: Palisades Park spent the past decade learning Korean. Myles Ma | NJ Advance Media for. NJ.com. January 18, 2017. nj.

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