Melbourne’s Koreatown officially opens as a month-long celebration of Korean culture peaks

Melbourne’s newest cultural precinct – Koreatown – has officially opened in the CBD, marking a milestone moment for the city’s growing Korean-Australian community and cementing Healeys Lane as the vibrant heart of Korean cuisine and culture in Victoria.

Unveiled on May 17, Koreatown becomes the latest multicultural addition to the City of Melbourne, joining Chinatown, the Greek Quarter, and other iconic precincts in celebrating the city’s diversity.

It is the first time a Victorian laneway has been formally designated as a Koreatown, placing Melbourne alongside cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Toronto in recognising a dedicated hub for Korean culture.

Located between Lonsdale and Little Lonsdale streets near King St, Healeys Lane is already home to around 25 Korean-owned businesses – mostly restaurants – making it a natural choice for the precinct.

The official designation was commemorated with the installation of four traditional jang seung (guardian totem poles), hand-carved in Korea by master craftsperson Jong-yeon Kim and funded by the Korean Consulate in Melbourne.

Standing at nearly three metres tall, the jang seung now frame the entry to Koreatown, offering a striking welcome to the precinct while honouring the Korean tradition of placing totems at village entrances to protect and bring good fortune.

This fills me with so much jabusim – pride,” Lord Mayor Nick Reece said. “The jang seung are a bold invitation to visit daebak – awesome – Melbourne and experience one of our coolest precincts.

Cr Kevin Louey, chair of the City Economy portfolio, said the precinct would attract more foot traffic to the area and boost economic activity for Korean traders. “Koreatown will not only support the growth of Korean-owned businesses, but also establish a vibrant destination that celebrates Melbourne’s multicultural identity.”

Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea Changhoon Yi added that “the City of Melbourne’s official designation of the Healeys Lane precinct as Koreatown recognises the contributions and vibrant presence of the Korean-Australian community in this city.”

The announcement comes as Korean culture took centre stage throughout the city during May. The annual Korea Festival returned to Fed Square across the weekend of May 24 and 25, bringing with it a packed program of traditional performances, Korean food, craft workshops and an exclusive Squid Game activation in partnership with Netflix, ahead of the series’ final season release in June.

Visitors tested their skills in a life-sized version of “Red Light, Green Light” featuring an operational Young Hee doll, posed for immersive photos, and enjoyed live performances by acts such as the Saengdonggam Crew. Korean food stalls and cultural booths rounded out the experience.

At the opening of Koreatown, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt said, “Victoria is proud to be Australia’s multicultural capital. Adding another multicultural precinct provides Victorians the opportunity to experience and celebrate more cultures close to home.”

The Victorian Government has supported the precinct through its $17 million Multicultural Business Chambers and Trader Groups Program, which helps revitalise and promote local precincts across the state.

Minister for Small Business Natalie Suleyman said Korean small businesses played a vital role in the economy.

“Korean culture and food are incredibly popular in Victoria, and this precinct celebrates the Korean-Australian community and their contributions,” Minister Suleyman said.

With more than 2500 Koreans calling the City of Melbourne home – and more than 25,000 living across Victoria – the opening of Koreatown marks a significant recognition of the Korean diaspora’s cultural and economic contribution to the state.

As Lord Mayor Reece put it, “Melbourne is a multicultural melting pot, and our Koreatown is already flourishing. We will now see the business, entertainment and cultural opportunities soar.” •