For those who've been following Melbourne's unfolding Koreatown story, the news that we're joining global cities like Los Angeles, Toronto and New York in having our very own flavour-packed Korean food precinct isn't exactly new news. The City of Melbourne revealed in 2024 that Healeys Lane in the CBD, credit to its density of vibrant Korean businesses (mainly restaurants), had been the front-runner for our very own designated Koreatown for some time.
Last September, the decision was made to formalise the precinct – and only as of now, the process is finally complete! Recognition of the laneway (affectionately known as 'Kimchi Lane') has just been finalised in a joyous opening ceremony, complete with cultural performances, bibimbap tastings, and most significantly, Australia's very first traditional Korean jang seung: a set of signature totem poles hand-crafted by Korean artisan Jong-yeon Kim. Inspired by the real structures erected around Korean villages, the jang seung are carved to protect the community while serving as meaningful symbols to mark Koreatown's territory.
“Officially unveiling the jang seung at Koreatown fills me with so much jabusim – pride,” shared Lord Mayor Nick Reece on the opening day. “Our growing Korean community is a vital ingredient in the successful melting pot that is multicultural Melbourne.”
“Standing at almost three metres tall, the jang seung will welcome people to the precinct and create iconic moments for visitors to share with the world. They’re a bold invitation to visit daebak – awesome – Melbourne and experience one of our cool precincts.”
With more than 25,000 Koreans living across Victoria, the move to officially recognise Koreatown is a timely acknowledgement of one of Melbourne's most exciting cultural imports right now. From K-Pop music and fashion to kimchi and soju, the K-wave in Melbourne is real, and we're not just loving it – we're packing our suitcases to join the idol fan club up-close.
Interestingly, a record-breaking 90,000 Aussies headed to the airport for South Korea in 2022–23. Were we chasing our fave K-drama celebs, seeking the serenity of temples or simply searching for that one Korean skincare elixir to rule them all? Many of us were probably just on the hunt for wickedly good Korean food – but now that Melbourne's very own Koreatown is here, the good news is we no longer need to head to the airport to get a taste of red-hot K-barbecue, army stew or pocha culture.
Geonbae (cheers) to that!
When did Koreatown open in Melbourne?
While an informal 'Koreatown' has been recognised in Melbourne's CBD for some time now (and steps made to initiate the formal recognition as early as last year), the official opening ceremony has only just taken place on Saturday, May 17.
Where is Koreatown in Melbourne?
Healey Lane is located at the west end of Little Lonsdale Street and part of Spencer Street, and is positioned nearby the city's most well-loved streetscapes such as Degraves Street, Chinatown and Hardware Lane. The nearest train station is Flagstaff.
Which Koreatown Melbourne restaurants should you visit?
With more than 25 Korean businesses packed in the small precinct, your best bet is to wander through for lunch or dinner and see what catches your eye (or entices your nose!).
From experience, we can recommend Seven Star Pocha for properly authentic late-night street eats like Korean army stew (a hearty soup of luncheon meat, vegetables and noodles), spicy chicken feet and bulgogi, as well as very wholesome kimchi masterclasses at various times in the year; Seoul Toast Bong for famous, ultra-rich street toast (it's Australia's only outpost of the famous Korean chain); and Gami for fried chicken and beer with friends. Try crowd favourite Jang Gun if you're after another spot that also tends to get a lot of love!
Which Melbourne foodie hotspots will come next?
The City of Melbourne is promising even more pocket-sized precincts to come and is planning to invest around $150,000 in the development of a ‘Little India,’ a sprawling seafood wonderland in Docklands, and plenty more local community markets to crank up the the food culture on our streets.
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