After 17 years, a monument representing Los Angeles’ Koreatown is finally being constructed. The “Koreatown Gateway” is set to break ground soon. Following last month’s announcement of a Korean pavilion and garden in Buena Park, this marks another piece of welcome news for the Korean-American community at the beginning of the year.
The Gateway is a long-anticipated project that has been in the works since 2008. The plan involves constructing two 50-foot-tall gates near the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Normandie Avenue, connected by LED cables. The $3.6 million project aims to establish a landmark for Koreatown.
Construction is expected to begin as early as next month. According to the website of the nonprofit organization overseeing the project, Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative (LANI), a contractor will be selected through a bidding process by February 27.
The initial design was created in 2017 by the architectural firm JFAK (John Friedman Alice Kimm Architects). On its website, JFAK describes the project as “a new urban gateway that celebrates the long-standing friendship between Los Angeles and Korea while symbolizing Korean identity.” The LED lights attached to the cables connecting the two pillars are designed to be programmable, allowing for various displays, including traditional Korean symbols like the Taegeukgi (Korean flag). Once completed, the structure will stand as a true landmark, making Koreatown’s location clearly visible in the Los Angeles skyline at night.
The long wait makes the news of the groundbreaking all the more welcome. However, this moment also calls for reflection within the Korean-American community. The numerous delays and resumptions over the past 17 years highlight the community’s struggles with momentum and organization. Comparing this to other communities’ successful gateway projects only deepens the sense of regret.
For instance, few Koreans are aware that the “Maya Corridor” Gateway was completed on December 21 of last year near 6th Street and Park View. This monument, symbolizing the cultural heritage of the Maya civilization, was erected through the collective efforts of residents from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Belize.
What stands out most is the speed of execution. According to city council records, the proposal (21-0537) was introduced in May 2021 and signed by the mayor the following May. In just three and a half years, the first phase of the project—the gateway itself—was completed. The key to this rapid progress was the unity of the five communities, which persistently advocated for the project, coupled with the unwavering support of the district’s city council representative, who prioritized it as a top agenda item.
This stands in stark contrast to Koreatown’s experience, where progress has been repeatedly stalled by announcements of delays and restarts over 17 years. Another major difference is that for the Maya Gateway, completion of the gateway itself was just the beginning. The next phase involves creating plazas at six intersections surrounding the gateway, each named after one of the five countries involved, with the sixth named after Policarpo, a leader of the indigenous Maya community.
Additionally, a comprehensive plan includes sidewalk and crosswalk improvements, the installation of bus stops, and streetlights for enhanced safety. This project is more than just a structure; it is a meaningful landmark that preserves history and culture while serving as a continuously evolving community space.
In contrast, the Koreatown Gateway remains focused solely on its completion. A long-term plan is necessary to ensure the project extends beyond a simple monument and sustains its cultural influence.
Another point worth noting is the material used. The Maya Gateway was constructed from wood, which, though unrefined, holds historical significance and tells a story.
A similar approach can be seen in Little Tokyo, where a 150-year-old grapefruit tree named “Sunny” serves as a symbol of the community. The Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, a leading nonprofit organization, sends out an annual newsletter featuring a photo of Sunny, urging supporters to “protect our community as we have protected this tree.” A single tree has become a unifying symbol, bringing the community together.
The Korean-American community must also raise its voice. The Korean American Federation of Los Angeles and other nonprofit organizations should form a coalition to actively lobby the city council and government for continued project expansion. Beyond merely constructing a gateway, efforts should be made to name surrounding streets and establish symbols that tell our own story.
Furthermore, a strategic approach is needed to develop the project into a sustainable cultural space. The time has come for the Korean-American community to speak with one voice, assert its needs, and solidify the identity of Koreatown.
By Koohyun Chung chung.koohyun@koreadaily.com
