Korean community cooperation between Fullerton, California, and Aurora, Colorado, officially launched as officials and civic leaders from both cities met to explore deeper collaboration.
Delegates Discuss Business and Cultural Exchange
On April 4, Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung welcomed a 12-member delegation from Aurora Sister Cities International (ASCI) and On Havana Street, the agency that oversees one of Aurora’s largest commercial zones. The meeting focused on strengthening Korean business ties and developing long-term community exchange.
The visiting group included Jennifer Kim and Becky Hogan, co-chairs of the ASCI Korea Committee; members Liz Kwon, Sean Choi, Sally Han, and Marta Ramirez; and Yuli Williams, board chair of On Havana Street, along with Chance Horiuchi, executive director. They visited Fullerton and nearby Buena Park to study successful examples of Korean community and business development.
Jung emphasized that Koreans represent the third-largest ethnic group in Fullerton—after white and Latino residents—and have developed a strong independent business ecosystem.
Aurora’s Koreatown Plays a Key Role
Located just 10 miles from Denver, Aurora is home to about 400,000 residents—three times the population of Fullerton. Delegates shared that in the On Havana Street district, approximately 30% of the businesses, including restaurants, salons, and stores, are Korean-owned. The area is informally known as the Koreatown of the Denver metro region.
Both Fullerton and Aurora have official sister city relationships with Seongnam, South Korea. The discussion included joint efforts such as inviting Colorado-based breweries to Fullerton’s upcoming Chimaek Festival, scheduled for August or September 2025, and further collaboration with the K-Seongnam Business Center.
Personal Ties Deepen Korean Community Connection
Becky Hogan, co-chair of the ASCI Korea Committee and widow of the late Steve Hogan, former mayor of Aurora, shared that she was adopted from Korea. “I’ve always had a special affection for Korea,” she said. “This visit to Fullerton’s Korean community means a great deal to me.”
Next Steps in Korean Community Cooperation
Mayor Jung expressed optimism about the future, stating the visit would serve as a meaningful first step toward deeper cooperation between the two cities in multiple sectors.
The Aurora delegation also toured the K-Seongnam Business Center, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and The Source mall in Buena Park during their trip.
BY SANGHWAN LIM [lim.sanghwan@koreadaily.com]
