![Entrance to a nearby parking lot used by a restaurant in Koreatown. A sign reading "No Tickets Needed" is posted at the entrance. A QR code posted on a pillar inside the parking lot. Users must scan the code and pay for parking. [Sangjin Kim, The Korea Daily]](https://www.koreadailyus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/0408-parking.jpg)
The Koreatown seniors parking struggle is intensifying as Los Angeles continues its shift toward fully digital parking systems, leaving many older residents confused and without assistance.
At locations like Central Plaza, traditional paper ticket systems have been replaced with Metropolis, a platform that uses cameras to log vehicle entry and exit times. Payment is handled automatically via pre-registered credit cards, eliminating the need for physical tickets.
However, registering for the system requires scanning a QR code, then entering a phone number, license plate, and credit card information via smartphone—a major barrier for many seniors unfamiliar with mobile technology.
Seniors Rely on Help to Navigate Parking
Mr. Lim, a 70-year-old Koreatown resident, described his difficulties. “I didn’t even know how to begin,” he said. “Scanning the QR code and inputting everything on a smartphone was overwhelming.” He was only able to exit the parking lot after a store employee helped him complete the process.
David Han, manager of Bon Shabu restaurant in Central Plaza, noted a rise in senior patrons asking for help. “Some walk directly into the restaurant looking for assistance,” Han said. While Central Plaza employs parking attendants, their shifts end at 5:30 p.m., leaving customers without support in the evenings.
“As a result, we’ve seen a drop in older customers,” Han added.
Digital Convenience, Real-World Challenges
Yong Sin Shin, chairperson of the Koreatown Senior & Community Center (KSCC), warned that the rapid transition to digital systems is excluding vulnerable populations. “Many seniors avoid businesses altogether due to these parking systems,” she said.
Some locations are even more difficult to navigate. At lots near MDK Noodles, for instance, there are no attendants. “We’ve had to help seniors ourselves,” said manager Hye-kyung Shin. “Without on-site staff, they struggle to use the system alone.”
Automation Expands, Accessibility Lags
Jamison Properties, a major Koreatown landlord, is expanding the Metropolis system across its buildings as part of a broader trend toward automation. Nationwide, the U.S. smart parking market was valued at $2.47 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $6.7 billion by 2029, according to Research and Markets.
As Koreatown modernizes, the growing divide between digital convenience and accessibility for seniors raises questions about how inclusive the future of urban infrastructure will be.
BY HANKIL KANG [kang.hankil@koreadaily.com]
