In the LA area
Los Angeles has a large Korean population. According to the latest statistics, about 230,000 people of Korean descent are living there. Some of them are second or third-generation Koreans who were born and raised in the United States, but there are also quite a few who were born in Korea and settled in the LA area. My eldest daughter is one of them.
The COVID-19 pandemic, which was severe around our first grandchild’s birth period, repeatedly delayed our trip to Los Angeles. But eventually, last month, we went there to visit our daughter's family and stayed for about a month.
During that time, while sharing the affection of blood relatives, we were also able to travel around. Although partial, it gave us the chance to experience the great natural environment of the American West. And it made us think about the socio-economic reality of Korean Americans.
First of all, we were impressed by the huge natural setting and abundant resources of the Western region including the LA area. Dominated by majestic mountain ranges like the Rockies and Sierra Nevada, this area also boasts sprawling deserts, such as the Mojave and Sonoran. Even after hours of driving on the highway, the scenery often did not change. These natural situations seem to support a rich array of wildlife and plant species, making conservation efforts crucial to preserving this biodiversity.
The West's natural resources would be integral to its economy. Historically, the region's mineral wealth, including gold, silver and copper, spurred significant economic development and settlement. Today, it remains a critical zone for energy resources, particularly oil, natural gas and renewable energy bases like wind and solar power. It is no coincidence that the world's leading IT industry is thriving in the district. The extensive forests also support a substantial timber industry.
Tourism, driven by the scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, should be another energetic economic sector. National parks such as Yellowstone, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon attract millions of visitors annually, offering activities like hiking, camping and wildlife viewing. These parks provide breathtaking views as well as educate the public on environmental conservation.
The synergy between resource management and tourism underscores the need for sustainable practices to ensure the enduring legacy of the American West's natural environment. It was easy to notice these features throughout our sightseeing journey.
Then, how are Koreans in the American West adapting to these conditions? Koreans living in this section form a thriving Korean community and work in a variety of professions. They are mainly concentrated in large cities such as LA where they are prominent in many fields, like restaurants, trade, IT and education.
The Korean Church and the Korean Association play a vital role in maintaining cultural identity and strengthening community cohesion. However, there is also a risk of weakening the interaction with the outside world. It might reduce the Korean community into a minority group. In fact, during our stay, there were many cases where we did everything without speaking English at all. This is undesirable in a broad sense.
I think strategies for the future should include greater political engagement and increased social impact. By actively participating in the whole community and politics, Koreans can raise their voices and protect their rights and interests.
In addition, it is also noteworthy to promote capacity building in the fields of advanced technology and innovation for the sustainable economic development of the Korean community.
For me, a month-long stay and trip in the LA area was not only an opportunity to meet the family I missed but also a cultural experience worth remembering.
Sho Chang-young is a retired high school teacher and former principal of Gunsan Girls' High School.