Shin-Okubo: Tokyo's Famous Koreatown

Shin-Okubo is a trendy neighborhood that has become a popular hangout for young people in Tokyo. It is most famous for being Tokyo’s largest Koreatown where you can enjoy and experience Korean food, cosmetics, music, and other cultural aspects.

In this article, we explore how Shin-Okubo became a Koreatown, as well as introduce some recommended spots in the area.

Why are there many Koreans living in Shin-Okubo?

It is said that the migration of Korean residents to Shin-Okubo started in the 1950s, when the Lotte Corporation established its Shinjuku factory near Shin-Okubo Station. Lotte was founded by Shin Kyuk-ho, also known as Takeo Shigemitsu, a South Korean national who migrated to Japan. The Lotte factory needed many laborers, leading to an influx of South Korean residents into the Shin-Okubo area.

During the Japanese economic bubble in the 1980s, the nearby Kabukicho district flourished as an entertainment district, and many foreigners including South Koreans came to work in the area while residing in Shin-Okubo. The increase in Korean residents led to the establishment of several Korean restaurants and groceries in Shin-Okubo.

How Shin-Okubo became a Koreatown

By the early 2000s, Shin-Okubo already had a sizeable Korean community, but it was not yet the popular tourist area that it is today. After the 2002 FIFA World Cup held in South Korea and Japan, many Japanese got interested in Korean culture and started visiting Shin-Okubo. Japanese interest in Korean pop culture further increased in 2003, when Korean TV dramas such as “Winter Sonata” became a big hit in Japan. Subsequent Hallyu or “Korean waves” eventually led to the establishment of Shin-Okubo as a prominent Koreatown where both locals and tourists can enjoy Korean food and culture.

Recommended Spots in Shin-Okubo

Recommended Residential Areas for Korean Residents

Shin-Okubo is located in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward, the Special Ward with the highest number of foreign residents. Many foreigners including Korean residents live in the Okubo 1-chome and Okubo 2-chome neighborhoods. Over 30% of all residents in Okubo 1-chome are foreign nationals, while the percentage is over 40% for Okubo 2-chome.

Recommended Korea-Related Shops

The following are some recommended Korea-related shops in Shin-Okubo.

Kang Ho-dong Chicken 678

Kang Ho-dong Chicken 678 is a fried chicken restaurant that is popular with both Korean residents and Korean culture fanatics. It is often packed, so you may have to wait to get a table, but you can also order food to go. The shop interior is clean and has a K-pop culture atmosphere. One of their bestsellers is the Half & Half Chicken Set that includes two kinds of fried chicken of your choice. Their crispy and delicious chicken will make you want to come back for more.

Delicaondoru

Delicaondoru is a famous samgyeopsal and Korean barbecue restaurant. This highly popular restaurant has two branches in Shin-Okubo, and is known for its cute pig and cow mascot characters. It gets quite packed even during weekdays, with customers frequently waiting in line to be served. Besides the popular samgyeopsal, they also serve Korean favorites such as jijimi and bibimbap. Order an alcoholic drink and you can enjoy unlimited servings of namul and kimchi. It’s a great place to dine even if you’re new to Korean cuisine.

Cosme Re:Make

South Korea is a world leader in the cosmetics industry. One place where you can experience South Korean cosmetics in Shin-Okubo is Cosme Re:Make. Located just 2 minutes on foot from Shin-Okubo Station, this shop sells a wide range of South Korean cosmetic brands. If you’re having trouble choosing, just ask the friendly staff and they will be glad to help you find the best item for you.

Seoul Ichiba

Seoul Ichiba (Seoul Market) is a grocery that sells a wide range of Korean food products, including hard-to-find items. It’s a great place to buy ingredients for Korean dishes for a bargain. Here you can find foodstuffs like kimchi and tteokbokki, as well as yakgwa, Korean tea, juice, and even meat products. You can also buy fresh fruits and vegetables.

Seoul Ichiba is not only a grocery, but also a food stand where you can eat freshly-made Korean dishes. Some of their popular items include fried chicken and gimbap. Most of the staff and customers here are Korean nationals, making you feel like you’re shopping in South Korea.

Other Recommended Spots and Events

K-Pop Events

Shin-Okubo sometimes holds K-pop-related events, such as concerts, dance performances, and autograph sessions with K-pop stars. If you love Korean pop culture, make sure to check their event calendar regularly.

Summary

In this article, we talked about the Koreatown in Shin-Okubo, including its background and some recommended spots. Shin-Okubo Station is conveniently located next to Shinjuku. It is the best place in Tokyo to experience authentic Korean food and culture, whether you’re out to dine in Korean restaurants or go shopping to cook your own Korean cuisine. And although Shin-Okubo is most famous for its Koreatown, it has become an ethnic enclave that features various shops operated by nationals from many different countries.