Often blending geographically with The Annex, Seaton Village, and Little Italy, Koreatown is most well known as the area closely surrounding Bloor Street – roughly between Markham west to Montrose – housing many of the city’s Korean restaurants retailers. But it’s not quite as easy to trace Koreatown’s boundaries as it is for many of Toronto’s other ethnic neighbourhoods.
Prior to the 1980s, people from Central and South America heavily populated the section of Bloor West of Bathurst. Toronto in particular has become home to a considerable number of first- and second-generation Koreans, thanks in great part to Canada’s liberal immigration laws; the past three decades have seen an influx of Korean immigrants to the GTA. A majority settled in the enclave we now call Koreatown, and before long, a small Korean business neighbourhood emerged along Bloor Street, centered on the intersection of Bloor and Manning Avenue. The Korean community has stood by their own culture amidst Toronto’s melting pot of cultures, and in that process, have enriched the existing neighbourhood with a diverse, cosmopolitan vibe.
Fun Facts! According to the last census Toronto as having the largest single concentration of Koreans in Canada! There’s been a huge spike in enrollment in Korean courses at U of T in recent years, which, in addition to immigration and international students, many professors are attributing to the rise of ‘K-pop’ music and other Korean popculture exports! (Like BTS!)
Koreatown features stores and restaurants on multiple stories, with independently run establishments reaching up to higher floors, exuding an ambience of Seoul itself! The vicinity is full of sights, sounds, smells, and scenes that remind us how lucky we are to live in such a diverse city. The community draws a lot of tourism, as well as Torontonians looking for the best in Korean food, groceries, K-Pop nightclubs, and renowned karaoke! To get a taste for the true flavour of this amazing Asian nation, try the chobab (sushi) bars serving some mouthwatering dishes or the canteens that specializes in the signature Kimchi cuisines.
While the offerings are constantly changing, here are 21 Korean Restaurants To Try, some great food and entertainment stories from TorontoLife, and BlogTO’s Best Korean Restaurants In Toronto.
I love the walnut cakes at Hodo Kwaja!!
Photo courtesy of BlogTO
Have you visited the Poop Cafe?! Always a laugh!
And we always have a blast at karaoke!! There are a few well-rated offerings along Bloor, including Echo Karaoke and JaYuGongGan Karaoke!!
But not all the favourites in the neighbourhood are Korean. One of our go-to joints is Snakes & Lattes, offering food and drinks (and now serving alcohol!) alongside a library of thousands of playable games old and new.
Wouldn’t it be fun to have more diverse and unique offerings in your neighbourhood? Imagine the options for Friday dinners or a Saturday out on the town! Check out this unique urban space at the Button Factory – 200 Clinton Street – just a couple blocks south of Koreatown!
The original factory – which consisted of seven sections built over the span of nearly a century – and its driveways and loading docks underwent a significant transformation in its conversion into townhomes. The ribbon of space running down the south side of the building instantly cried out to be a mews walkway, and by slicing the factory vertically, it allowed each unit to have its own private entry, removing the need for common halls.
My heart goes thumpety-thump for the large bedroom, den, and luxe bath that comprise the first-floor sanctuary of domestic bliss! The stunning second-floor entertainment zone – bathed in natural light and featuring a private terrace – is visually divided into thoughtful living, dining, and culinary zones, while remaining extremely open and airy. Check out those lofty 10-foot ceilings and beautiful red brick walls!!
This Authentic Brick & Beam Loft Townhouse In Little Italy’s Button Factory is on the market for $1,569,000!
Want to see this beauty in person? Contact Steven Fudge: steve@urbaneer.com.
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Thanks for reading!
-The Urbaneer Team
Steven Fudge, Sales Representative
& The Innovative Urbaneer Team
Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage – (416) 322-800
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