Introduction
This small but busy 800-metre strip along Bloor Street is a home-away-from-home for Korean immigrants and a place for Torontonians to experience the country’s excellent food and vibrant culture. Mainly a commercial strip, Koreatown encompasses the buildings along the north and south of Bloor, east of Markham Street and west of Montrose Avenue.
Lifestyle
This neighbourhood comes alive at mealtimes with locals and nearby residents enjoying some of the best Korean food in the city. Salons, bookstores and mom-and-pop grocery stores add to the commercial variety of Koreatown. Pub and club Clinton’s and several karaoke bars keep revellers entertained after dark, but the street never gets too wild.
Dollars & Sense
Living on a budget is easy in Koreatown. There are several independent fruit and produce stores as well as the PAT Korean supermarket. Dining out can be affordable too with a delicious Korean stew and rice meal costing under $10 at most outlets. Rent is average in the neighbourhood, with a range of units from bargain studios to well-maintained one or two-bed apartments on offer.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Light sleepers and seekers of peace and quiet will find Koreatown living a challenge. Bloor Street is almost always bustling with traffic, both vehicular and foot. Karaoke bars and Clinton’s attract late-night crowds, but these patrons rarely get rowdy and are respectful of neighbours. The range of affordable amenities available in Koreatown makes this community extremely liveable, especially for students and those on a budget.
3.1 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Koreatown is well-connected to public transit as it sits above the Bloor-Danforth Line. Christie Station and Bathurst Station are both within walking distance and the 300 Bloor-Danforth Blue Night bus runs after hours. There’s often traffic along Bloor so driving and parking can be frustrating. The traffic also makes cycling a challenge, but it’s still a feasible feat. A Bike Share Toronto station is located on Euclid Avenue just north of Bloor.
In the Area
Aside from a great mix of restaurants, grocery stores and other shops, the west end of Koreatown features a clutch of recreation buildings. The Bickford Centre, Bob Abate Community Recreation Centre and West End Alternative School offer a variety of activities like fitness classes for kids and adults, ESL classes and alternative education. The Korean Senior Citizen’s Society of Toronto is currently undergoing renovation on Grace Street just south of Bloor.
Meet the Neighbours
While Koreans make up the bulk of Koreatown’s shop owners, employees and patrons, small families and residents from the nearby Seaton Village, Annex and Bloorcourt neighbourhoods are frequent visitors of the neighbourhood. With a popular child care facility located in Koreatown, it’s not unusual to see a young family or a parent and stroller walking the streets.
The Vibe
From salons to restaurants, trinket shops and convenience stores, the majority of retail establishments here are Korean or Korean-owned. But gentrification from nearby neighbourhoods has spilled over with a hip takeout coffee joint, Mexican-Korean fusion restaurant and games cafe adding variety to the neighbourhood. Aside from young Korean exchange students, the neighbourhood also attracts a decent population of urbanites and young families.
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Neighbourhood Hotspots
Hanji
Beautiful handmade paper and novelty stationary makes Hanji the perfect place to stop in for a gift or stock up on supplies. The store also offers workshops in book binding.
more infoBuk Chang Dong Soon Tofu
At this popular Korean joint, Korean soup stew comes to you bubbling hot. You can get a full meal for under $10, including side dishes like soybeans, sprouts and kimchi.
P.A.T. Central
Fresh produce, marinated meats and ready-to-eat meals make P.A.T. Central a Koreatown institution. Grab a taiyaki cake fresh off the grill on your way in – the red bean filling is a classic.
more infoJapas
Japanese small plates and cheap pitchers of beer at Japas are perfect for sharing with a group of friends. Stick around after your meal for a round of electronic darts.
more infoClinton’s
This laid-back pub and club hosts quiz nights, pop choirs and movie screenings. 90s and Motown dance parties are popular weekend events that regularly fill Clinton’s to capacity.
more info