Koreatown Dreaming: Stories & Portraits of Korean Immigrant Life

by Emanuel Hahn

Explore and celebrate Korean culture in America through photographs and interviews by award-winning photographer Emanuel Hahn. 

"Photographer Hahn's animated and vivid debut . . . is exceptional." — Publisher's Weekly , Starred Review

Since the first wave of Korean immigration in the early 1900s, Korean immigrants have opened and operated small businesses across the country that enrich the cultural fabric of our communities. Yet their stories are too often overlooked, as even today their existence is being pushed to the margins of American society. In Koreatown Dreaming , a project that began in Los Angeles and expanded to eight other cities, the lives of Korean immigrants are observed with care and admiration under Hahn's tender, capacious gaze. Hahn's arresting photographs and narrativized interviews portray Korean small business owners as key figures not just in their neighborhoods but in their own lives, where they experience personal struggle, sacrifice, triumph, growth, and joy.

Koreatown Dreaming  is at once an anecdotal history of Korean immigration and a touching homage to Korean immigrant life. These intimate stories of over 50 small businesses are a testament to the American Dream, even while complicating the illusions of that promise, and of what it means to be American. 

Cities Los Angeles, California; Atlanta, Georgia; Annandale, Virginia; New York, New York; Flushing, New York; Pal Park, New Jersey; Fort Lee, New Jersey; Dallas, Texas; Honolulu, Hawaii. 

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction, Cultural

264 pages, Hardcover

Published October 17, 2023

Reviews

[Tuscany Bernier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I think it has a lot of really rich photography and does a great job of explaining the stories of each individual in the book and what makes every person special. If you enjoy reading about the stories of real people and their experiences, this is a great read.

[emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

i almost cried and im on anti depressants

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple but evocative. I liked hearing about the stories about tenacious and hard-working immigrants who changed their own fortune without waiting on anything to be handed to them or fall into their lap by chance. Also enjoyed the many examples of families carrying on the businesses of their parents or beyond. Truly incredible stories, yet the businesses and people themselves nondescript, as were the photos. Beautiful, but simple.

[Xander Ordinola · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very niche look at the lives of korean immigrants. there’s always something so special in the ordinary lives of people you may only see for fractions of a day, in passing. but it really cements the idea that everyone has a story. though it might feel a little repetitive at times, (which is probably why it took me so long to actually finish this book) i think that it’s a chance to learn about a culture that is so rich but often diluted by fleeting and “more important” topics.

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very important look at Koreatowns all over America. By talking to small business owners who have struggled to stay in business (especially after COVID). By getting to know these small business owners we 'share' the dreams they have for themselves and their families; a very important community which has often been overlooked.

[RYAN PHAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

Through this book you manage to get a panoramic or kaleidoscopic view of the kye (low capital, labor intensive industries) or jabber/jobber industries that Korean Americans got into during a period of transition caused by globalization and technological disruption. You get a look at restaurants, antique repair shops, locksmiths, etc.

Excellent photography

[Rhonda Lomazow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Korea town

A fascinating look at the people who operate restaurants in koreatown.The delicious food their hard work,I would love to try their food.

[Jaylynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feels like home

[Carol Chang · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful tribute

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

So interesting and full of good tidbits and wisdom. I recommend whether or not you’re in LA.