Maryland, adjacent to Washington D.C. and Virginia, is commonly referred to as the Metro Washington area, and in English, it is often called DMV, derived from the initials of DC, MD, and VA. So, how many Koreans reside in Maryland among this Metro Washington D.C. area?

Approximately 45,000 to 50,000 Koreans, including mixed-race individuals, live in Maryland.

Areas with a significant Korean population in Maryland include Germantown, Rockville, and Gaithersburg, all located in Montgomery County. In addition to these areas, a considerable number of Koreans also reside in Ellicott City in Howard County.

In particular, the Ellicott City area in Howard County has a concentrated Korean population, with about 170 Korean businesses clustered along U.S. Route 40 over a span of approximately 5 miles, officially designated as 'Korea Town' by Governor Larry Hogan in 2021. This area offers a place to experience Korean culture and various Asian cultures, providing visitors with a unique cultural experience.

Koreans residing in Maryland generally have a high level of education. 34.6% hold a bachelor's degree, and 22.7% have graduate degrees (master's or doctorate), meaning about 57% have a college education or higher. This figure is above the U.S. average, indicating that many Koreans are engaged in professional or high-level jobs.

Looking at the occupational distribution, 57% of Koreans are self-employed. This means they often run various small businesses such as restaurants, laundries, beauty supply stores, markets, and tutoring centers. Following that, many work in the IT sector, education, office jobs, and sales (19%), and in the service industry (13%). Due to the proximity to Washington D.C., there are also a significant number of Koreans working in federal government-related positions or professional fields.

In conclusion, Koreans in Maryland exhibit high educational levels and demonstrate economic independence through self-employment. This indicates a strong influence of Korean businesses in the local community and a well-established Korean community.