When you look at Fort Lee, it feels like an ordinary city just across from Manhattan. However, for Koreans, this place is not just a residence but a significant scene in the history of Korean settlement in the Eastern United States.

In short, it can be described as 'a neighborhood where Koreans have put down roots right in New York's backyard.' Today, it is a sophisticated city equipped with high-rise apartments, Korean-style cafes, supermarkets, and hospitals, but the time it took to establish the Korean community here was anything but simple.

In the 1970s and 80s, when Korean immigrants first set foot in the Eastern United States, the primary considerations were jobs and language. At that time, Manhattan was a city of opportunity, but the cost of living was high, and the language barrier was significant. As a result, many immigrants began to turn their attention to New Jersey, which was relatively quiet and affordable while working in New York.

Among them, Fort Lee, located right in front of the George Washington Bridge, was a place that was 'convenient for commuting while having less housing burden.' It was a place where one could work in Manhattan and arrive home by crossing just one bridge. This made Fort Lee an incredibly attractive location for immigrants.

The initial Korean settlement began modestly. A few shops, sewing factories, laundries, and small grocery stores opened, gradually increasing the number of Korean signs in the neighborhood. The most important role was played by the church. The church was not just a place of faith but also the center of the community where information was exchanged, jobs were connected, and the loneliness of immigrant life was alleviated.

As the 1990s approached, the Korean business district began to expand in earnest. With the emergence of Korean restaurants, rice cake shops, karaoke bars, and hair salons, the living infrastructure started to take shape. In Fort Lee, one could enjoy authentic Korean food that could not be found in Manhattan, visit the dentist in Korean, receive legal consultations, and get real estate services. This convenience became a tremendous attraction for subsequent immigrants.

Since the 2000s, Fort Lee has transformed into an upscale residential area. The construction of high-rise apartments continued, and real estate prices steadily rose. Professionals such as Korean doctors, lawyers, and accountants also settled in Fort Lee, giving the neighborhood, which was initially a 'starting point for immigrants,' a new image as a 'settlement for successful Koreans.'

Today, Fort Lee is a core pillar of the Korean community in New Jersey. All elements, including population composition, business districts, living infrastructure, education, and business, have firmly established themselves to ensure continuity across generations.

Ultimately, the story of settlement in Fort Lee is a growth story of Korean immigration, a process of creating a new hometown while helping one another.

It is believed that today's Fort Lee was shaped through generations that worked in Manhattan and enjoyed the quiet mornings of Fort Lee.