According to the 2022 American Community Survey (ACS), the Korean population in the Chicago area is approximately 61,000, which is the fifth largest among U.S. cities.

The Korean community in Chicago is primarily distributed in the northern and western suburbs of Chicago.

In particular, areas such as Niles, Glenview, and Northbrook have a concentration of Korean businesses and residences.

Although there is no officially designated area called 'Koreatown' in Chicago, there are regions where Korean businesses and restaurants are gathered.

The Korean community in Chicago has a unique characteristic of not having a clear 'Koreatown' like other major cities.

This is closely related to the history of immigration, which has developed over time in different areas.

Early Korean immigrants in the Chicago area settled primarily in the northern part of Chicago and gradually expanded westward and northwest over time.

Many Korean immigrants are relatively proficient in English, especially those who came as students, which may have influenced the need to live in one specific area.

The northwest suburban area of Chicago is informally referred to as 'New Koreatown,' where various Korean restaurants and shops are located.

North Suburb: Northern Chicago Area

The northern suburban area of Chicago traditionally began as upscale residential areas formed along Lake Michigan.

  • Evanston: Home to the prestigious Northwestern University, it is the first city in the northern suburbs of Chicago.
  • Glencoe, Highland Park, Wilmette: This area is a historic upscale residential neighborhood where the Jewish community and Chicago's 'old money' are established. In particular, New Trier High School in this area is known as a preferred school for Korean families who value school districts.

Moving a bit further west, you will find Glenview, Northbrook, and Deerfield.

  • This area is one of the most populated by Koreans, and due to its excellent school districts and affluent environment, it is primarily where the mainstream of the Chicago Korean community resides.
  • Niles: The center of the Korean business district, with many Korean businesses located around the intersection of Golf Road and Milwaukee Avenue.

Northwest Suburb: Northwest Suburban Area

The northwest suburbs of Chicago start from west of I-294 and encompass a vast area.

  • Mount Prospect and Arlington Heights: A region densely populated with Korean businesses alongside the Japanese community. In particular, various Korean businesses operate around Golf Road.
  • Des Plaines and Elk Grove: Located near O'Hare International Airport, it is a trade and logistics hub where many Korean companies are established.
  • Buffalo Grove: Known for its good school district with Stevenson High School, the number of Korean families is gradually increasing.

Further west along I-90, Schaumburg and Palatine appear.

  • Schaumburg: Home to Woodfield Mall, the most famous shopping mall in the Chicago area, where the Korean community is also active.
  • Palatine: With Fremd High School located here, it is very popular among Koreans who value school districts.
  • Barrington and Inverness: An area where emerging wealthy individuals are settling, with large mansions, and the number of Korean residents is gradually increasing.

West Suburb: Western Suburban Area

The western suburbs of Chicago are formed around I-90 south and I-88.

  • Naperville: Often selected as one of the best places to live in the U.S., it has a small Korean population but is noted for its pleasant environment and excellent educational facilities.
  • Aurora: Home to premium outlets, there has been a recent increase in Chinese immigrants.

Moving further south in this area, the southwestern suburbs follow along I-55.

  • Joliet: Some Korean families also reside here, forming a lifestyle that has expanded further outside of Chicago.