When thinking of New York, many Koreans first think of large Korean towns like Flushing, Fort Lee, or Palisades Park, but there is also a quiet and solid Korean community in Staten Island.

In terms of size, it is much smaller compared to the major Korean-populated areas in New Jersey or Queens, but Koreans who enjoy the family-oriented and quiet atmosphere of the island have steadily settled here. According to demographic data, the Korean population in Staten Island is estimated to be in the thousands, which constitutes a portion of the total Korean population in New York City. While the percentage is relatively low compared to the overall population, a community network is functioning through Korean churches, Korean grocery stores, and Korean-owned businesses.

One characteristic of the Korean community in Staten Island is that it is largely family-oriented, with many preferring a relatively quiet and stable living environment. Many have moved from the Korean-populated areas in New Jersey or Queens, and there are also first-generation Koreans who have lived on the island for a long time.

It is known that many Korean families reside in single-family home neighborhoods in the Mid-Island and South Shore areas. They generally commute using the Staten Island Ferry or buses, or drive across the Verrazzano Bridge to Brooklyn or New Jersey.

The focal point of community activities is indeed the Korean churches. Staten Island has several Korean churches that, while not large, play an important role in information exchange, supporting new immigrants, and hosting cultural events for the Korean community.

The network through the churches also serves practical living support functions, such as sharing job information, school information, and lifestyle tips. In addition to churches, there are Korean parent groups and small social clubs that help maintain bonds among community members.

The advantages of living in this area, as noted by Koreans in Staten Island, include a relatively quiet and safe living environment.

Compared to Manhattan or Brooklyn, it is less crowded, allowing for a lifestyle that combines the benefits of urban and suburban living, and housing prices or rents are relatively affordable.

For families raising children, the well-established school environment, parks, and natural surroundings are also major attractions.

However, a downside is that Korean amenities (such as Korean restaurants and markets) are much fewer compared to Flushing or Fort Lee, requiring regular trips by car, and public transportation can be somewhat inconvenient for those who rely on it.

The Korean community in Staten Island includes not only first-generation immigrants but also a significant number of 1.5 and second-generation Koreans. These generations are either fluent in English or have English as their first language and live deeply integrated into American society.

Some grew up as their parents settled in Staten Island and later moved to other areas due to work or marriage, but many still return to the island as if it were their hometown. This generational diversity creates various interests and networks within the community.

In recent years, there have been reports of an increasing number of Korean families moving from Manhattan or Brooklyn to Staten Island, coinciding with changes in the housing market across New York and a trend toward suburban living following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The demand for spacious homes with large living rooms and yards, combined with the increase in remote work due to the pandemic, has resulted in a situation where commuting convenience is not the top priority. It will be interesting to see if this trend leads to gradual growth in the Korean community in Staten Island.

If you are interested in the Korean community in Staten Island or considering a move, it is advisable to first gather information through local Korean churches or online Korean community groups (such as KakaoTalk open chat or Facebook groups). The firsthand experiences and practical advice from Koreans living there can be more useful than any guidebook. The small but warm community that cares for one another, along with the unique relaxed living environment of the island, may be the greatest charm of the Korean community in Staten Island.

Just as Staten Island is nicknamed the "Forgotten Borough" of New York City, the Korean community here may not be flashy, but it is quietly taking root. People living diligently in their own places, a culture of looking out for one another among neighbors, and the sense of relief that comes from a quiet island life may be the reasons why Koreans who choose Staten Island do not leave.