Hello to our Korean compatriots living in San Antonio, and to those experiencing the essence of American immigrant life. As we welcome the new year of 2026, I suddenly thought, "When will a Korea Town be established in San Antonio?"

There are moments when I personally feel, "This is a real Korean Town" in the U.S.

That moment occurs when a proper sundubu (soft tofu) restaurant opens and an H-Mart sign is hung in the town. If these two establishments settle in simultaneously, that neighborhood officially qualifies as a Korean Town in my view. Why a sundubu restaurant? It seems to be because such restaurants emerge where there is a significant Korean population. Why H-Mart? Because H-Mart won't come unless there is a sufficient Asian market, not just Koreans.

However, as of 2026, San Antonio is honestly not at that stage. In fact, it seems it will take a few more years.

Currently, there are only a few Korean markets and restaurants scattered around near Highway 410 or the Wurzbach area. So today, I will analyze when these two symbols of immigration might come to our neighborhood and which will arrive first, based on my personal insights as a 40-something head of the household.

Why is San Antonio still on the threshold of a Korean Town?

Realistically, nearby Austin and Dallas have already seen significant growth in their Korean markets. Despite being one of the top 7 largest cities in the U.S. by population, the Korean market in San Antonio has grown relatively slowly. The main reason is that the Korean population is dispersed.

Military families live near bases, workers are scattered in the Northside, and professionals are near the medical center, which means there hasn't been a central hub for explosive growth in the Korean market. However, the situation has changed a bit as of 2026.

With the influx of IT companies, growth in Toyota-related industries, and the population moving down from Austin, the increase in the Korean population is becoming noticeable. Have you noticed longer lines at Korean markets lately? Has the number of church members from California or New Jersey increased a bit?


Step 1 is almost certain: a sundubu restaurant

In my view, an interesting rule about Korean Towns is that a sundubu restaurant must open for it to feel like a Korean Town. Once one opens, people of all ages, even Americans, enjoy it. Personally, I believe the probability of a sundubu restaurant opening in San Antonio before H-Mart is over 90%. The reason is that the risk is much lower. A sundubu restaurant can start with a skilled chef and a decent location, but H-Mart requires tens of millions of dollars and a large site.

I've heard that successful sundubu franchises from Austin or Houston are closely watching the population growth in San Antonio. If by late 2026 or early 2027, you start hearing bubbling sounds from a stone pot somewhere near 1604 and 281, that will be the starting signal for the formation of a Korean Town.

The ultimate goal is H-Mart

H-Mart is not just a simple market. It is a complex cultural space that includes a food court, Tous Les Jours, Paris Baguette, and cosmetic stores. The arrival of H-Mart signifies that the company officially certifies, "This neighborhood is profitable." As someone who loves bread, I hope it opens soon.

The rumors of an H-Mart in San Antonio have actually been a recurring news topic for over ten years. However, as of 2026, the likelihood has increased significantly. With the Korean market in Austin expanding southward, the geographical distance has decreased, and thanks to the logistics network between Houston and Austin, operational burdens have also reduced compared to the past.

In my prediction, once the sundubu restaurant establishes itself, 1-2 years later, around 2028, will likely be the golden time for H-Mart to open. The most promising locations seem to be near Leon Springs or The Rim.

Brothers, let's wait a little longer. As of 2026, San Antonio is undoubtedly at a turning point. Soon, we will have a day where we can smile and say, "Finally, we have it in our neighborhood" over a bowl of sundubu.

If you ask whether the sundubu or H-Mart will come first, I will undoubtedly vote for the sundubu.

When that day comes, let's gather properly. Until then, everyone take care of your health and don't forget to manage your belly fat.

I sincerely support all Koreans living diligently in San Antonio.