Billings, located in the Midwest state of Montana, has a predominantly white population.

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Billings is approximately 117,000, with an estimated 500 to 800 Korean Americans. While this is quite small compared to areas with larger Korean populations like California, New York, Texas, and Virginia, Billings has the largest concentration of Koreans in Montana. The actual number of Koreans living here may be higher than official statistics suggest, as there are various reasons for Koreans residing in Billings, including students, military families, and professional immigrants.

There are several Korean churches in Billings, where newly arrived Koreans often find local information and assistance in adapting to life here. Because it is a small community, Koreans tend to network closely, sharing resources for obtaining Korean food ingredients, educational information for children, and support for adjusting to life.

The reasons for Koreans settling in Billings are diverse. Some have voluntarily moved here due to the relatively low cost of living and quiet environment, while others have settled due to job opportunities in fields like healthcare, education, and business.

Additionally, there are Korean students attending Montana State University Billings (MSU Billings), who may stay in Billings after graduation or move to other cities. Some military families (with spouses in the military) also reside here due to nearby bases.

The atmosphere of the Korean community in Billings is characterized by a strong culture of mutual support.

Due to its small size, anonymity is not guaranteed like in larger Korean towns, but this fosters close relationships among community members.

Newcomers can receive significant help in settling down once they connect with the Korean network through churches or acquaintances. However, since the Korean network is limited, English proficiency and the ability to interact with locals become even more important for life in Billings.

The Korean community in Billings is also connected through the internet and social media.

Channels for communication among Koreans in Billings and Montana are operated in the form of Facebook groups or KakaoTalk chat rooms, where they share real estate information, job opportunities, second-hand goods, and local living information. If you are new to Billings, joining these online communities can help with your initial settlement. You can find related groups by searching for Montana Korean or Billings Korean community on search engines.

One of the most inconvenient aspects of living as a Korean in Billings is the difficulty in purchasing Korean food.

There are no large Korean markets in Billings, so to obtain Korean food, one must use Asian markets or online shopping (like H Mart online or Amazon). Additionally, Korean medical services are limited, making English communication essential during hospital visits. While Billings does not have the cultural infrastructure for Korean culture like Seattle or LA, it offers a quiet and safe environment, affordable housing, and beautiful natural surroundings.

Commonly mentioned advantages of living in Billings among Koreans include the lack of traffic congestion, relatively low crime rates, excellent natural environment, and lower living costs compared to larger cities.

Disadvantages often cited include the small size of the Korean community, lack of Korean cultural infrastructure, limited choices for medical specialists, and long, cold winters. Billings can be considered a suitable place for those who prefer a quieter small-town life rather than a large city with a significant Korean community.