New Koreatown sign would honour historic Burnaby business district
Burnaby could be getting a designated Koreatown sign to recognize one of its neighbourhoods as the country’s most concentrated Korean business district.
On Thursday, the City of Burnaby’s Community Heritage Commission is scheduled to discuss Burnaby’s North Road Business Improvement Association (NRBIA) proposal for the sign at its committee meeting.
In a letter sent to the City in April, June Park, executive director of the NRBIA, outlined the details of its proposal to install a “Korea Town” sign above the existing Rochester Street at the 4500 block of North Road, which is home to dozens of Korean businesses.
“This symbolic signage would recognize the area’s deep cultural and economic contributions — Burnaby’s Koreatown is the most concentrated Korean business district in Canada,” states the letter.
NRBIA
“The proposed sign does not alter the legal street name, but rather serves as a visual and cultural acknowledgement of a vibrant community that has grown with and contributed to Burnaby for decades.”
Park noted the proposition came at a significant time. In April, MLA Paul Choi introduced Bill M210 in the legislature, proposing that October be recognized as Korean Heritage Month across B.C.
Choi’s address to the legislature highlighted the significance of Burnaby’s Korean community.
“In 1998, with the opening of Hannam Supermarket, the area now known as Koreatown began to take shape along North Road in Burquitlam,” he stated.
“It is now a thriving centre for business, culture, and community.”
Significance of Burnaby street
Concept image of Burnaby Koreatown sign. (NRBIA)
The NRBIA notes that the sign’s potential placement at Rochester Street is significant due to its connection to the Korean community and businesses.
“This area has become a dynamic cultural and economic hub over decades, welcoming residents, entrepreneurs, and visitors seeking authentic Korean experiences,” stated the group.
It added that Rochester Street is a “key intersection and cultural gateway.”
“The installation of the proposed sign would provide visible, symbolic recognition of the district’s local and national importance — affirming Burnaby’s leadership in multicultural inclusion,” reads the proposal.
The BIA says it is prepared to collaborate with the City of Burnaby on the sign’s design, approval, and cost-sharing and proposes an installation and official unveiling by July 2025.
Daily Hive reached out to the NRBIA for comment and will update this story when we hear back.