Korea Town: Another Side of Osaka

Posted on 07/20/2021 Last updated on 08/25/2021

Top photo: Antonio Diaz, used with permission

Sitting in the eastern part of Osaka city accessible from Momodani and Tsuruhashi stations is an area that provides a unique shopping experience not found in the main hubs of the city. With a history dating back to the beginning of the 20th century and approximately 120 shops in the vicinity, one could spend a good amount of time browsing the various goods, and taking in the atmosphere that is Korea town.

When you arrive at Tsuruhashi, you will be instantly hit with an overwhelming scent of Korean BBQ. Within immediate walking distance from the station gates is a narrow street lined with restaurants offering all-you-can-eat course meals of BBQ, samgyeopsal, pot dishes, and various Korean cuisine.

If you don’t feel like sitting down, there are various street stalls that sit along the shopping street and continue on towards Miyuki-dori (the newer shopping street), which is about a 15-minute walk from the station. At the stalls you can find quick eats like norimaki (similar to Japanese makizushi) but made using seaweed imported from Korea. There are also stands selling buchimgae, or in Japanese known as chijimi, similar to okonomiyaki.

Between Tsuruhashi and the actual area labeled ‘Korea Town’ are some open market-style shops selling homemade kimchi with various types ranging from the standard kind you might find at your local supermarket to original recipes made by each shop. Shops such as Toyoda Shoten, which has been around since 1965 and televised on Japanese broadcast television, has you covered on all things kimchi. If you are feeling adventurous, they have shops that sell pig’s feet, and even the head, snout, and ears if you feel up to the challenge. Located in the same vicinity are mini markets that sell Korean cup noodles, beverages, spices, and snacks that you can’t really find at most supermarkets.

When you get to Miyuki-dori shopping street (Korea Town proper), you will find another lineup of food stalls/shops with more current trendy menu items such as cheese dogs (batter dipped fried cheese on a stick), tornado fries, various flavors of fried chicken, and a handful of desserts. If you have saved any room in your stomach, this street will not disappoint.

Besides dining, you can find clothing stores that have traditional Korean garb that are sometimes rented out for weddings, and stores with more current fashion options. I would voice caution on some of the stores as they do have items that appear to be name brands, but have a flea market vibe to them.

If you are into K-POP, then you can get your fix there as well. There is a shop called K-Station with K-POP memorabilia such as CD’s, posters, keychains, and basically anything you can think of to slap a picture of an artist on. They also sell Korean dramas and movies, beauty products, and miscellaneous goods.

If you are looking for a different experience in Osaka that isn’t chain shop after chain shop, head over and check out Korea Town. With its variety of Korean foods fit for sitting down and enjoying all-you-can-eat (and drink) on the cheap, to its stores of goods giving you a glimpse of Korean culture, it’s a good way to spend a day in the city. It can be accessed from either Momodani or Tsuruhashi on the JR loop line, or from the Sennichimae subway line and Kintetsu Osaka line. With over 1 million visitors per year, it’s definitely worth a visit and worth your time.

Photo Credits:

Top photo: Antonio Diaz, used with permission

All additional photos provided by Antonio Diaz, used with permission