Opening Of Victoria’s New Koreatown Precinct
The Allan Labor Government is celebrating the launch of the state’s newest multicultural precinct, with the official opening of Melbourne’s Koreatown in the heart of the city.
Minister for Small Business and Employment Natalie Suleyman and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt today attended the opening ceremony of Koreatown, including the unveiling of Jang-seung (Korean traditional totem poles), cultural performances, and Melbourne’s largest bibimbap tasting event.
Melbourne’s Koreatown, located in Healeys Lane and the surrounding area, is a hub of Korean restaurants and businesses, providing a slice of Korean cuisine and culture.
Koreatown will support Korean-owned businesses in this area and serve as a unique destination that strengthens Melbourne’s multicultural identity. Koreans are one of the City of Melbourne’s top 10 diaspora, with more than 2,500 Koreans calling the city home, and 25,000 across Victoria.
Koreatown is just one of the many incredible multicultural precincts across Victoria – from Melbourne’s historic Chinatown to Oakleigh’s Greek business hub and Box Hill’s diverse Asian offerings.
The Labor Government’s $17 million Multicultural Business Chambers and Trader Groups program is supporting our multicultural traders and precincts to access the services they need, as well as to upgrade and revitalise their precincts.
Multicultural businesses play a crucial role in our economy – they create employment opportunities, strengthen the vibrancy of our business precincts across Victoria, and build connections to diverse local communities.
Victoria is proudly home to over 718,000 small businesses, and over a third are owned by migrants. They are vital to Victoria’s economy, accounting for 42 per cent of private sector employment.
The Labor Government offers a range of small business support, including the Small Business Bus, Small Business Mentoring Service and workshops.
For more information about the Victorian Government’s ongoing support for small businesses, visit business.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Small Business and Employment Natalie Suleyman
“Korean culture and food are incredibly popular in Victoria and this precinct celebrates the Korean Australian community and their contributions to Victoria’s culture and economy.”
As stated by Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt
“Victoria is proud to be Australia’s multicultural capital, adding another multicultural precinct provides Victorians the opportunity to experience and celebrate more cultures close to home.”
As stated by City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece
“Melbourne is a multicultural melting pot: Korea is one of our top 10 diaspora with a vibrant small business community. Melbourne’s Koreatown is already flourishing – and we will now see the business, entertainment and cultural opportunities soar.”
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-05/250517-Opening-Of-Victoria%E2%80%99s-New-Koreatown-Precinct.pdf