Gov. Abbott Signs Bill Recognizing Koreatown in Northwest Dallas

The stretch of Royal Lane between Harry Hines and Luna Road in Dallas has had a strong Korean accent for years, brimming with businesses and restaurants with the language and traditions of the East Asian country. Now—with a stroke of the governor's pen—Koreatown has achieved official recognition.

If you drive down Royal Lane in Dallas near Harry Hines Boulevard, you’ll see it at once: a business district thriving with Korean language and store signs curlicued with lines and curves in the country’s 24-letter Hangul alphabet. You’ll also find mouth-watering hot pot dishes at places like Lee Dae Gam K BBQ & Shabu and business parks brimming with a variety of Korean-owned shops and companies.

It’s been known as Dallas’ Koreatown unofficially for some time—but now, with the stroke of Gov. Greg Abbott’s pen, it’s official for at least the next decade to come.

Dallas put up Korean-language street signs in January

In January, the city of Dallas installed bilingual street signs in the area in both English and Korean, giving the city’s Korean-American community a sense of added recognition and belonging. Now the Lone Star State itself has added its affirmation.

Abbott signed the recognition into law Tuesday in Austin, after the Texas House and Senate unanimously passed bills HCR 39 and SCR 31 establishing it.

The Koreatown designation now applies to the area around Royal Lane between Harry Hines and Luna Road.

State Rep. Rafael Anchía said in a statement that Dallas has “one of the largest Korean communities in America.”

“Their hard work has made Koreatown an important economic engine for our city,” Anchía added. “This designation officially recognizes that work by the State of Texas and builds upon the positive momentum of this neighborhood.”