The Great Houston Kimchi Count: Unveiling the K-Pop Fanatics (and Beyond!)
Ever wondered how many Koreans live in Houston, TX? This seemingly simple question has become a bit of a Houston legend, shrouded in mystery and fueled by a healthy dose of kimchi.
The Census Shuffle: A Statistical Shimmy
The 2010 census clocked in at around 11,813 ethnic Koreans in Harris County, the heart of Houston. But hold on to your chopsticks! Community leaders believe this number is way off, like a karaoke singer a few octaves too high. They say it's closer to double that!
Beyond the Numbers: Noodle Shop CSI
So, if the census isn't giving us the full picture, where do we turn? Well, some folks have resorted to a highly sophisticated (and slightly dangerous) method: noodle shop density. Houston boasts a frankly impressive number of Korean restaurants, particularly concentrated in the Spring Branch and Gessner area. The logic goes: more noodle shops, more Koreans, right? There's definitely some truth to this, but it's not exactly rocket science (although Houston is known for that too!).
Woori Juntos to the Rescue: A Survey Saves the Day
Thankfully, a recent survey by Woori Juntos, a Korean-American advocacy group, sheds some light on this culinary census conundrum. Their findings suggest there are around 14,000 Korean Americans in Houston.
The Truth is Out There (and It Probably Loves Bulgogi)
So, what's the real answer? The truth, my friends, is probably somewhere between the census and the K-Pop Whisperer's fantasy. 14,000 is a solid number, but Houston's Korean community is constantly growing and evolving, just like a pot of bubbling kimchi stew.
Houston: Your Seoul-Mate City Awaits
One thing's for sure: Houston is a vibrant hub for Korean culture. Whether you're a K-Pop fanatic or just love a good plate of japchae, Houston has something for everyone. So, come on down and explore the tastiest, trendiest Koreatown this side of the Pacific!
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