LA LA LA(라성에 가면)

In the late 19th century, a ship packed with Chinese laborers crossed the Pacific and made its first stop in San Francisco.

LA, meanwhile, became a hub for Korean independence activists, and during the 1960s and 70s, countless Koreans immigrated to the U.S. and settled there.

That’s why San Francisco feels familiar to Chinese people, while LA feels familiar to Koreans.

Back in the day, Koreans used to call LA “Na-seong” (나성). “Na” referred to LA, and “seong” means city—so literally, “LA City.” It was a name based on Chinese characters.

In January 2024, I spent 11 days in LA.

It was a short trip, but afterward, a few new impressions of the city stuck with me.

Before going, when I thought of LA, three images came to mind—in chronological order: CHiPs, Korean immigrants, and the LA Riots.

The first, CHiPs, (california highway patrols) was an American TV show that aired in Korea in the early 1980s.

I remember two highway patrol officers chasing criminals on big motorcycles—it was thrilling to watch.

Back then, I dreamed of riding a cool bike like that one day. That dream actually came true.

Today, I ride a pretty awesome motorcycle myself.

Second, Korean immigrants.

About 600,000 Koreans live in California, mainly in LA and San Diego.

A large number of Koreans moved to the U.S. in the 60s and 70s, forming Koreatowns.

In the 80s and 90s, second-generation Korean-Americans who returned to Korea became popular celebrities.

Young Koreans at the time were really drawn to American culture—dance, music, fashion, and all.

Third, the LA Riots.

In 1992, LA was shaken by a massive outbreak of violence—especially between Korean and Black communities.

No one knows exactly what triggered it, but tensions had been building.

Many Korean-owned stores were heavily damaged during the riots.

After my visit, I’ve added a few new images to my mental map of LA:

a multiethnic city, old streets, a large homeless population, pickup trucks, burgers, and unseparated trash.

First, LA is incredibly diverse.

Because it’s so close to Mexico, there are lots of Hispanic people.

I also saw many Black, white, Jewish, and Asian people—so many backgrounds.

In fact, it felt like traditional white Americans were in the minority.

Second, the old streets.

LA is a planned city, developed during America’s westward expansion.

When you compare photos of LA from 100 or even 50 years ago to today, the streets look almost the same.

In contrast, many Korean cities grew more organically—full of winding alleys.

Urban renewal projects in Korea often tear down old buildings and rebuild roads.

That’s why it’s hard to recognize modern Korea in photos from 100 years ago—you’d have no idea where anything is.

Third, the homeless.

Of course, Korea has some homeless people too—around Seoul Station or Yongsan Station—but they’re few.

In LA, homelessness is everywhere.

It shows how much America values individual freedom. Americans don’t seem to worry what others think and live how they want.

Fourth, pickup trucks.

Back in the frontier days, covered wagons were the main form of transportation in the American West.

 

I think pickup trucks is the legacy of the horse wagon.

In Korea, pickups aren’t seen as cool—they’re considered vehicles for workers or people who can’t afford a better car.

Fifth, burgers.

I’ve never really liked burgers. I’ve never ordered one just for myself.

To me, burgers meant Burger King or Lotteria.

But LA is burger heaven.

Honestly, I probably ate more burgers during those ten days than I had in my entire life before that.

The best one was at In-N-Out in Glendale—so good.

I still don’t eat burgers in Korea, but if I ever go back to LA, I’m definitely having one again.

Sixth, trash.

In LA, people don’t seem to separate their waste—they just toss everything together.

That would be unthinkable in Korea.

When food waste gets mixed with regular trash, it’s hard to deal with and unsanitary.

No matter how big the U.S. is, I still don’t get why this is allowed.

Later this year’s October, I’m planning a trip to Mexico.

Interestingly, California—including LA—used to be Mexican territory.

I’ll be paying close attention to how Mexico differs from LA.