Koreans dominating Klang Valley's elite areas

After Ain Arabia or Arab Street in Bukit Bintang, the Klang Valley seemed to be a 'home away from home' for another group of foreign nationals.

Famous for its Gangnam Style dance and K-Pop music, the Korean culture has slowly seeped its way into the country's capital, particularly in the areas of Sri Hartamas and Mont Kiara.

It won't be surprising if one day, Sri Hartamas might be known as 'Little Korea'.

Astro AWANI's on-the-ground checks found that not only Korean restaurants were mushrooming but fashion boutiques and mini markets selling Korean-made products were also abundant there.

It was observed that more than 30 premises in Desa Sri Hartamas and Mont Kiara belong to the Koreans there.

A husband and wife who owned a grocery shop for more than two years, admitted that they are comfortable with the peaceful environment in Malaysia.

Its owner, Jang Won Sock said the educational factor was also one of the main reasons that made them stay in Kuala Lumpur.

"Malaysia is beautiful and peaceful. It is also excellent in terms of education. I send my children to an international school here. There are many interesting things in this country," he said.

As for Lim Sang Hee, she found business in KL to be profitable. In fact, she said, the cost of living here was much cheaper compared to her country.

"I have done business here for more than a year. I live in a condominium in Mont Kiara and have two children, and they love to go to school here. I do business here after buying a shop from my friend," said the 38-year-old mother.

Meanwhile, the pouring in of Korean nationals here has contributed towards some cultural change among the locals.

Apart from boosting up the nation's economy, they did not dismiss the fact that South Korea's high currency exchange has made them the dominant residents in this elite area.

"It's like a Korean town. There are lots of Korean restaurants. They are also good in business and very friendly," said Khairul Nizam Ariffin who has been working in Sri Hartamas for more than three years.

Another local, on the other hand, seemed to be a bit worried by the emergence of the Koreans as he feared it might cause property prices to go up, thus affecting the Malaysian community.

Echoing that thought was Nur Atiqah Ahmad, who felt that the presence of Koreans here have both positive and negative effects towards the country's economy.

Although she opined that the foreigners did contribute to the nation's income, she also felt that the government should monitor the ownership of properties so no party would take advantage of it.