Using my interview with Besfren as a jumping off point, I wanted to explore several different questions in regard to the neighborhood surrounding the business. In terms of customer demographics, Suzi Kim, the manager of Besfren, told me she expected there to be a greater Asian population, but in reality there was not one dominating racial group buying products at the store. The rise in popularity of Korean products among different groups of people is certainly a factor in this, as well as the fact that Koreatown’s location happens to be in a prime tourist-centered area.However, perhaps by examining the racial trends from before Besfren was created to present day, we can answer these two questions: What group dominates the area? Is Koreatown an ethnic enclave?
Luckily, Koreatown happens to be located in a singular census tract:Census Tract 76, New York County, New York. However, I did examine surrounding tracts for more data. Koreatown’s roots have been in place since the 1980s, with the opening of Koryo Books and a few restaurants. A map from this time period showed that there was already a growing Asian population in the area which was greater than in the surrounding areas,although a few surroundings tracts also boast a higher Asian population than its neighbors. The most probable reason for this specific location to be utilized by Koreans is, again, the proximity to tourist attractions such as Macy’s and Madison Square Garden, as well as the proximity of several train lines.
And the Asian population in the area since the 1980s had tripled by the founding of Besfren in 2012, from 249 residents or 13.154% in 1980 to 722 residents or 34.218% in 2012. 
After flipping through different census maps in different years, it was clear there were two groups that dominated this section of Manhattan: Whites and Asians. And it was also clear that although the Asian population had steadily growing numbers, the White population was still the majority. In 2012, the White population in Tract 76 was at 57.299% or 1,209 residents, and in 2010 was still at 51.395% or 1,197 residents. So, one answer to these questions; White people make up a majority of this area, which makes sense because Manhattan’s rent is generally more expensive and immigrants may not have the means to pay this money.
2012
2010
However, while comparing Asian populations in surrounding census tracts, while Koreatown’s tract is experiencing a slight decline in its Asian population, there is a significant increase in nearby tracts, such as Tract 84 and 113. In 2010, the population of Tract 76 was at 37.87% or 882 residents, but in 2012 decreased slightly to 34.218% or 722 residents. Tracts 84 and 113’s Asian populations ,however, had increased by 6% and 8%, respectively. So, another answer; although white people constitute a majority of the population, there is still a large number of Asian people in the area, although not immediately residing in Tract 76, but in surrounding tracts,making Tract 76 easily accessible.So, Besfren seeing a mix of different ethnicities makes sense; not only because of tourists, but also because the Asian population is not even the majority in the first place. However, we can say that, because there is a substantial, if not majority, population of Asians, it can still be considered an enclave where Koreans can go and buy products from their cultural background.
A third question to explore was tied to the purpose of Koreatown. Suzi Kim did not tell us this, but the other restaurants we interviewed did- Koreatown has a thriving nightlife where young people can go to eat, sing karaoke, and have fun with their friends. Again,location comes into play; tourist areas tend to be open for longer to appease those from other countries that want to experience “the city that never sleeps”. But examining the age percentages of Koreatown from its commencement also led to other conclusions.
I decided to compare the age percentages of Tract 76 of four different years:1980, 2000, 2010 and 2012. In the 1980s, when Koreatown began, the majority of the population was aged 25-34 years, at 24.8% with the next highest age group being 35-44 years, at 16.8%. In 2000, the percentage of younger people only increases; those who are 25-34 are at the 34.3% mark, while those who are 35-44 are at the 23.1% mark. Then, in 2010 we see a drastic shift. In 1980 and in 2000, the population of those aged 18-24 never went above 12%. In 2010, this age group has taken the majority by a slight margin, with 20.4%, the 25-34 age group trailing with 20.3%. The 35-44 group has decreased substantially to 14.8%. In 2012, the young population rises, with about 25% for both the 18-24 age group and the 25-34 age group. The 35-44 age group is down to about 12%. From these pieces of data, we can conclude that Koreatown does serve its residents as well as tourists. Young people are generally known to hang out with their friends at night, especially in college, where they are in the 18-24 age group. I know I’ve gone a few times at night with my friends. Therefore, Koreatown’s businesses are not only catering to adventurous tourists but also younger people as well,since many businesses are open until late at night or until early in the morning. Even Besfren is open until 11PM, knowing that the younger generation will come for their goods and services.
