Governor Blagojevich unveils "Korea Town" highway sign on Interstate 90

CHICAGO - Recognizing the importance of Chicago's Korean-American community, Gov. Rod Blagojevich today unveiled a new highway sign directing motorists to the thriving neighborhood of restaurants and shops in Albany Park on the city's far North Side.

 

"Chicago's Korea Town is one of our real success stories and we want to do everything in our power to let the world know about the wonderful opportunities for dining, shopping and family-friendly recreation that are available here," the Governor said.

 

"We would like to personally thank Governor Rod Blagojevich and his administration for his continued support of our community," said Kim Gil Young, president of the Korean American Association of Chicago. "This sign symbolizes over 40 years of sweat and tears of the Korean American community, and the many successes of our immigrant community. As a son of an immigrant, Governor Blagojevich knows firsthand the many struggles of our own community.  We are very delighted to be blessed with Governor Blagojevich as our friend and brother."   

 

The Association is the leading civic group for Chicago's Korean-America community, which numbers about 150,000 people.  Kim said the association believes that the new highway sign will provide a boost to the already thriving level of commerce in the vibrant neighborhood.

 

Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) crews installed two brown tourism signs designating the Korea Town exit on Interstate 90 (the Kennedy Expressway) just north and south of the Lawrence Ave. exits. More than 170,000 vehicles use that section of the expressway on an average day.