Tsuruhashi, Kita-Furukawa

From Ordic Encyclopedia
File:Ōkubo (Tokyo).jpg
Yeongseonin restaurants along Tsuruhashi 3-Chome

Tsuruhashi (鶴橋) is a neighbourhood of Kita-Furukawa, Niihama, encompassing the area from Tsuruhashi 8-chome to Hyakunin 5-chome. It is also known as Eizenmura (永善村, Yeongseon Village) and Jageun Cheongu (작은청고), due to the large Yeongseonin community that lives in the area. It is built around Tsuruhashi Station on the Niihama Metro Southern Line.

Tsuruhashi's ethnic Yeongseonin population includes both Yeongseonin residents in Yamatai as well as Yeongseonin immigrants from both Yeongseon and Gyunghwa. Many third-generation Yeongseonin families also make their home in this area. Chung Sang-hwa, the director of the Yeongseonin Resident's Association in Yamatai, stated that Yeongseonin began coming to Tsuruhashi around 1983 because at that time it was one of the least expensive areas of Niihama.

Various Yeongseonin-owned businesses operate in Tsuruhashi, ranging from restaurants to electronics stores. Mugunghwa Square, a large shopping centre housing numerous Yeongseonin-owned small businesses, is located on Tsuruhashi 1-Chome opposite Tsuruhashi Station. A replica of a traditional Yeongseonin-style pagoda is placed outside the station and is a regular local meeting point. Tsuruhashi is a popular destination for youths interested in Yeongseonin pop culture.

In recent years, Kuijuan people have also settled in the area and have opened up Kuijuan restaurants.

See also