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The Korean Experience Review

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The Korean Experience

Fodor's Review:

Koreans are the largest ethnic minority in Japan, and their highest concentration is in Osaka. Known as zainichi, after decades, in some cases centuries, of "assimilation" they have only recently begun to proclaim their traditional heritage and use their Korean names. By 2004 a wave of Korean tarento (talent) ruled TV and cinema screens across Japan. The most popular was Bae Yong-jun, affectionately known as Yon-sama. You may not be able to see Yon-sama in person, but you'll get an eyeful of him from the posters outside restaurants in Tsuruhashi, Osaka's Korea Town. Gyuto (2-5 Shimoajihara-cho, Tenno-ji-ku. 06/6775-0710. AE, DC, MC, V) is one such restaurant. Well known as a dating spot, the reasonably priced Kobe beef set menus for dinner are around ¥3,500 per person. Gyuto has a funky interior and is 50 yards from the west exit of JR Tsuruhashi Station.

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