Orange County's Place Identity from a First-Generation Immigrant’s Gaze

Keywords: Immigrant's Gaze, Place Identity, Orange County
Session Type: Virtual Paper
Day: Sunday
Session Start / End Time: 4/11/2021 11:10 AM (Pacific Time (US & Canada)) - 4/11/2021 12:25 PM (Pacific Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 35

Abstract

What is the main keywords that make up Orange County in California’s most special place identity. Living in Orange County for about 10 years from 2009 to 2020 as a immigrant, I determine 4 subjects that make up Orange County's place identity social geographically. First, these are the world's most beautiful beaches that comfort immigrants. The second is the enjoyment of parks and endless hills that become a smooth flow of daily life. The third is a mall that enriches life and gives a little joy. The malls, which seem to be spread horizontally different from the malls in Seoul, resemble the highway bus rest area in Korea. The fourth is the Tri-city Koreatown, which is formed at the point where Korean-Americans live in concentration-Fullerton, Buena Park, and La Mirada cities. Finally, it was decided as a home as an existential space for life and death. It can be said to be a bit boring, repetitive, and imply the loneliness of immigrants.