Exploring Korean and Classic 'Chinatown' Films and Incheon's Cinematic Food Scene

Korean bloggers are actively discussing various cinematic connections to the theme of 'Chinatown,' encompassing both the 2015 Korean crime noir film and the classic Roman Polanski movie, alongside a popular food item from Incheon Chinatown featured in the film 'New World.' This interest highlights the diverse cultural impact and real-world ties of the 'Chinatown' theme in Korean pop culture, drawing attention to specific locations and film narratives.

The 2015 Korean film "Chinatown," directed by Han Jun-hee and starring Kim Hye-soo and Kim Go-eun, is a crime noir with approximately 1.47 million viewers, depicting a world where abandoned individuals survive under a matriarch known as "Mother." This "Mother" forms a family based on utility rather than love, with the protagonist Il-young having been abandoned in a subway locker. Separately, Roman Polanski's classic "Chinatown" is noted as a noir film featuring private detective Jake Gittes investigating a case involving the Water and Power Department director Mulwray amidst an LA drought. Furthermore, Incheon Chinatown's "Hwadeok Mandu" (tandoor-baked dumplings) from the store Siprihyang gained fame for its appearance in the movie "New World," where actor Hwang Jung-min is seen eating it.

Local bloggers visiting Incheon Chinatown express enjoyment of the night scenery and the variety of Chinese cuisine available, including jjajangmyeon and jjamppong. They share their delight in discovering the exact "Hwadeok Mandu" spot from "New World." Regarding the Korean "Chinatown" film, a blogger found the portrayal of a female boss and a family structured by necessity particularly compelling. For Polanski's "Chinatown," the noir atmosphere and the detective's clever investigative techniques were appreciated, although one blogger noted the film's complexity required some plot clarification.