The London neighbourhood with the biggest North Korean community in Europe has been named one of the best places to live in the capital thanks to its thriving Korean expat community, busy high street, good state schools and direct trains to central London.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Korean residents of the suburb said it is one of the best places to live because of its strong economy and tight-knit community. Do Soon Chang, 63, who has been living in New Malden for 24 years, said: "This place is very convenient for Korean people to get Korean food. It is comparatively safe and the public school is good. For these reasons, many people are still coming and gathering here."

Around 20,000 Koreans are now estimated to live in and around the suburb, mostly from South Korea. This community has also more recently attracted North Koreans. Around 700 North Korean expats are reportedly living in New Malden – the largest North Korean community in Europe.

New Malden was recently rated one of the best places to live in London by The Sunday Times. Many move to the area because of its historic properties, including Victorian terraces in the Grove conservation area and Edwardian semis on Presburg Road, alongside its pubs, restaurants, golf clubs, sports facilities, busy high street stretching out from the station and proximity to Richmond Park. According to property website Rightmove, the average house price in the area is £675,490.

(L-R) Do Soon Chang (Chair of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Cohncil) and Jung Hee Lee (Chair of the North Korean Society)

"There are barriers in communication between North and South Koreans even here," Mr Chang said. But locals say relations are improving, with residents coming together at community events and centres.

Jane Lim, who moved to England in 1996 and lives in Surbiton, said: "Before there were more tensions. Since I was a little girl, we were educated that we can't meet. But now things are getting better. Because New Malden is a unique place where we can meet and properly get to know each other, things are getting better and better every year."

(L-R) Josephe Kim, Ok Kyung Hur and Jane Lim

Rakgyun Shin, 31, works at a Korean language school on Malden Road. He said: "I already knew New Malden had the biggest Korean community before coming to the UK through the internet and I always wanted to visit there some time."

Arriving in London in September 2021, Mr Shin came across a volunteer opportunity at the Korean-language Hankyoreh School. He said: "On my way to the school, I found the Korean Culture and Arts Centre on the high street and went in out of curiosity. That was my first meeting with some senior members of the Korean community. Working at the weekend school has been an amazing experience for me."

The neighbourhood is home to Korean supermarkets, restaurants, hair salons, churches and a senior centre. North and South Koreans recently held a pop-up tearoom in the Korean Culture and Arts Centre to raise money for Ukraine.

Lyubov Lytvynko says she and other Ukrainian residents were invited to the event by Ms Lim after meeting at a community fundraiser. "It's a very lovely and friendly area," she said. "The community is hosting us perfectly."