Manhattan, a borough known for its ceaseless energy, houses a district that truly embodies the city’s "never sleeps" ethos: New York City’s Koreatown. Unlike other neighborhoods that quiet down as the night progresses, Koreatown pulsates with activity at all hours, a testament to its vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. This dynamic enclave, affectionately known as K-town, is primarily concentrated on 32nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. However, its influence extends outwards, with a diverse array of Korean businesses and attractions spilling over several blocks to the east, west, and south, creating a rich tapestry of Korean culture in the heart of New York City.
Mirroring the bustling metropolises of Seoul and Busan in South Korea, Koreatown’s architectural landscape is characterized by multi-story buildings housing a diverse mix of establishments. Within these structures, you’ll discover restaurants serving authentic Korean cuisine, lively bars offering unique beverage experiences, beauty salons providing traditional and modern treatments, and a plethora of other businesses and attractions catering to a wide range of interests. The verticality of the neighborhood adds to its energetic atmosphere, creating a sense of discovery as you explore each level.
This comprehensive guide will lead you through the hidden gems and well-known hotspots of New York City’s Koreatown. From the premier destination for K-Pop merchandise, where fans can find the latest albums and memorabilia, to bars serving soju-based cocktails in hollowed-out watermelons, a truly unique and Instagrammable experience, and restaurants offering the Korean delicacy gopchang (barbecued intestines), an adventurous culinary experience, Koreatown offers a multitude of opportunities for exploration and immersion in Korean culture.
Where to Eat and Drink in New York City’s Koreatown
The culinary scene in New York City’s Koreatown is a major draw for visitors and locals alike. While the neighborhood offers a diverse range of Korean dishes, Korean barbecue reigns supreme, with restaurants specializing in this interactive and communal dining experience found on nearly every block.
In response to the challenges of 2020, many restaurants expanded their seating capacity by adding enclosed or semi-enclosed outdoor areas. While these spaces often utilize portable stoves for tabletop cooking, allowing for a touch of sear on pre-cooked meats, the experience remains enjoyable.
Some popular and highly regarded Korean barbecue restaurants include:
- The Kunjip: This establishment is known for its high-quality meats and traditional banchan (side dishes). If you’re ordering barbecue, requesting a window table upstairs provides a pleasant view of the bustling street scene.
- Baekjeong: This popular chain restaurant, owned by the famous South Korean comedian Kang Ho Dong, has a flagship location in NYC. A poster of Kang Ho Dong scaling the Empire State Building adds a touch of whimsy to the atmosphere. Baekjeong is particularly renowned for its delectable cheese and corn kernel accompaniment, a sweet and savory addition to the barbecue experience. The restaurant also boasts a celebrity clientele, having welcomed figures such as Chris Rock, Momofuku’s David Chang, the late Anthony Bourdain, and numerous Korean singers, actors, and chefs.
- New Wonjo: For an authentic, old-school Korean barbecue experience, New Wonjo is an excellent choice. This multi-level restaurant features charcoal grills on its upper floor, offering diners a panoramic view of Koreatown’s main street. The ritual of the staff depositing a canister of piping-hot orange charcoal into your table’s pit is a captivating spectacle, adding a smoky depth to the flavor of the meat that is difficult to replicate with gas or electric grills. The included selection of banchan is diverse and can range from creamy potato salad to raw crab segments and, of course, the ever-present kimchi.
- Gopchang Story: For the adventurous palate, Gopchang Story specializes in gopchang, the Korean delicacy of grilled intestines. Ordering the combo allows you to sample a variety of small and large intestines, each with its unique texture and flavor profile. Be sure to add the optional fried rice with cheese, which is prepared on the same skillet after the gopchang is finished, absorbing all the delicious remnants of the meal. For those less inclined towards offal, the restaurant also offers non-intestine meat and seafood dishes.
- Love: This restaurant presents a modern, almost disco-inspired take on Korean barbecue, complete with a live DJ. Love serves up shareable dishes such as "bangin’ bulgogi kimchi fries" and "Whip it Good Army Stew," a creative interpretation of budae jjigae. Originating after the Korean War, budae jjigae incorporates ingredients left behind by US troops, such as spam and cheese, alongside traditional Korean staples like kimchi, tofu, rice cakes, and ramen noodles.
- Pocha 32: Situated on the second floor, this funky and atmospheric bar is known for its inventive and photogenic soju creations. The Watermelon Punch, a half-watermelon filled with soju, lemon-up soda, and crushed ice, is a particularly popular and refreshing choice. Other options include Pineapple Punch and Yogurt Soju.
For a more refined dining experience, consider the following options:
- Rib No. 7: This restaurant offers an upscale and sophisticated take on classic Korean dishes.
- Gaonnuri: Located on the 39th floor of Nomad Tower, Gaonnuri provides not only exquisite Korean cuisine but also breathtaking panoramic city views.
- Her Name is Han: This restaurant brings a hipster aesthetic to its homestyle, seasonal creations, with decor and vibes reminiscent of Seoul’s trendy Hannam-dong district.
- HanGawi: For vegetarians, HanGawi is a must-visit. This meat-free culinary sanctuary exudes Korean tradition and zen. Guests are required to remove their shoes upon entering, creating a sense of peace and tranquility.
No visit to Koreatown is complete without indulging in dessert.
- Mochi Mochi Donut: Serves chewy mochi donuts made with glutinous rice flour in an assortment of colorful flavors.
- Cafe Grace Street: Offers a wide array of indulgent treats, from silky shaved snow towers to custardy, caramelized burnt cheesecake to a coffee with – made famous in "Squid Game" – dalgona honeycomb candy with a heart shape to eat around (don’t break it!).
What to Do in New York City’s Koreatown
While a large-scale jjimjilbang (Korean spa) experience requires a trip to Flushing, Queens, to visit the sprawling Spa Castle complex, Koreatown offers more intimate and under-the-radar spa facilities.
- Juvenex Spa: Open 24 hours, this two-floor Asian-European fusion spa features a semi-precious stone Jade Igloo sauna, a diamond herbal glass steam room, and Japanese-style soaking ponds filled with sake, ginseng, and other medicinal ingredients. The treatment menu is extensive, offering scrubs, facials, massages, and a variety of packages catered to female beauty. Note that the fifth floor is women-only and bathing suit optional from 7 am to 5 pm daily, while bathing suits are mandatory during co-ed hours (and on the 4th always co-ed floor).
Shopping in New York City’s Koreatown
Koreatown is a haven for K-pop fans.
- Koryo Books: Stocks NYC’s largest selection of CDs, DVDs, and merchandise, including brand new releases within a day or two of their South Korea street dates (many come with free posters). BTS, Blackpink, Nu’est, Enhypen, Red Velvet, Shinee, and dozens if not hundreds additional boy/girl groups and artists are stocked. Koryo also carries plenty of Korean language books, magazines, home and gift items, and more.
- Kosette: Adjacent to Koryo Books, this store offers a wide range of cosmetic and skincare products.
- Besfren Beauty: Stocks over 60 Korean brands, including its own.
- The Face Shop: Aptly named, eclectic store that stocks merchandise related to characters from Korea’s chat app Kakao and pop group BTS.
Karaoke and Nightlife in New York City’s Koreatown
Most karaoke bars are located on upper floors around Ktown, and some quite hidden away.
- Maru Karaoke Lounge: Opened since 2004, the bi-level Maru Karaoke Lounge requires a freight elevator to access, and features both a glowing tunnel-like bar straight out of a Stanley Kubrick sci-fi flick and private karaoke rooms (standard time limit is 2 hours, exceptions made by request).
- 32 Karaoke: A rarity – it’s BYOB! – and you can search its 30,000 song library in advance online.
- Gagopa: From the same owners as 32 Karaoke, Gagopa does stock booze (with a BYO option).
- Cloud Social: One of a couple of buzzing rooftop bars around Ktown to check out.
- Arlo Roof Top: The Arlo Nomad hotel’s rooftop bar.
Tips For Your Visit to New York City’s Koreatown
- Be prepared to explore vertically, as many businesses are located on upper floors.
- Bring cash, as some establishments may not accept credit cards.
- Don’t be afraid to try new things, whether it’s a unique dish or a spa treatment.
- Embrace the vibrant and energetic atmosphere of New York City’s Koreatown.
- New York City’s Koreatown is best explored on foot, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the neighborhood.
