The World in NYC: Korea

Walking through shopping and business districts in midtown Manhattan, you might not expect to stumble upon karaoke bars, Bibimbap hotspots, and grocery stores carrying more types of kimchi than you can count, but that is precisely what you will find on the small stretch called Korea Way - 32nd Street between Fifth Avenue and Broadway - in Manhattan’s Koreatown.With 218,000 Koreans living in the New York City’s metropolitan area which includes towns like Bergen, New Jersey, Manhattan serves as the cultural hub for the American-Korean population of the area. There is ample opportunity to get involved with Korean culture and cuisine alike.

Korean Culture in NYC

Koreans have long been established in the city, and for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of the culture, or for Koreans who are looking to connect up with others from their home country, there are a number of organizations which do just that.The Korea Society is an organization in the city purpose-built to support the understanding and cooperation of the people of Korea and of the United States. The society holds a number of events related to celebrations of Korean arts and culture, business in both countries, and public policy and intercultural relations. The society also offers educational classes on Korean language and culture.Korea Culture Service New York is similar to the Korea Society but is more focused on events related to the arts and culture of Korea. The organization offers workshops, lectures, film screenings, Taekwondo classes, and gallery exhibitions focused on new and emerging Korean artists.Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York is a non-profit organization serving the Korean-American community for more than 40 years.  The volunteer organization has a wide range of initiatives and services for the Korean community here in New York. They offer everything from a community-sourced thrift shop, to employment workshops and immigration assistance.The Asia Society of New York is a museum and organization promoting Asian political and cultural understanding here in New York City. Beyond the permanent museum collection – hosted in a beautiful setting - there are a number of traveling exhibits bringing treasures from Asia to members and visitors of the organization. The Asia Society also hosts frequent events and networking opportunities for Asians and New Yorkers interested in Asian affairs.There are a number of holidays celebrated by the Korean community in New York, including Independence Day (Samiljeol), Buddha’s Birthday (Seokgatansinil), and Liberation Day (Gwangbokjeol). Korean New Year’s Day celebrations coincide with that of many other Asian countries which celebrate the lunar New Year, and it’s always a big event in New York City with parades in several areas throughout the city. Be sure to check Korean organizations’ events sections so that you don’t miss out on the festivities!

Korean Food in NYC

While a stroll through Koreatown will give you a number of choices for Korean fare, here are some of the highest rated Korean restaurants in the city.Cho Dang Gol Korean Restaurant55 W 35th Street, New YorkIf you are in Koreatown and looking for the best of all of the options, Cho Dang Gol could easily be the solution. Named after a coast village east of Seoul, this restaurant continues in the village’s tradition of making hand-made bean curd from an original recipe.  Cho Dang Gol is Michelin recommended and was featured on Food Network’s program, Best Thing I Ever Ate.Moim206 Garfield Place, BrooklynLocated in Park Slope, Moim is the top choice for Korean for many Brooklynites. The restaurant offers modern spins on traditional Korean dishes in an atmosphere that is as creative as the food. Recommended dishes include Bibimbap and Ya-Chae Man-Du (stuffed dumplings). For many in Brooklyn, this offers all the taste of Koreatown without the noise, crowd, or commute.Kori253 Church Street, New YorkNestled in Manhattan’s TriBeCa neighborhood, Kori offers a quiet yet ambient atmosphere and a great selection of Korean dishes. Kori has been featured in the New York Times, The Village Voice, and New York Magazine as a solid Korean option in lower Manhattan.Hahm Ji Bach41-08 149th Place, FlushingIn Queens, Hahm Ji Bach is your best option for Korean food in the borough. The restaurant has a number of highly rated dishes according to the Michelin Guide, including authentic Korean BBQ, hot pots and, of course, hahm ji bach specialties. H-Mart29-02 Union Street, FlushingHan Ah Reum, or “H-Mart” for short, is the marketplace for Korean food in the United States. The grocer has a number of stores throughout the city and nationwide. Although not exclusively Korean, the grocer will have all of the essentials you would find in Korea at better prices than their smaller competitors. 

Korean Recreation and Nightlife in NYC

Spa Castle131-10 11th Avenue, College Point, QueensIf you’re looking for a taste of Korea’s famous spas here in the city, Spa Castle in College Point, Queens is an experience that saves you the trip to Korea:  The giant spa is home to a number of saunas, including the famous “sauna valley,” as well as hot pools and massages. It’s a bit of a trek from Manhattan, but it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.Karaoke BarsThere is no shortage of Korean karaoke bars in Koreatown or other neighborhoods in the city. MK Karaoke offers private rooms for rent in Koreatown with updated Korean and American songs for all to attempt to sing. There’s also a great Korean-run karaoke joint in the East Village, U2 Karaoke Lounge and Suites on St. Marks. Both of these establishments have reasonable rates and a great selection of music.A trendy hidden bar in Koreatown is the Maru Lounge. Finding it is half the fun: you need to take an elevator to the third floor where you’re greeted by cool lounges and private karaoke rooms. Once in, you feel like you’ve been catapulted to the heart of Seoul.