Some areas of New York City do quiet down, but Koreatown isn’t one of them. Known for its vibrant almost round-the-clock dining and nightlife scene, Koreatown lies compactly on 32nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues in Manhattan. However, its unique Korean businesses also spread several blocks to the east, west, and south. Just like in Seoul and Busan, South Korea, you’ll discover restaurants, bars, beauty salons, and other attractions nestled into multi-level buildings.
This guide introduces you to some standout offerings—from a K-Pop merchandise haven to soju served in hollowed-out watermelon and Korean barbecue like gopchang (intestine barbecue)—alongside many hidden gems. Korean barbecue is a significant attraction, plentiful throughout the area. In 2020, many restaurants expanded by adding outdoor seating with portable stoves for at-table cooking, allowing for a bit of sear although meat typically arrives nearly cooked. Notable places include The Kunjip, where you can enjoy the barbecue with a window seat upstairs, and Baekjeong, owned by famous South Korean comedian Kang Ho Dong. Its NYC flagship features gooey cheese corn sides and attracts well-known guests like Chris Rock and the late Anthony Bourdain.
For a traditional barbecue experience, head to the multi-floor New Wonjo, which offers charcoal grills on its upper level providing a smokey flavor and views of Koreatown’s main avenue. It’s exciting to watch the staff place a hot charcoal canister in your table’s pit, and you’ll enjoy a diverse array of banchan (side dishes), such as creamy potato salad and raw crab, along with classic kimchi.
Another barbecue destination is Gopchang Story, famous for its gopchang or intestines. Try a combo plate for different textures and flavors, and don’t miss the irresistible fried rice with cheese, prepared on the same skillet afterward. If intestines aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other meat and seafood options.
Love offers a modern, disco-style barbecue vibe with a live DJ. Shareable delights like bulgogi kimchi fries and “Whip it Good Army Stew” (budae jjigae) blend local ingredients and foreign flavors, reflecting post-Korean War influences. Funky Pocha 32 also serves Army Stew in its lively second-floor bar, famous for colorful, delicious soju drinks like Watermelon Punch—a half watermelon brimming with soju, lemon soda, and crushed ice.
Rib No. 7 delivers a more upscale and polished version of Korean classics, like Gaonnuri, which offers stunning city views from its 39th-floor location. Her Name is Han brings trendy vibes to homestyle dishes inspired by Seoul’s Hannam-dong. Vegetarians should visit HanGawi, a serene meat-free haven rich with Korean tradition; remember to wear socks as shoes must be removed at the door.
For desserts, Mochi Mochi Donut brings chewy mochi donuts in various enticing flavors, while Café Grace Street crafts indulgent treats—everything from shaved snow towers to custard caramel cheesecake and dalgona honeycomb coffee, made famous by “Squid Game.”
Spa enthusiasts can venture to Flushing, Queens, for a large Korean spa experience at Spa Castle, or enjoy Koreatown’s cozy spa offerings. Juvenex Spa, open 24 hours, offers Asian-European fusion treatments and diverse features, such as a Jade Igloo sauna and sake soaking ponds. Note that certain hours are women-only, and swimwear is mandatory in co-ed spaces.
Koryo Books is a K-Pop fan’s paradise with the largest selection of CDs, DVDs, and merchandise in NYC, often available shortly after their release in South Korea. They also carry Korean language books, magazines, gifts, and more. For cosmetics, explore Kosette, Besfren Beauty, and The Face Shop, which also sells merchandise related to Korean pop icons.
Karaoke bars are abundant, usually occupying upper floors, and sometimes hiding away. Maru Karaoke Lounge, open since 2004, requires a ride in a freight elevator and boasts a sci-fi-inspired glowing bar plus private karaoke rooms. Alternatively, BYOB spot 32 Karaoke offers song searching online, while Gagopa provides a stocked bar option.
Don’t miss the lively rooftop bars such as Cloud Social and Arlo Roof Top at Arlo Nomad hotel for a perfect end to your Koreatown adventure.
