Blake Walsh

21 Best Things to Do in Koreatown, NYC

  • Published 2023/04/18

You may find some of the city’s best and most authentic Korean experiences in a tiny Midtown Manhattan area called Koreatown, or K-Town.

K-Town, despite its modest size, is steeped in history.

After the Korean War, Korean immigrants established the area; today, it’s home to many people of Korean origin.

Most restaurants in town provide Asian fusion cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and drinks.

In just a few short years, this tiny area of Manhattan has become one of New York City’s most popular getaways.

Explore a slice of Korea on the other side of the world at K-Town, New York City.

Feel at home in this bustling and thriving district.

Here are the best things to do in K-Town, NYC:

See the Skyscrapers from the Empire State Building

Exterior of the Empire State Building

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Depending on where you look, you might mistake New York City for a little town.

Nevertheless, it’s hard to imagine the sights you’ll see from the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building.

The Empire State Building near K-Town is a well-known landmark around the globe.

A person using the telescope in Empire State Building's top floor

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You can go to the two observation decks on the 86th floor and observe other visitors.

You can even see them close and personal from the 102nd-floor observatory.

Each floor has fast elevators, so you can enjoy your time there without worrying about when the next one will arrive.

Observation deck in Empire State Building

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Have Fun at Space Billiards

If you’re looking for a fun and welcoming place for a night out, head to Space Billiards in K-Town.

You’d be hard-pressed to find something more fun than their pool hall.

You may play the tavern’s pinball machine while enjoying a burger from their restaurant.

Likewise, the tavern hosts live music at the club if you get bored of pool.

This site is so unique that you never know what you’ll get from it.

Eat and Drink at Pocha 32

Manhattan’s K-Town neighborhood is a great spot to eat and drink with friends.

Pocha 32 is a Korean restaurant known for its savory offerings, including kimchi fries and hot tuna rolls.

Watermelon soju and a squid, tripe, onion, and pig stew round out the meal.

You’ll also get the most authentic and fun experience during happy hour.

Mingle with other tourists and enjoy signature cocktails.

The daily specials, which feature low-cost meals, are another way to save money at this restaurant.

It’s not only delicious but also a lot of fun.

As a result of the relaxed atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home lounging on their black leather couches and watching sports on their big-screen televisions.

Visit the Museum of Modern Art

Exterior of Museum of Modern Art

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Those looking for a vast, daring, and dynamic art museum should not miss a trip to the Museum of Modern Art near K-Town.

The architect William Adler built the museum as a private residence in 1929.

Since then, it has become a famous New York City landmark, also known throughout the globe.

People admiring art in Museum of Modern Art

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After a few years, the city transformed the house into a museum of art.

The building’s walls are vibrant red and black, while the interior walls are painted white.

In addition to modern and contemporary art, the museum collections include artifacts from architecture and design and many other works, such as paintings and sculptures.

Music exhibit in Museum of Modern Art

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‌ Discover Korea at Koryo Books

Koryo Books is one of the oldest bookstores in K-Town.

It has been a neighborhood fixture since 2003, when it first opened.

First and foremost, Koryo Books is a must-see for everyone interested in learning more about Korean culture.

Aside from a wide assortment of books and souvenirs, K-pop fans will undoubtedly appreciate the music selections.

Koryo Books was one of the first firms to put K-Town on the map.

In addition to fiction and nonfiction, Koryo Books offers a wide selection of magazines, craft books, and Korean translations of popular English blockbuster novels.

Likewise, you can find BTS merch, such as posters, tees, and more at Koryo Books.

Sing Along at the Gagopa Karaoke

The spotlight is yours at Gagopa Karaoke.

Recline with your friends on the leather sofa and sing along to your favorite tunes.

Guests are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages to Gagopa’s bar.

They also serve non-alcoholic beverages; this grungy K-Town hangout is open until 5:00 a.m.

There’s plenty of time to get down and get busy.

Go to the main bar for appetizers during happy hour and enjoy additional seating for dinner on the second floor.

Depending on how much booze you’ve consumed, you can enjoy dinner on the third-floor terrace with chairs before heading home.

Grab a Bite at Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong

You’ve likely seen Kang Ho Dong on television, so they are probably familiar to you.

A charismatic entrepreneur started the New York outpost of the well-known chainlet brand.

Kang Ho Dong was a former professional wrestler who became a stand-up comic.

He established the famous steak shop.

This famous shop in K-Town has a delicate refinement despite the din and congestion of New York City.

Kang Ho Dong’s Omaha beef is wet-aged for three weeks before being served in varying levels of taste and density.

What could be better than a steak grilled to your exacting specifications?

The steaks make for a delicious and satisfying supper with a simple salad and bread.

Party with Friends at the Gaonnuri

Gaonnuri is another Korean restaurant in K-Town where you may enjoy a fantastic lunch.

Located on the 39th floor of a Koreatown building, this upmarket restaurant offers panoramic views of the dazzling cityscape.

The chef uses only the best ingredients and presents them in a refined manner in the kitchen.

You can try various meats, such as thick duck breast pieces, jumbo wings, juicy boneless short ribs, and pork belly, served on a tabletop barbeque.

In addition to beef brisket with broccoli and sweet potato fries, the menu offers kimchi fried rice and hot garlic noodles as side dishes.

Vegetarian options are also on the menu if you’re on a strict diet regimen.

Experience Korea on the Korea Way

Street sign of Korea Way

Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock.com

K-Town’s Korea Way is a one-of-a-kind roadway.

Spend some time at K-Town’s 32nd Street between New York City’s Fifth and Sixth Avenues to get a sense of the richness of the city’s flourishing cultural expressions.

It’s easy to lose track of time while shopping on Korea Way because it is a visually appealing and unique district.

With these two words combined, “the way to Koreatown” can mean both “the way out of poverty” and “the path to enlightenment.”

You can appreciate the diversity of downtown Manhattan by simply standing and looking down the street.

Don’t miss exploring Korea Way in Koreatown.

Celebrate Every Success at the Food Gallery 32

You can sample a wide selection of Asian dishes at the Food Gallery 32 if you can’t decide where to eat.

You can buy anything from spicy fried chicken to chocolate-covered churros with your pick of toppings at this multi-level food court.

The third level is where you may sneak some karaoke after stuffing your cheeks with many delectable food and snacks.

What’s your favorite thing about K-Town?

There are many restaurants and doughnut stores in the area, so there is something for everyone.

You will need cash if you want to return after midnight to get more meals because the restaurant doesn’t take credit cards.

Likewise, you should know that some parking spaces in the immediate area are reserved for employees and residents of the facility.

Refresh Yourself at BIAO Sugar

If you’re looking for the best boba in K-Town, your best bet is BIAO Sugar.

Due to its vast drink selection and hand-delivered “tiger” mouthpieces, this place is one of the most distinctive boba places in town.

When you ask for a tiger’s mouth to serve your drink, you’ll get more than you bargained for.

If you’re a fan of the original dragon egg cup, get your hands on BIAO’s menu.

You can also try their mango iced tea if you’re ready for something fruity and sweet.

Likewise, you can order their spicy chai tea latte or chai milkshake if you want something savory and spicy.

Grab a Bite at the Paris Baguette

Store sign of Paris Baguette

pio3 / Shutterstock.com

‌The Paris Baguette is an Asian-French bakeshop and a famous South Korean bakery.

You can find various sweets, beverages, and pastries at the Asian-French bakery.

They have a latte that’s also worth trying.

Interior of Paris Baguette

pio3 / Shutterstock.com

Croissants, baguettes, and muffins are just a few of the baked products available in the bakery.

They have branches in Seoul and Busan, as well as other cities in the United States.

If you’re considering taking a trip to NYC, you should visit the Paris Baguette in K-Town.

A pile of bread rolls in Paris Baguette

Lulub / Shutterstock.com

Try Local Cuisine at Broadway Bites

Broadway Bites is sure to become a new fan favorite as a new addition to the K-Town dining scene.

You can try local fusion cuisine and creative concepts at this restaurant.

Likewise, you can order traditional favorites like steak and eggs and more adventurous dishes like braised lamb shank and red wine.

As a result of their extensive experience, Broadway Bites’ chefs can guarantee that every meal is savory and delicious.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic food destination in Koreatown.

Enjoy a Family Party at the 5 Bar Karaoke Lounge

Head to the 5 Bar Karaoke Lounge in K-Town for karaoke nights with your friends.

The bar makes you feel part of an exciting night out with its neon lights and lively ambiance.

If you don’t want to stand around with a drink, there are many options for sitting down with your friends.

The lounge is dedicated to making your event memorable.

You don’t have to memorize a songbook because they have several memorable songs.

Relax at the Juvenex Spa

Juvenex Spa is the place to go if you’ve ever dreamed of a home as calm as in the countryside.

This place features many pools, changing rooms, an exercise center, dance floor, restaurant, bar, and lounges.

The conference rooms are among community services open to the public for 24 hours.

To provide a peaceful environment, each of these locations has been soundproofed.

The spa promotes nudity in public settings.

However, the scrubs are conducted in common, barely screened-off areas for individuals who aren’t ready to give up their clothes.

Get a Taste of Korean and Mexican Cuisine at The Maze

There is no other perfect place to try in Ktown than The Maze Bar & Eatery for a unique experience.

This restaurant is perfect for a pleasant night out with friends because of the appealing interior design and wide range of food options it offers.

The Maze, a resto-bar that combines Mexican and Korean cuisines, has a beautiful design and food that you may enjoy here.

These dishes include bulgogi, quesadillas with kimchi, and Korean-style grilled beef topped with sauce.

The Maze’s late-night lounge serves Korean fusion cuisine, beer, and cocktails in a club setting and is a fantastic spot to dine and drink.

Get Your Coffee Fix at Grace Street Coffee & Desserts

Not only that you get to taste the popular Basque Burnt Cheesecakes of Grace Street Coffee & Desserts but you also get to enjoy its delicious coffee drinks.

This charming Korean cafe serves traditional Asian handmade desserts with an NYC twist and its specialty coffee is perfect for its warm atmosphere.

It’s also popular for its award-winning Basque Burnt Cheesecake, which was named Flavor of the Year by the New York Times.

Also, don’t miss out on its shaved ice, chewy honey boba, and crisp mochi waffles.

Grace Street Coffee & Desserts is nestled in the heart of Koreatown on West 32nd Street.

Taste the Authentic Korean Barbecue at Jongro BBQ

Treat yourself to an authentic experience at Jongro BBQ, which is popular for serving fresh and mouthwatering barbecues.

Established in 2015, the restaurant ensures that all of its meat is fresh with primal cuts delivered daily, prepared in-house, and marinated to order.

Don’t miss its popular Beef Platter, which is a combination of kalbi, brisket, ribeye, skirt steak, and marinated chuck, or marinated short rib.

Enjoy all these being cooked right on your table using an in-table grill.

The Korean vibe at Jongro BBQ makes you want to stay longer and enjoy its authentic barbecue!

Bring a Picnic Lunch to Greeley Square Park

The grounds of Greeley Square Park

K Quinn Ferris / Shutterstock.com

Although small, the picnic area at Greeley Square Park is good enough to eat lunch with your friends and family.

There are several chairs and small round tables to use for eating while enjoying your food.

You can also buy food from nearby restaurants and take it to the park to eat and have great conversations with your loved ones.

Flowers at Greeley Square Park

Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock.com

It can be crowded during rush hours, but you only have to be there earlier to get a good spot.

Greeley Square Park was named for Horace Greeley, a prominent editor and political leader in the 1800s.

Table umbrella at Greeley Square Park

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Buy Cute and Unique Gifts at Platform 32

On your random walks in Koreatown, check into Platform 32; a cute gift shop featuring handmade products and unique accessories.

This quaint gift shop has a bit of everything for gifts and souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones back home.

There are lots of items to choose from, including unique jewelry, knickknacks, clothing, bags, home decor, candles, beanies, vintage finds, and many more.

So while roaming around Koreatown, drop by Platform 32 to find lovely stuff that may pique your interest.

You may be able to find something special to add to your collection!

Browse Premium Cigar and Smoke Supplies at E-smoke & Convenience

For your e-smoke and cigar needs, head to E-Smoke & Convenience, which office a great selection of smoking needs.

You’ll find everything here including vaporizers, glass pipes, cigars, tobacco products, torches, and hookahs, as well as CBD products and edible candies.

It even offers snacks and beverages if you need to grab a bite while browsing its eclectic smoke products.

You’ll also love that the owner is hands-on at the smoke shop; helping every customer who walks through.

E-Smoke & Convenience is also a minute-walk from the Empire State Building.

Final Thoughts

Don’t miss having a good time and head to K-Town, New York City.

With so many things to do, it’s the ideal place in town to throw a party.

There are several places to eat and drink, but K-Town Square or Empire State Building is the best spot to dance the night away.

You won’t run out of things to do in K-Town, so take your time exploring.

That way, you’ll never miss anything.

Start planning your K-Town trip today!

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