As part of my ongoing guest post series, I’ve invited the talented Wendy of Escape from New York, a fabulous travel photo blog, to share some tips and photos of her home city (which happens to be mine too!). After reading her post, I’m now seriously craving some Korean food. Read on and enjoy.
MANHATTAN’S KOREATOWN
Despite the fact that it is nestled near two major tourist destinations – the Empire State Building and Macy’s – Koreatown is one of New York City’s lesser-known neighborhoods. Just a block long, the epicenter of K-town, as it is known locally, is on 32nd Street between Broadway and Fifth Avenue.
The main drag is jam-packed with restaurants, salons, karaoke bars, bookstores and overseas branches of domestic Korean banks. Plastic food displays and a little splash of neon beckon pedestrians passing through.
Unlike other New York City enclaves (think Chinatown or Little Italy), Koreatown in Manhattan isn’t a neighborhood in the residential sense. But you will see real estate ads for property in Queens’ Koreatown, its much larger big sister.
K-town won’t disappoint foodies. Everything from traditional Korean BBQ restaurants to more trendy minimalist venues that would look right at home below 14th Street can be found here. There are also plenty of on-the-go self-serve places. Many restaurants are open 24 hours. Check out New York Kom Tang Kal Bi House at 32 West 32nd Street, which claims to be the oldest Korean restaurant in the city.
Koreatown is easy to get to. Located on the doorstep of Herald Square, take the B, D, F, V, N, Q, R, or W trains to 34th Street.
Oooh, like I told Wendy, I stayed at Koreatown in 1999. We had loads of fun eating Korean bbq, bibimbap and drowning our sorrows at cheap Karaoke bars! This is a well-positioned neighbourhood and not so expensive for tourists to play in/ stay at.
I've been to NY several times and didn't know Koreatown existed!
I'm with everyone else though, this post has made me hungry for Korean food.
I have to say I love the Korean town, and I prefer strolling there. China town and little Italy are much crowded, and Koreatown is filled with nice restaurants and stores. You guys should check it out.