Exploring Koreatown: A Taste of Seoul in the Heart of NYC

Once you’ve stepped foot into Koreatown, New York City, it’s hard not to get swept away by the mesmerizing energy of this buzzing Manhattan neighborhood.

Also known as K Town NYC, visiting Koreatown not only feels like you’ve landed in Seoul, but visitors also enjoy a sensory overload after being immersed in the Korean culture in this vivid district of the Big Apple. From its hosting of energetic cultural festival celebrations to its divine food offerings of its legendary Korean BBQs, Koreatown is a hotspot for families and friends to experience what Korea is about.

If you’re looking for a lively cultural experience, pack your bags and join us as we dive into the best things to do in Koreatown, NYC.

Korean Festivals and Celebrations

When planning a trip to experience the authentic Koreatown NYC vibes, be sure to keep an eye out for its spirited cultural festivals. Sure, K Town is always a bustling hub of Korean-themed experiences, but the festival seasons here take on a whole different level of enjoyment.

Perhaps the year’s biggest celebration is Seollal – celebrating Korea’s Lunar New Year’s Day, which generally falls in January or February every year. As a popular holiday back home, Koreans celebrate by eating traditional foods, playing customary games, including Yutnori, and watching Ssireum, a form of Korean wrestling.

Later in the year however, Koreatown Manhattan celebrates Chuseok, also known as the Korean Harvest Festival, or Korean Thanksgiving. Typically celebrated in September or October, depending on the lunar calendar, this three-day important Korean national holiday is designated to show their appreciation for the fall food harvest.

Magnificent Koreatown Restaurants

Let’s face it: when we think of Korean food, our minds tend to zero in on the delicious Korean BBQ cuisine on offer, and K Town Korean BBQs are up there with the best on the planet.

Our first recommendation for a tasty K Town BBQ experience is Jongro BBQ. First opened in 2015 in the heart of New York City, Jongro BBQ is famous for its skirt steaks, marinated chuck, and rib eye offerings. As a famous South Korean restaurant chain, it recreates its first-class dining experience with a Manhattan twist.

However, a trip to Koreatown, New York, wouldn’t be complete unless you took your friends and family to miss KOREA BBQ. Here, you must try the phenomenal, stir-fried pork belly and squid or tuck into a bowl of ginseng chicken soup for an evening of unforgettable flavors that will leave you craving more.

Sing Your Heart Out with a K Town Karaoke Party

If you weren’t already aware, Karaoke parties hold a special place in Korean culture, which encourages social bonding with friends and family over a microphone. Here, you’ll be encouraged to belt out songs from the 1980s to today’s hits from K Pop bands, including boy band BTS and girl group Blackpink.

Without a doubt, if you’re visiting Koreatown in downtown New York, the hottest karaoke bar to visit has to be Space Karaoke Bar & Lounge. Open seven days a week, you and your friends can customize your songs and create new dance routines from a custom-made playlist while participating in one of Korea’s favorite hobbies.

Relax at a New York Koreatown Spa

Also known as jjimjilbang, K Spas provides a wealth of skincare and anti-aging treatments, as well as the chance to relax and unwind Korean-style.

For these, head first to Wildflower Spa for a personalized experience designed to relieve you from stress and enhance your well-being. Their K Town-based Manhattan location is renowned for its soothing massages and anti-aging treatments, or perhaps you might want to get your eyelash extensions done before a night out on the town.

Alternatively, you can also head to the wonderful Ann+Sofia spa for a unique combination of their aesthetician, cosmetology, and esthetician expertise. Here, you can embrace their beliefs for a healthy and holistic lifestyle while enjoying a deep tissue massage, a facial, or a full-body treatment session.

Make the Most of Koreatown with Best Western® Hotels and Resorts

Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience away with the family or a party downtown with your friends, Koreatown NYC will be the highlight of any trip to the Big Apple. From its cultural celebrations, fine dining experiences, and karaoke bars – the vibrant sights and sounds of K Town will not disappoint.

Immerse yourself in the year-round excitement at Koreatown in Manhattan and complement your NYC trip with a stay at Best Western Premier Empire State Hotel or Best Western Plus Soho Hotel.