Koreatown
Despite sitting in the shade of the Empire State Building and being just steps from Herald Square, Koreatown (or "K-Town," as it's locally known) is not a tourist destination. In fact, it's a bustling area, with traditional and trendy places to shop, eat, drink, and be merry right under the noses of millions of tourists. Technically, Koreatown runs from 31st to 36th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, though the main drag is 32nd Street between 5th and Broadway. Labeled Korea Way, this strip is home to Korean barbecue joints, karaoke bars, and grocery and beauty stores, all stacked next to each other. Find just about everything K-Pop-related at Koryo Books ( 35 W. 32nd St.), scope out a popular food hall at Food Gallery 32 ( 11 W. 32nd St.), or order desserts most worthy of an Instagram reel at Grace Street Coffee & Desserts ( 17 W 32nd St.). Fill up on kimchi (spicy pickled cabbage), kimbap (seaweed rice rolls), and red bean doughnuts (delicious); then top off your Koreatown experience by stepping into a jade-igloo sauna at Juvenex Spa ( 25 W. 32nd St.).
