Manhattan’s Korean Restaurants Spice It Up

The New York Times reported on August 7 that Korean restaurants in Manhattan have recently begun to challenge Japanese restaurants with new westernized menus and services.

The original Korean restaurants on West 32nd Street, Manhattan’s Koreatown, serve a variety of foods, but lack the “sophistication” of Japanese restaurants.

However, the new generation of Korean restaurateurs has not only opened restaurants outside of West 32nd Street but is also actively trying to attract American clientele. The NY Times called this the “new wave.” Only 10 new Korean restaurants opened in the past five years, but the ultimate goal is to catch up to the expensive and upscale Japanese restaurants in Manhattan.

Jong sik Kong kong@donga.com