Cheap Places to Go to in Koreatown, NYC

The smell of kimchi. The taste of seaweed. The sound of Korean music. You might think you are in South Korea, but then you remember you are actually in Koreatown, New York -- whose heart beats at West 32nd Street between Broadway and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. Koreatown, also known as K-Town, is graced with 24-hour restaurants, karaoke bars and beauty spas. Though New York City is very expensive, K-Town has some reasonably priced places to visit. Four of the most intriguing ones should not be missed.

E-Mo Kim Bab

Seaweed rice rolls are quite popular nowadays.

E-Mo Kim Bab (no website; 2 W. 32nd St., New York; 212-594-1466) is a takeout eatery that sells only one product -- kim bab, Korean seaweed rice rolls. The seaweed rolls contain rice with pickled radish, cured ham, spinach, sesame leaf, omelet and a special ingredient. Patrons can choose one of nine special ingredients for their kim bab: American cheese, beef, kimchi, mushrooms, pickled jalapeo, spicy or tame tuna spread, squid or vegetables. Each kim bab is sliced into colorful mosaic tiles and has a crunchy, chewy texture.

Food Gallery 32

Food Gallery 32 (no website; 11 W. 32nd St., New York, 212-967-1678) has a diverse menu, offering Korean and some non-Korean dishes. The gleaming white food court comprises the Red Mango counter and seven stands, as well as seats on a second level. Most of the culinary creations are Korean and Korean-fusion fare. Other items include spaghetti with creamy seafood, Japanese rice bowls and stir-fries, and Taiwanese soup and dumplings. Since this is a food court, the various eateries have different types of offerings.

Han Bat

Homestyle Korean dishes await patrons at Han Bat.

Han Bat (no website; 53 W. 35th St., New York; 212-629-5588) is a restaurant open 24 hours a day, seven days per week, that offers southern Korea country dishes. The restaurant is clean and inexpensive and serves family-style meals. Nearly all meals come with rice and small appetizers. Patrons can order a variety of popular Korean dishes, including bibimbab, scallion and seafood pancakes, and stir-fried baby octopus. Good news -- Han Bat serves alcoholic beverages.

Koryo Books

Koryo Books is one of several Korean language bookstores in Koreatown.

Window shopping is a cheap form of entertainment, and bookstores, which sometimes offer great deals, are appealing to tourists. Koryo Books (no website; 35 W. 32nd St., New York; 212-564-1844) is one of the oldest Korean stores in Koreatown. Though relatively small, the store is well stocked and offers a large variety of Korean language books on topics such as cooking, crafts and fashion; fiction; Korean translations of English language bestsellers; and magazines. There are some English language books, too. Patrons enjoy visiting the traditional Korean tearoom on the second floor.