How to Experience K-Pop Culture in New York

Must-Visit Travel Destinations for Fans. Nowadays, the K-pop fan community is one of the most fevered on the planet. Boy (and girl) bands from this country are all the rage, inspiring young fans to get informed on the Korean culture and way of life. 

Of course, in the center of this interest lies much-loved artists, but we see more and more US fans getting interested in other forms of expressing their love for Korea, too.

More and more teenagers are visiting the country as well, but it's not always possible. So, if you want to experience a bit of the culture in the heart of New York City, you're in luck. Today, we're sharing our top destination suggestions for K-pop fans. 

Koryo Bookstore

Koreaboos from all corners of America come to visit Koryo Bookstore, a place importing merchandise straight from South Korea. It's thus one of the best places in town to snag a piece of your beloved country.

In the store, you'll find the newest releases from all your favorite artists - and the entire discography of BTS and Girl's Generation. 

Plus, there's a myriad of accessories from pins to stickers, as well as stationery, posters, and much more, all featuring your favorite music authors. 

Line Friends Store

You won't find many accidental tourists crowding the Times Square Line Friends Store. It's BTS fanatics and other K-pop collectors gathering to get their hands on RJ, Cooky, and all other characters from the BT21 line. 

This collection made in cooperation with the very members of BTS features stuffed animals, T-shirts, and other clothing pieces, pens, and so much more. What's even better, you get a free poster with your favorite BTS-created character with every purchase. 

Book-Off

Book-Off is a Japanese store chain that found its way to Midtown, New York. 

It doesn't feature all the latest releases, but this quaint little place is home to amazing, hard-to-find albums and other merch that all your K-Pop fan friends will envy. Plus, if you're a fan of the language and culture, you'll find exotic materials to get informed. 

Morning Glory

Morning Glory features everyday products, but their items are everything but ordinary. You'll find everything from stationary to band-aids. 

What makes them stand out is that every piece features cute designs and characters you used to see only in Korean vlogs. It is a store of necessities for Koreaboos.

The Mask Bar

Is there anything that says Korea as much as a facial mask? Luckily, this store has them all, so visit it to jump on the bandwagon of the most prominent South Korean beauty trends.

In the Mask Bar, you'll find collagen, snail gel, and animal masks responsible for the radiant skin of K-beauty bloggers. Those looking for something more conventional will discover the ideal introduction in recognizable brands such as DR Jart+ and Tony Moly. 

Koreatown

Finally, Koreatown is a small district of only a few blocks but packed with slices of Korean culture in the middle of busy New York streets. From barbecue to karaoke and bookstores, you'll feel like you visited Seoul.

Extra tip: if you live outside New York, you could turn it into a pretend tourist day. Book a United Coachline bus that organized excursions all over NYC. Bring all your friends and a camera and go on to pretend you traveled across the world. 

The Bottom Line

You don't even have to speak the language to be in love with K-pop and the mania inducing idols who awoke this love in many. Luckily, you can take part in your favorite South Korean trends in the city center. Get a piece of K-Pop in New York City with our guide. 

Of course, nothing beats the original experience of visiting the country you love. Our suggestions are only there to inspire you and ensure you don't despair meanwhile. 

Mark these on a map and make a fun weekend out of it. Take pictures, meet likeminded fans, and you'll feel so much closer to your idols.