Koreatown Boston: Where to Eat, Shop, and Explore

A short drive west from Fenway Park is the main Koreatown in Boston. It may have peaked a decade ago, but there are still many choices when it comes to shopping and dining.

Lingua Asia Koreatown Boston Where to Eat, Shop, and Explore

Key Takeaways

  • Locals don’t consider it a K-town, but it’s the best bet in New England.
  • Parking can be difficult in this area. Meters are free on Sunday.
  • The city has its own Korean newspaper, the Boston Korea Newspaper.

Where is Koreatown Boston?

Allston Market is the main area for Korean businesses that includes parts of Cambridge Street and Brighton, Harvard, and Commonwealth Avenues. This is the highest concentration of Korean restaurants and shops in all of New England.

What is unique about Koreatown Boston?

In 1885, the first Korean to enroll in the USA, Yu Kil Chun, a famous social reformer. He attended The Governor’s Academy, the oldest boarding school in New England.

In 1905, the first president of South Korea went to Harvard.

6,000 Korean women settled in the city after WWII thanks to the War Brides Act in 1945.

What are some fun and unique things to do in Koreatown Boston?

Korea Memorial

Small memorial behind the Kelleher Rose Garden is a tranquil picnic site for residents.

100 Park Dr, Boston, MA 02215, United States

Stage Karaoke x Studios

Be a star for a night with noraebang.

138 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA 02134, United States

Best MG Spa II

Not a classic jjimjilbang experience, but they specialize in massages and Korean skincare treatments.

387 Cambridge St, Boston, MA 02134, United States

Sky Salon

1104 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215, United States

Jae Hun Kim Taekwon-do Institute

Nothing better than kicking and punching your stress away.

102 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215, United States

Korean Cultural Society of Boston

A nonprofit organization that brings the arts, culture, and heritage of Korea to the Greater Boston area.

Boston Korea Newspaper

The last remaining newspaper in the city for Korean Americans.

161 Harvard Avenue, Suite 4D, Allston, MA 02134

What should I eat in Koreatown Boston?

Coreanos Allston

172 Brighton Ave, Boston, MA 02134, United States

kimchipapi kitchen

81 Harvard Ave, Boston, MA 02134, United States

Seoul Topokki

Tteokbokki is comfort food that’s sweet, savory and spicy. A word of warning, it may be habit forming.

164-166 Harvard Ave, Allston, MA 02134, United States

Kaju Korean Cuisine — Allston

56 Harvard Ave, Boston, MA 02134, United States

Gopchang Story Boston

Beef intestines may not be popular in the States, but Koreans have found a way to make them delicious. They’re perfect with a cold glass of soju on a hot summer’s day.

973 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215, United States

What should I buy in Koreatown Boston?

Super 88 Market

1 Brighton Ave, Boston, MA 02134, United States

E Shan Tang

The verdict is still out about the effectiveness of traditional medicine, but there are some things worth a look (Red Ginseng gives a natural energy boost) at this herbal medicine store.

171 Harvard Ave, Allston, MA 02134, United States

What are some fun things I can do in Koreatown?

Did we miss anything?

Let us know your thoughts about Koreatown Boston!