Koreatown, Palisades Park, Bergen County, NJ

Okay, if you live in the US and you really, really like Korean culture like me, but flying all the way to Korea is either too expensive or too big of a leap for you at the moment, Koreatown, Palisades Park is the place for you! I mean, I am still in complete shock that a place like this exists! Check these numbers; sixty five percent of the population that lives there is Korean; that’s more than half! In fact, Koreatown is home to the largest number of Korean- American citizens in all of the United States!

History
Until around the 1980’s, Palisades Park was quite heavily populated with company workers whose families originated from places such as Germany, Italy, Croatia, and Greece. The homes were on the cheaper side and there were lots of shops and homes that had absolutely no one doing anything with them. About ten years later, Korean immigrants began pooling into Palisades Park, making it their new home. Since the early 2000’s, a quite substantial amount of affluent and educated Korean American professionals have settled in Bergen County and have founded different educational and shared supportive organizations such as the Korean Parent Partnership Organization and the Korean-American Association of New Jersey.

Shops
If you are interested in trying some Korean food or some Korean fashion. Do not be shy and come by Koreatown, Palisades Park because that is where you will find it all. There are other Koreatowns in The US, but the one in Palisades Park is by far the largest! 

Chum Dam Dong| Restaurant:  118 Broad Avenue, Palisades Park, New Jersey, 7650, USA
Chung Dam Dong which has amazing Korean BBQ and also some special dishes. It might be a bit hard to locate, but it will be worth it! Traditional Korean fare and a relaxed atmosphere make eating at this restaurant worth every penny!

King Spa and Sauna| Spa: 321 Commercial Avenue, Palisades Park, New Jersey, 7650, USA
Korean beauty is seriously making a statement in America and if you are interested in getting an amazing spa day at a Korean spa, then you need to go to King Spa and Sauna. This Sauna is expansive; sporting seven floors of different sauna and treatment rooms. You can get the usual spa treatment such as masks and massages, but you can also get your hair and nails done!

Kudo Society Café| Coffee Shop: 138 W Central Blvd, Palisades Park, NJ 07650
This place roasts their own beans and if you order a latte, they can imprint an image of your own smile on the top. It may seem a little strange to drink your own smile, but it’s fun to try new things, right? They have delicious treats that you can try at a good price and it is right around the way from Kings Spa and Sauna! You can take a trip here after you finish up everything over there!

I hope that you are influenced to go to Koreatown in Palisades Park because I’m sure you will love it!