Solve This Riddle!

Solve this riddle: We love them, we drink and eat at them, and somehow we always end up at them on weekend nights. What am I?

If you guessed Korean restaurants in NYC’s Koreatown, you’re right! We love meeting up at these spots and saying, “Hey, let’s meet at [insert Korean word here]!” But have you ever wondered why some of these places are named the way they are? Or what the names might actually mean? Let’s take a quick dive into a few of K-Town’s popular spots.

Osamil is a modern Korean gastropub that’s always booked and busy — and for good reason. The vibes are immaculate, the cocktails (especially from Osamil Upstairs) are amazing, and the food? Absolutely delicious for “bar food”. Here’s a fun fact! Osamil translates to 5-3-1, which is simply the street number of their address. A pretty cool, understated detail!

As one of my favorite restaurants in Koreatown, I was always curious about the name Hojokban, since it wasn’t a word I recognized. Turns out, it’s a playful and meaningful combination. It can refer to a traditional Korean dining table (which is how they serve their Hojok Galbi!) and is also a wordplay combining: Ho (good), Jok (people), Ban (meal). It perfectly captures the vibe: good food with good people,  always a great time.

If you’re craving spicy tofu soup (like at the famous BCD Tofu House), go to ChoDangGol for an even better version. This spot specializes in homemade tofu, and the vibes feel warm, homey, and comforting. The name refers to ChoDang-dong, a historic village in Gangwon Province, South Korea, known for its silken tofu made from saltwater.

Moono’s interior blows me away every time. Set inside a repurposed cathedral, the space blends traditional Korean architecture with rich wood textures, stained glass accents, and soft ambient lighting. The food feels like an elevated, sophisticated take on classic Korean comfort dishes. The name Moono comes from the word “moonho”, which means “getaway.” The restaurant is designed to transport you from New York City straight into the richness of Korean culture.

Whether it’s the clever wordplay, cultural references, or just plain good vibes, these Koreatown spots offer more than just a great meal. They tell a story through their names, spaces, and flavors, showing so much more behind the fun neon lights and sizzling plates. Next time you wonder why a name is what it is, you might learn something new!