Manhattan, August 21, 2009 \u2013 Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and the President of the Korean American Association of Manhattan, Richard Lee, today embarked on a walking tour of the Manhattan\u2019s own Koreatown as part of the \u201cNine in 09\u201d tourism campaign. New York City & Company CEO George Feritta and community members joined the Speaker and Council Member in sampling restaurants, shops, and cultural treasures on West 32nd Street , in the heart of Herald Square .<\/p>\n
The day\u2019s event follows an announcement Speaker Quinn made in May with Mayor Bloomberg, Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito and NYC and Company, the City\u2019s tourism, marketing and partnership organization, kicking off the marketing campaign, which invites New Yorkers and visitors alike to explore nine culturally diverse neighborhoods that New York City has to offer. The Speaker first proposed the idea in her State of the City speech, as a way to support local small businesses during challenging economic times.<\/p>\n
Today\u2019s tour included stops at Koryodang, where a patbingsui\u2014a Korean shaved-ice dessert made up of layers of superfine ice, beans, fruit and other flavors\u2014was sampled, along with stops at Koryo Books store and Juvenex Spa .<\/p>\n
\u201cEven if you can\u2019t afford a trip to Korea this summer, the best of Korea is only a subway ride away,\u201d said Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn. \u201cWe at the Council are working to support New York City\u2019s local businesses during tough economic times, and the Nine in 09 campaign highlights the many treasures we have within our five boroughs. Not only are these cultural jewels a way to help New Yorkers explore unknown areas, but they will also help tourists maximize their experience here and show off all we have to offer.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe energy, vibrancy and diversity of New York City is unmatched by any other global destination,\u201d said NYC & Company George Fertitta. \u201cWhile the economy may gave put some vacation plans on hold, residents can still taste and experience many of the world\u2019s cultures right here in the five boroughs. The Nine in 09 campaign is a great way to explore new and exciting neighborhoods all while supporting our local businesses.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOn behalf of The Korean-American Association of Manhattan and all Koreans who have made Koreatown the vibrant and dynamic destination that it has become, welcome Council Speaker Quinn,\u201d said Richard Seung Lee, President of the Korean American Association of Manhattan. \u201cThank you Council Speaker Quinn for your support of our community of small businesses in these difficult economic times. We fully support and appreciate the City Council and the Mayor\u2019s \u201cNine in 09\u201d campaign. This campaign is a truly wonderful effort to celebrate and highlight the cultural diversity that is the hallmark of this great city. A warm welcome and many thanks to Mr. George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Co., for featuring Koreatown and many of its businesses.\u201d<\/p>\n
Koreatown<\/p>\n
In the heart of midtown, within sight of Macy\u2019s and Herald Square, Koreatown\u2014or K-Town, as it\u2019s affectionately known\u2014is a few blocks of neon-lit storefronts and karaoke parlors offering a taste of Seoul in the middle of the Big Apple. A few Korean restaurants opened here in the 1980s, and the area has since grown into a full-fledged enclave of authentic cuisine, stores and entertainment. Upscale karaoke lounges with private rooms are popular with the late-night birthday-party crowd, while nearby office workers often escape to 32nd Street for a bowl of bibimbap (and a frozen yogurt to go) at lunch. Sought-after specialties at the eateries include the bulgogi marinated beef that patrons can barbecue on grills at their tables and the wide assortment of Korean tapas\u2014including kimchi\u2014served along with meals. Stop by one of the popular restaurants or coffee shops for a bite to eat, or just spend an afternoon browsing the small storefronts selling cell-phone accessories, cute stationery and other knickknacks.<\/p>\n
Nine in \u201909 highlighted neighborhoods and cultures include: Astoria (Greek); Jackson Heights (Indian\/Latin American); Brighton Beach (Russian); Flatbush (West Indian); the Bronx\u2019s Arthur Avenue (Little Italy); Koreatown; El Barrio; and Staten Island (Sri Lankan). <\/p>\n
For more information on the campaign visit www.nycgo.com.<\/p>\n
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Manhattan, August 21, 2009 \u2013 Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and the President of the Korean American Association of Manhattan, Richard Lee, today embarked on a walking tour of the Manhattan\u2019s own Koreatown as part of the \u201cNine in 09\u201d tourism campaign. New York City & Company CEO George Feritta and community members joined the Speaker and Council Member in sampling restaurants, shops, and cultural treasures on West 32nd Street , in the heart of Herald Square .<\/p>\n
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