History

About Nowon

Nowon is a Korean-American gastropub founded in 2019 in New York City, named after Chef Jae Lee’s hometown district in Seoul. What began in a tiny East Village kitchen has grown into a multi-location brand spanning Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Boston.

Known for blending bold Korean flavors with the energy and comfort of New York dining, Nowon has become a destination for dishes that are playful, nostalgic, and instantly memorable. Signature items like the Legendary Cheeseburger and Chopped Cheese Rice Cakes have attracted widespread media attention and helped define Nowon’s unmistakable Korean-American identity.

Inside each location, the atmosphere is fueled by 90s and early-2000s hip-hop, creating a lively pocha-inspired environment that balances creativity, comfort, and community. The food is big, the music is loud, and the vibe is unmistakably New York.

Following the success of the East Village flagship, Nowon expanded to Bushwick in 2023, introducing Korean-influenced wood-fired pizzas alongside its core menu. In 2025, Nowon opened its first location outside of New York—Seaport, Boston—marking an exciting new chapter in the brand’s growth.

Today, Nowon continues to evolve while staying rooted in the cultural flavors, family traditions, and city energy that shaped its beginning.