Korean restaurant Nowon is entering a new era in 2025. It is closing temporarily during the New Years season to conduct renovations and revamp the space.
Owner Jae Lee told What Now New York that the changes will entail kitchen renovations, new appliances, HVAC changes, new floors, soundproofing work and some other adjustments.
“It’s an old space,” Lee said. “There had been a few restaurants in that space before we got in.”
The decision to renovate comes as Nowon releases its lease after five years in the space. Lee said he renewed his lease for 10 years. As a result, Lee said he wants to invest back into the company and continue to look for ways to make it a better space for both workers and customers.
“I think we’ve become a staple in the neighborhood,” Lee said. “We just want to continue to serve great food and provide an awesome experience. We want to be that staple place for lower Manhattan.”
Nowon has been open since November 2019, serving a Korean-American menu at 507 E Sixth Avenue in East Village.
“Nowon offers a unique, intimate, and fun dining experience that blends the rich flavors of Korean cuisine with the diverse culinary influences of the Big Apple,” the website states. “Chef Jae is known for his creative dishes, such as the highly acclaimed ‘Legendary’ Cheeseburger and ‘Chopped Cheese’ Rice Cakes that garnered significant media attention.”
The spot is expected to reopen in January.
