The Tiny Unknown Town In New Jersey That Will Make You Feel Like You’re In Another Country
If you live in Bergen County, you’re probably familiar with Fort Lee. And, being home to one-half of the George Washington Bridge, many have driven through it. However, it’s certainly not one of the state’s most well-known towns. It’s also not the tiniest, but it pales in comparison to Newark and Jersey City, two other towns with major ethnic enclaves. Newark’s Ironbound feels a bit like Portugal, Fort Lee transports you to Korea.
Around twenty five percent of the town's 35,000 residents are of Korean descent. While this is less than Palisades Park's fifty percent, it is one of the fastest growing Korean American enclaves in the country.
Korean is commonly heard spoken here and many major Korean corporations (Samsung, LG, Hanjin Shipping) have headquarters nearby. As of 2000, there were over 130 Korean businesses in Fort Lee and that number has only grown.
There are several H Mart supermarkets, a popular New Jersey chain supplying the state with traditional Korean dishes and ingredients. You'll also find Korean banks, bookstores, spas, learning centers and karaoke bars. If you live here or visit the neighborhood, you'll want to visit King Spa, just minutes away. More than a spa, it's a way of life. Jjimjilbangs (Korean spa complexes) are all about holistic health and healing.
It has been said you can find better Korean cuisine in Fort Lee than in New York City's Koreatown. There certainly are plenty of options. Popular choices include BCD Tofu House, So Kong Dong and Gamja Tang Tang. You'll find spectacular soft tofu and bibimbap.
I know there are more benefits of diversity than dining but I sure do enjoy that aspect. What’s your favorite Korean restaurant in Fort Lee? If you’re looking for incredible Cuban cuisine, head to nearby Union City. Check out some of the best dining spots here.
