“Chopped Cheese” Rice Cakes and a Korean-inspired double smashburger highlight some of the delicious foods on the menu at Seaport’s newest restaurant, Nowon. Hailing from New York City, Seaport is the first expansion out of the Empire State for entrepreneur, chef, and Nowon founder Jae Lee.
After over a decade in the food industry, Lee launched ‘Him,’ a traveling pop-up series in NYC that would eventually become Nowon, the highly acclaimed Korean-American gastropub named after Lee’s hometown in Seoul, South Korea. Nowon began on 6th Street in Manhattan’s East Village and quickly grew a loyal customer base, receiving praise that still stands today as “one of the best burgers in NYC.” Building on the popularity, Nowon expanded to Bushwick in 2023, taking advantage of the space’s built-in pizza oven to introduce Korean-inspired wood-fired pizzas exclusively at that location.
Traveling north, Nowon brings its fun and funky Korean-American grub to Boston Seaport beginning on April 15.
2000s hip-hop and Korean-American fare
Nowon cultivates a unique experience on and off the menu. The interior boasts bright red fluted walls, a color symbolizing festivity in Korean culture, with cheeky artwork featuring Nowon’s mascot—an energetic tiger. Nowon electrifies the ambiance through nostalgic 1990s and early 2000s hip-hop and R&B music videos overhead of the steamy open kitchen.
A restaurant like Nowon exemplifies what makes Boston Seaport such an exciting place to be,” said Ariel Foxman, Vice President of Brand and Experience for Boston Seaport. “Its distinct culinary perspective and engaging atmosphere will offer something fresh and memorable for everyone who visits.
Open for dinner to start, Nowon plans to introduce a late-night series running until 2 AM, plus Korean-American brunch like matcha chicken and waffles.
What’s now at NOWON?
Immigrating to Queens, New York at age 8 from South Korea, Nowon’s menu is heavily inspired by American comfort food found in NYC while integrating the flavors of Lee’s hometown. “Chopped Cheese” Rice Cakes, a playful reinterpretation of New York’s iconic bodega chopped cheese sandwich feature chewy rice cakes lathered in a delicious chili and complemented with crunch—they are a must for the table.
The Legendary Cheeseburger lives up to the name. Nowon’s claim to fame, the burger is practically on every “best NYC burger” list, and soon to make its mark on all of Boston’s best burger lists. It features two beef smash patties with kimchi-special sauce and crunchy relish. Pair the burger with Nowon’s Honey Butter Tater Tots for the perfect Korean-American comfort meal.
Nowon’s Caesar salad makes eating your veggies easy, dressed in a delicious black sesame Caesar and topped with garlicky panko.
We’re excited to bring Nowon to Boston Seaport,” said Chef Jae Lee. “This vibrant neighborhood offers a unique opportunity to connect with a new community. We look forward to providing a welcoming space where people can share flavorful dishes and enjoy a great time together.
Find Nowon at:
119 Seaport Blvd
Monday – Thursday: 5- 11 PM
Friday – Saturday: 5 PM – 12 AM
Sunday: 5-11 PM