SEA by Chef Jungsik Yim: A New Chapter of Korean Fine Dining in Midtown NYC

A Culinary Pioneer Returns to the Spotlight

For more than a decade, the name Jungsik has been synonymous with Korean fine dining in New York City. When Chef Jungsik Yim first introduced his namesake restaurant in Tribeca back in 2009, he reshaped the perception of Korean cuisine on a global scale. In the years that followed, Jungsik earned two Michelin stars, attracted world-class culinary talent, and laid the foundation for a modern Korean movement in America.

Now, fifteen years after that landmark debut, Chef Yim is stepping back into the city’s culinary spotlight with SEA, a sleek, elevated dining concept opening near Koreatown and Penn Station. Short for Savor, Elevate, Aspire, SEA is more than a restaurant—it’s a statement of intent. It marks Yim’s long-awaited return to NYC with a new vision, blending precision, playfulness, and profound cultural pride.

The Legacy of Jungsik: From Seoul to Tribeca to SEA

Born and trained in Korea before refining his technique at the Culinary Institute of America and in Michelin kitchens across Europe, Chef Jungsik Yim has long straddled East and West. His original Jung Sik Dang in Seoul broke boundaries by applying fine-dining aesthetics to Korean flavors. With Jungsik NYC, he brought that same philosophy stateside and helped launch the careers of stars like JP Park of Atomix and Eunji Lee of Lysée.

Despite having two acclaimed restaurants in Seoul—including the casual Gomtang Lab—Chef Yim chose to stay focused in the U.S. with just one location. Until now.

SEA represents both an evolution and an expansion. Strategically placed near the energy of Penn Station and the cultural heartbeat of Koreatown, the restaurant taps into a broader, more dynamic audience, inviting newcomers and connoisseurs alike to experience refined Korean cuisine with a global spirit.

The Vision Behind SEA: Savor, Elevate, Aspire

Every element of SEA’s branding and experience speaks to its ambition. “Savor” reflects the commitment to deep, memorable flavor. “Elevate” hints at the refinement of street-level Korean tastes into artfully composed dishes. And “Aspire” captures Chef Yim’s mission: to keep pushing boundaries while staying rooted in authenticity.

Whereas Jungsik’s tasting menus celebrate modern interpretations of classics, SEA embraces a more diverse and flexible approach, offering à la carte options and curated tasting experiences that reflect both Yim’s Seoul heritage and his global culinary journey.

The setting itself reinforces that mission—clean lines, natural textures, and ambient lighting create a refined, serene atmosphere ideal for both intimate dinners and power lunches.

A Menu Rooted in Seoul, Built for New York

SEA’s menu is where tradition meets transformation. Dishes draw from Korean comfort food, reimagined with Michelin-level technique and artful presentation.

Highlights from the opening menu include:

• Galbi Tartare: A bold starter pairing finely diced prime short rib with aged soy, nashi pear, and confit garlic, served with sesame crisps—a luxurious play on Korea’s classic yukhoe.

• Crab Bibimbap: Presented in a cast iron pot, this seafood-forward twist on the iconic rice dish includes snow crab, seasonal vegetables, and an umami-rich gochujang vinaigrette.

• Jeju Black Pork Bossam: Thick, succulent slices of pork belly served with fermented radish, raw oysters, and seasonal ssam leaves—designed to be wrapped, dipped, and devoured.

• Doenjang-Crusted Sea Bass: A masterclass in fermentation, this flaky, wild-caught bass is glazed in aged soybean paste and served with charred leeks and a citrus ponzu sauce.

• SEA Noodles: A dish destined for Instagram fame—handmade somyeon noodles in a rich, golden seafood broth with scallops, clams, and chili oil.

For dessert, SEA takes cues from Lysée’s pastry-forward innovation, offering creations like Black Sesame Mousse with Yuja Jelly or Matcha Cream Puffs with Soy Milk Ice Cream, blending tradition with whimsy.

A New Kind of Koreatown Experience

Midtown Manhattan and Koreatown have seen a culinary boom in recent years, with new generation chefs introducing modern twists on Korean BBQ, hotpot, and fried chicken. But SEA offers something distinct—a fine dining option that doesn’t feel exclusive or intimidating.

The restaurant’s location near 34th Street and Penn Station makes it easily accessible to both locals and travelers. It's strategically placed to capture office crowds, date-night diners, and food enthusiasts on the hunt for their next discovery.

SEA joins a growing chorus of Asian fine dining voices in New York, but stands out for its pedigree, polish, and promise. It’s a restaurant that doesn’t just serve food—it tells stories, evokes memory, and bridges continents.

Why SEA Matters: More Than Just a New Restaurant

In a culinary landscape where “modern Asian” has become a buzzword, SEA arrives with authentic authority. It’s not just a spinoff—it’s a standalone statement from one of Korea’s most visionary chefs.

SEA is also part of a broader movement—one that honors the dignity of Korean cuisine while inviting interpretation and innovation. As Korean culture continues to influence global fashion, film, and music, its food scene is rising alongside—and SEA is poised to lead that charge in New York.

The Next Evolution of Jungsik’s Legacy

For fans of Jungsik, SEA represents an exciting next chapter—more accessible, yet still ambitious. For newcomers, it’s a stunning introduction to what Korean fine dining can be when it’s built on craft, confidence, and cultural pride.

Whether you're indulging in a solo lunch, entertaining clients, or seeking a meaningful night out, SEA delivers the heart of Seoul on a Manhattan plate—elevated, elegant, and always evolving.

Conclusion: SEA Sets Sail in Midtown Manhattan

With the opening of SEA, Chef Jungsik Yim returns to the New York dining scene with fresh energy and a clear vision. It’s a restaurant that respects its roots while refusing to be boxed in by them. Elegant without being exclusive. Experimental without forgetting the fundamentals.

As Korean cuisine continues to shape the global dining conversation, SEA steps in with a voice of its own—confident, curated, and deeply connected to tradition. For lovers of Korean food, and for those eager to explore it anew, SEA is not just a place to eat—it’s a place to experience.