Koreatown/Gribble - Dallas, TX Area Guide

Newly titled the Asian Trade District, Koreatown/Gribble features plenty of shopping choices. Asians have a strong hold on commercial interests in the area, but initially came here to work on the railroad starting in 1869.

The Crow Collection of Art features exhibits and collections that show the beauty of the Asian culture.The Samurai collection remains at the library, but others, like the Jerry Lee Musslewhite Collection of Korean Art, rotates around the country.

The sizable Dallas Art District houses the Dallas Museum of Art on North Harwood Street. This museum features an exhaustive collection with over 20,000 pieces of art. Expect to see works from Cezanne and O'Keefe when you visit this free museum.

Dining in Koreatown/Gribble transports you to South Korea with scores of Asian and Chinese restaurants. Divide your time between the numerous ethnic spots, but don't forget to patronize a few Texas restaurants that serve traditional Southern food. Many night-time establishments have 24-hour service, making for long nights with plenty to do.

For traditional Korean barbecue, try Koryo Kalbi Korean BBQ on Royal Lane. Thanks to heat levels near the top of the Scoville Scale, its barbecue may not be a good choice for the timid. Those new to Korean cuisine should opt for the bibimap. This familiar dish of rice and vegetables might remind diners of mom's veggie stew, but the hot pepper paste shakes them from that realization. The heat of the paste helps retain the heat in this dish until the last bite. Communal tables encircling the grills makes for familial eating between friends and strangers, and the trendy decor of the restaurant leaves a modern feel. Diners say the black raspberry wine tastes sublime.

Ajumma Kimbob Deli provides a casual dining experience combined with unusual menu items. Its homemade blood sausage, or soondae, isn't as scary as it sounds. In fact, regular customers love this cow intestine and noodle combination after giving it a try. They also flock to homemade kimchee that's not too fermented and slightly sweet. Diners also dig in to the kimbap, or Korean sushi, made fresh daily. Although this establishment seats up to 40 people, most customers prefer the takeout service.

Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives featured Maple & Motor on Lemon Avenue. This establishment's brisket burger wins compliments, but the low-key flat hot dog and fried baloney sandwich make this locale the spot for unassumingly authentic Southern food. It serves French fries and onion rings, along with tater tots in heaping piles.

Zeller Zones on Royal Lane has a sign written in both English and Korean to let you know you've arrived. The music, often loud and often in Korean, signals to revelers that karaoke serves as the main event here. Shy singers enjoy the use of private singing rooms equipped with cushy leather chairs and enough space for large groups. The karaoke machine spins Korean tunes but also throws in oldies from the '80s and '90s to suit guests unfamiliar with international songs. This bar serves Korean soju, but only until 2 a.m. when it switches out liquor for water. The party doesn't stop there, as the bar stays open as late as 4:30 a.m. Minimally priced at $20 per hour, locals suggest you pay in cash and not with a credit card.

The King Spa & Sauna immerses guests in an elaborate steam room made of 23-karat gold. This Korean-inspired sauna also treats guests to heated herbal baths. Open 24 hours a day and seven days a week, the whole family can revel in the joys of this unique stress-busting spa experience any time, day or night.

Most residents rely on their own vehicles to get around this busy city. Dallas Area Regional Transit runs a shuttle in the area along Harry Hines Boulevard for those without transportation. Both Yellow Taxi and Uber service Dallas and Koreatown/Gribble. The area sits directly off of Interstate 35, which fans out into other Dallas areas. Most businesses in Koreatown provide free parking. Dallas tries to be biker-friendly with bicycle lanes and a bike plan in place. Still Bicycling Magazine names Dallas as one of the worst for bicycling, so be cautious, especially around the busy commercial areas of Koreatown.

Most of Koreatown/Dribble consists of commerce and business, leaving little room for parks. Residents in need of a little rest and relaxation need only travel to one of North Dallas' many parks.

Northbark Dog Park on Gramercy Oak Drive has a dog fountain and 22 acres to play. It even houses a cute doggie beach near its dog lake. Dogs can play in Custer Park on Renner Road. Children use the playground here and at the adjacent school park. Annual events such as the summer concerts on Thursdays appeals to most. Fitness centers around the area work for those who want to exercise.

Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,000, a little higher than it would cost inside Dallas. A fare of $5 grants all-day passage on DART buses throughout the area. A nice soju at the karaoke bar runs about $2 per bottle. Gas runs 10 percent lower than the national average.

Sam Moon Trading on Harry Hines Boulevard has a hold on residents, calling them from near and far. This large conglomerate reigns supreme among discount stores in the area due to its vast amount of merchandise. Vendors display hundreds of thousands of different items, such as jewelry and handbags, flea-market style for shoppers to peruse.

Super H Mart holds the same pull with grocery shoppers.This grocery store/food court/farmers market stands as the best place to purchase local and imported foods. Experienced shoppers encourage those unused to the enormity of the place to approach it as you would a museum, with extra time to look around and explore the multitude of options. The Dallas Farmers Market downtown sells traditional fruits and vegetables such as lettuce and oranges, but stick to Super H Mart for exotic produce such as azuki beans and taro root. Anyone with a hint of agoraphobia should avoid this massive store. The large crowds can be overwhelming, but the variety and bargains should overshadow a shopper's fear of large crowds.

Texas Jewelry on North Josey Lane has merchandise for those willing to pay a little more for jewelry. It sells name-brand watches and also does jewelry repair.

Koreantown isn't all discounts and low prices. Specialty store Dude, Sweet Chocolate on Greenville Avenue features funky artisan chocolates with unique names, crack in a box and break-up potion among them.