Chef Sungchul Shim, known for his work in New York’s dining scene, has opened Hwaro, a Korean fine dining restaurant located inside his Theater District steakhouse, Gui. The restaurant debuted in October 2025 and offers a personal tasting menu experience centered around a 22-seat oval counter.

The design of Hwaro emphasizes close interaction between diners and the kitchen. Shim and his team prepare the dishes in the center of the counter, allowing guests to observe the cooking process up close. The setting features details such as mother-of-pearl inlay, contributing to an understated yet refined atmosphere.

Hwaro’s tasting menu reflects Shim’s focus on Korean flavors while adapting to a fine dining format. The restaurant’s limited seating and intimate layout aim to create a more personalized dining experience than typically found in the area.

Located within Gui, which has been a staple in the Theater District, Hwaro represents a shift in Shim’s approach, moving toward a more inward and detailed culinary presentation. The restaurant adds to the growing diversity of Korean cuisine offerings in New York City, particularly those emphasizing tasting menus and chef interaction.

Reservations are recommended given the small number of seats. Hwaro’s opening contributes to the evolving landscape of the Theater District’s restaurant scene, where new concepts continue to emerge alongside established venues.

Editorial Transparency. A first draft of this story was produced with AI-assisted writing tools, then reviewed for accuracy and tone by the named editor before publication. More on our process: Editorial Policy.

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