New Yorkers cool off at Korean Cultural Center's PC bang pop-up

New Yorkers get to log in and learn how to beat the summer heat — the Korean way.

People can visit the K-PC Bang space at the Korean Cultural Center New York (Kccny) through Aug. 22 to play Korean video games while enjoying popular Korean snacks commonly served in such places.

PC bang are internet cafes found in Korea that are equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi and gaming desktops where users can enjoy snacks such as instant noodles while using the computers to play video games or to browse the internet.

The space was set up as part of the program, "It's Time for K-Culture 2026: Escape the Summer, Dive into Korea," and offers 12 computers and six mobile devices where participants can try different Korean video games.

Visitors can try popular video games such as Crossfire or newer, niche games such as Seoul Station. A food zone sponsored by Nongshim also offers visitors a taste of classic PC bang treats, such as instant noodles.

The event was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Korea Creative Content Agency’s (KCCA) New York Business Center and Kccny.

More than 200 officials from sectors such as gaming, tourism, food and beauty attended the opening of the event on Tuesday, according to the Culture Ministry.

City officials from the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment and NYC Economic Development Corporation were among the attendees.

Representatives from local educational institutions such as New York University’s Game Center attended the opening to reportedly discuss potential collaboration opportunities.

“We hope this collaboration project helps domestic game companies to launch their businesses in North America and create future opportunities in New York,” said Lee Yang-hwan, head of KCCA's New York Business Center.

BY LEE JI-WON [[email protected]]