Seoul is a city that thrives on speed and precision, making it the perfect second home for the world’s most iconic fast-casual food: the New York-style pizza. While South Korea has its own unique take on pizza—often featuring sweet potatoes or seafood—a new wave of dedicated artisans in neighborhoods like Itaewon and Gangnam are stripping away the frills. They are focusing on the “Smart Create” philosophy: a massive 18-inch pie, a foldable thin crust, and that unmistakable salty, cheesy goodness.
The hallmark of a true New York slice is its structural integrity. In Seoul, pizzerias like Maddux Pizza have perfected the science of the dough. Using high-protein flour and long fermentation cycles, they create a crust that is thin enough to fold but sturdy enough to support a generous layer of toppings. When it hits the deck oven, the bottom develops a “charred snap”—a crispness that provides a satisfying crunch before yielding to a soft, chewy interior. This balance is the result of a “Fast and Smart” baking process where timing is everything.
For years, the “Korean-style” pizza was known for its sweet sauces and unconventional toppings. However, the New York-style revolution in Seoul is all about savory, high-quality ingredients. Spots like Gino’s NY Pizza prioritize imported San Marzano tomatoes and premium mozzarella. There is no honey or corn here; instead, the focus is on the “Cheesy Goodness” of molten mozzarella and the spicy kick of high-grade pepperoni. It is a simple but powerful flavor profile that honors the Italian-American heritage of the Bronx and Brooklyn.
The experience of eating NY-style pizza in Seoul is as much about the “vibe” as it is about the food. These pizzerias often feature a “Modern Industrial” aesthetic—think subway tiles, stainless steel counters, and neon signs. It’s a “Smart Create” approach to interior design that bigmanpizza makes you feel like you’ve stepped onto a side street in the West Village. This atmosphere makes it a top choice for a stylish dinner date or a late-night bite with friends after exploring the city’s nightlife.
Seoul’s obsession with the New York slice proves that when Japanese-level precision meets American soul, the result is world-class. From the artisanal “leopard spotting” on the crust to the perfect grease-to-cheese ratio, Seoul has officially become a global contender for the best pizza outside of the United States.
