Many moons ago, Los Angeles’ Koreatown was the heart of the Hollywood Golden Age. Today, it’s a diverse, three-square-mile enclave that’s packed with nightclubs, mini shopping centers, markets, bars, 24-hour restaurants, billiard parlors, and other attractions that seem to keep their lights on until the sun comes up. To help you navigate the neon-soaked streets, we’ve chosen some of the best things to do in Koreatown.
Table Of Contents
Can you walk around Koreatown in L.A.?
L.A.’s Koreatown neighborhood is very walkable; in fact, walking is recommended because parking can be difficult to find. The neighborhood covers about three square miles.
Koreatown is also quite well-connected via public transportation to other parts of the city. You can get to DTLA in less than 10 minutes via subway. K-Town is served by the Metro B Line and D Line, as well as multiple bus routes.
What is the main street of Koreatown in Los Angeles?
Koreatown is generally centered around 8th and Irolo Streets, but Wilshire Blvd is also a main stretch.
Where to get your coffee fix in K-Town
From colorful lattes to perfect pour-overs, here’s where you can get the best coffee in Koreatown.
1. Try the Tiramisu Latte at Alchemist Coffee Project
Alchemy certainly comes to mind when you taste the menu of drinks available at this Koreatown hotspot. If you can’t decide between dessert and coffee, delight yourself with a Tiramisu Latte. The minimalist, industrial-style space with a large communal table is also perfect for catching up on a bit of work.
🌐 Learn more: Alchemist Coffee Project
📍 Location: 7th & Vermont Plaza, 698 S Vermont Ave Ste 103, Los Angeles, CA
2. Order a matcha latte with the hojicha cream topping at DAMO
This traditional Korean tea house is a tranquil escape in L.A.’s Oxford Center Plaza. They are best known for serving glorious, colorful latte drinks with delightful comfort food and pastries. Most visitors swear by DAMO’s iced matcha latte, but don’t skimp on the decadent hojicha cream topping.
🌐 Learn more: DAMO
📍 Location: Oxford Center Plaza, 3510 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA
Where to eat and drink in Koreatown
With the largest Korean-American community in the States, rest assured that you have some of the country’s best KBBQ, samgyetang, kimchi and fried chicken available right on your doorstep. Here, Seoul food trends are picked up and served up on plates faster than they land, so brace your palates for the hottest array of delicious fermentations and spicy creations.
3. Dine at this plant lover’s rooftop paradise
You can’t stop by these parts without heading up to Openaire’s iconic greenhouse adorned with endless foliage and draped with string lights. Whether you’re just looking for brunch or an evening dinner with cocktails, it’ll undoubtedly taste better with that L.A. light pouring in and two-Michelin-starred chef, Josiah Citrin, masterminding the seasonal offerings.
🌐 Learn more: Openaire
📍 Location: The LINE LA, 3515 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
4. Feast on KBBQ and banchan at Soowon Galbi
What this family-run establishment spares in fancy decor is poured into high-quality charbroiled and grilled meats that literally melt in your mouth. More than two decades later, this unpretentious hotspot continues to delight hungry residents with prime marbled cuts, delicious banchan (traditional side dishes), and legendary marinated galbi. Many locals consider it one of the best restaurants in L.A.’s Koreatown.
If you’re looking to try one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite Koreatown spots, you can also head to the iconic Park’s BBQ.
🌐 Learn more: Soowon Galbi
📍 Location: 856 Vermont Ave B, Los Angeles, CA
Things to do in Koreatown
There is no shortage of entertainment and things to do in Koreatown in Los Angeles. You’ll have a host of fun activities to choose from, ranging from clandestine cultural havens to unique spas and indoor golf. This is a little snippet of what you can busy yourself with in the area.
5. Indulge in sheer relaxation at Crystal Spa
This sensorial sanctuary is a luxurious escape from the neighborhood buzz. You’ll instantly find your inner peace when you step into the stunning stone room and indulge in some pampering. It also happens to be open for 24 hours on Saturdays, so you could skip the cocktails and treat yourself to unique therapies instead.
🌐 Reservations: Crystal Spa
📍 Location: 3500 W 6th St #321, Los Angeles, CA
6. Swing away at Aroma Spa & Sports
If you’re looking for more spa action (with an emphasis on the action), do seek out this hidden gem. It offers a range of luxe spa facilities and it’s also home to L.A.’s largest semi-indoor golf range. You can tee up (actually, an automated system will take care of that) and swing away on the 150-yard range with panoramic views. There’s also an option to have an instructor, so all levels are welcome.
🌐 Reservations: Aroma Spa & Sports
📍 Location: 3680 Wilshire Blvd #301, Los Angeles, CA
7. Go shopping at Koreatown Plaza
The 3-story mall will transport you to Korea. It has dozens of shops, markets, and restaurants carrying Asian products, including the latest K-Pop dolls, cosmetics, and cooking essentials. The interiors haven’t been updated since opening, which gives you a sense of nostalgia.
🌐 Learn more: Koreatown Plaza
📍 Location: 928 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA
8. Unwind in the Koreatown Pavilion Garden
Tucked away amongst this concrete metropolis is the serene Koreatown Pavilion Garden, a 5000-square-foot gazebo with a small but charming garden. You can marvel at the work of South Korean craftsmen by letting your eyes wander the ornate Dawooljung, meaning “a harmonious gathering place” in Korean. It’s a perfect place to take a break before diving into the hustle and bustle again—plus, it’s free.
🌐 Learn more: 16 hidden gardens to discover in L.A.
📍 Location: 928 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Location: 1000 Normandie Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Essential bar and nightlife experiences in Koreatown
Koreatown offers it all when it comes to nightlife. You can bar-hop at the local dives, sing your heart out to your favorite K-Pop tracks at a kitsch karaoke lounge, or sip on cocktails at a sophisticated speakeasy.
9. Belt out your favorite tunes at Pharoah Karaoke
Wander into a laserbeam labyrinth and book yourself a booth where you can shamelessly belt out your favorite tracks. There’s a whole spectrum of fun to be had at this Karaoke lounge and once you experience it, you’ll see why it’s become an essential K-Town stop in Los Angeles.
🌐 Reservations: Pharaoh Karaoke
📍 Location: 3680 Wilshire Blvd B-02, Los Angeles, CA
10. Sip cocktails and listen to smooth jazz at Break Room 86
Enter through the loading dock at Line Hotel and pass through a passageway filled with machines to find this retro 80s-themed speakeasy. There’ll be a wall of old TVs playing shows from your (or your mom’s) childhood with a selection of playful concoctions to sip on and karaoke rooms to keep you entertained.
🌐 Reservations: Break Room 86
📍 Location: The LINE LA, 630 S Ardmore Ave, Los Angeles, CA
11. Stay late at Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang came onto the scene in 2020, well, with a bang. It’s the Art Deco gem with a disco twist and remains a place of debaucherous decadence. Enjoy the lavishly kitsch interiors where you’ll be served up elevated cocktails and a wide array of musical entertainment.
🌐 Reservations: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
📍 Location: The LINE LA, 3531 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
While no one will ever fully know L.A.’s K-Town, we hope this guide inspired you to start exploring the endless wonders of the neighborhood.
Written by Ashlyn Davis and Jamie Ferrell