Koreatown Los Angeles: A Local’s Guide

Experience delicious cuisine, a vibrant nightlife, and things to do with this Koreatown Los Angeles Guide! Centrally located, Koreatown, also known as K-town, was home for me for many years. The city is lively and filled with activities for everyone to do. I will share them all in this post, keep reading!

Coffee Shops in Koreatown 

Somemore LA  

A favorite among locals and the most instagram friendly coffee shop in Koreatown. Somemore LA offers unique s’mores and pastries with a variety of rainbow colored drinks (coffee + tea). The bear theme aesthetic makes this coffee shop stand out amongst the others. A must try next time you are in town!

Address: 2717 W Olympic Blvd Unit 106 Los Angeles, CA 90006
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday: Closed  
Wednesday – Monday 12:00PM – 10:00PM 
Parking: Yes, free parking in the structure

About Time

An aesthetic and minimalistic cafe with a high ceiling welcomes you when you walk into the new cafe, About Time! Perfect for those late nights when you want to hang with friends and sip on some caffeine. They are opened until 1AM!

Address: 3287 Wilshire Blvd Ste B Los Angeles, CA 90010
Hours of Operation: Daily 8:00AM – 1:00AM 
Parking: Street parking & parking structure  

RNY Coffee Studio

Just opened in 2023, RNY Coffee Studio has already made a name for itself, scoring 1st place on yelp! An intimate and friendly coffee shop in the heart of Koreatown, Los Angeles. Come alone or with friends, this cute and cozy shop is one to be experienced!

Address: 3829 W 6th St Los Angeles, CA 90020
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday 7:00AM – 10:00PM 
Saturday 8:00AM – 10:00PM 
Sunday 9:00AM – 7:00PM  
Parking: Street parking & valet

All You Can Eat KBBQ 

You can’t come to Koreatown Los Angeles and not have Korean BBQ! If you don’t know what it is, it’s marinated meats of your choice cooked by you and/or those on your table. There’s a grill in the middle of the table and meats get brought out as you finish the previous selection.

To sum it up, it’s an experience you must do when visiting K-town. Especially if you’re with a group of people then all you can eat KBBQ is a great option. Majority of the time it’s a fixed price and there’s an endless amount of food.

Seoul Soul Korean BBQ

Photo from Yelp

Address: 1040 S Western Ave Los Angeles, CA 90006 
Parking: Street parking & Valet ($3)
Price Range: $31-58 All You Can Eat

Gangham Station BBQ 

Photo from LA Weekly

Address: 3785 Wilshire Blvd Unit 217 Los Angeles, CA 90010
Parking: Street parking & Valet ($3)
Price Range: $30-$40 All You Can Eat

Hae Jang Chon 

Photo from Yelp

Address: 3821 W 6th St Los Angeles, CA 90020
Parking: Street parking & Valet 
Price Range: $38-$44 All You Can Eat

25 Things To Do in Koreatown Los Angeles

Koreatown is 3 square miles, but don’t let the size fool you. Although, considered small compared to other neighborhoods, there is so much to do. From karaoke, bowling, and experiencing Korean spas to a variety of different things! Let’s explore all there is to do below.

1. Pharaoh karaoke lounge

Photo by LA Times

With over 4,000 songs to choose from, you’re sure to sing your heart out. Pharoak karaoke is rated #1 on yelp and a sure favorite! If you get hungry, there’s a full menu and bar available. Make reservations here! 

Address: 3680 Wilshire Blvd Ste B-02 Los Angeles, CA 90010
Hours of Operation: 6:00pm – 2:00am 

2. Visit Dawooljung 

In the heart of Koreatown, Los Angeles you can find Dawooljung, which means “A Harmonious Gathering Place”. It’s a small garden with a large gazebo in the middle. A great place to enjoy a book and relax on one the few benches available.

Address: 978 Normandie Ave Los Angeles, CA 90006
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday 11:00am – 3:00pm 
Weekends – Closed 

3. Shatto 39 Lanes

A night out at Shatoo 39 Lanes is always a win! They have billiards as well and a bar attached where you can order food and/or drinks. Check pricing here!

Address: 3255 W 4th St Los Angeles, CA 90020
Hours of Operation:
Wednesday – Sunday 1:00pm-2:00am 
Monday – Tuesday 5:00pm-2:00am 

4. Maze Room Escape Game

Photo by Yelp

Enjoy figuring out puzzles and riddles in order to escape a locked room with a group of friends then this place is it! To book a room and for price click here! 

Address: 132 S Vermont Ave Ste 204 Los Angeles, CA 90004
Hours of Operation: Daily 10:00am -11:00pm

5. Hugh Spa (ladies only)

Photo from Facebook

Korean spas then you know that they are super relaxing and the best part is food can be served as well! Hugh spa is relatively affordable ($30 admission) with add ons available like a massage, etc. I love their Himalayan salt room and the jade steam sauna. Highly recommend it! All info here!

Address: 1101 S Vermont Ave Ste 206 Los Angeles, CA 90006
Hours of Operation: Daily 9:00am-9:00pm 

6. Wiltern Theater 

The Wiltern Theater hosts so many concerts on a regular basis, I encourage you to experience it. Before making plans to visit Koreatown, Los Angeles check the site here to see if anyone you’re interested in seeing will be there that month!

Address: 3790 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90010
Hours of Operation: Changes based on concert times

7. CGV Cinemas 

CGV specializes in showcasing the best Asian films and Hollywood blockbusters. The Asian films have subtitles and it would be a fun experience to watch a Korean movie in Koreatown Los Angeles! Get your tickets here!

Address: 621 S Western Ave Los Angeles, CA 90005
Hours of Operation: Daily 10:30am-10:00pm 

8. Korean Nail Art at Hana Nail

Photo by Yelp

Get your nails done as if you’re in Seoul, Korea. Try the Korean technique and possibly get some eccentric designs that will make your friends ask where you got your nails done! Make your appointment with Hana Nail! To book call this number (213) 905-9015

Address: 4157 W 5th St Ste 228 Los Angeles, CA 90020
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Saturday 10:00am-8:00pm 
Closed on Sundays

9. 6ixthSense Furniture Store

I discovered 6ixthSense in K-town and loved it! They have very unique pieces from home decor, furniture and cutlery. I have some things on my wishlist to pick up later this year! 🙂

Address: 3881 W 6th St Los Angeles, CA 90020
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Saturday 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Sunday – 12:00PM-6:00PM

10.  Somi Somi

I’m not a sweets girl, but I looove Somi Somi! They have in my opinion the best soft serve with a fish shaped waffle cone (you can choose between filling or no filling). It’s honestly the best thing ever!

Address: 621 S Western Ave #208-A, Los Angeles, CA 90005
Hours of Operation:
Sunday 12:00PM-10:30AM
Monday – Thursday 12:00PM-11:00PM
Friday – 12:00PM-11:30PM

11.  Paint & Wine (must be 21) 

Photo by Yelp

Explore your creativity while having a glass of wine with friends. This is a great activity for those of you that enjoy mellow night with minimal socializing haha but still surrounded by people and wine! Book your  tickets here 

Address: 3600 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90005
Hours of Operation: 6:00pm – 10:00pm 

12.  Try on and Rent a Hanbok (Korean Traditional Dress) at Meehee Hanbok

Photo by Dawn Kim on Unsplash

If you love an experience then head over to Meehee Hanbok to rent your dream traditional Korean dress (a hanbok). This will be an unforgettable experience! 

Address: 210 N Western Ave Ste 105A Los Angeles, CA 90004
Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm 

13.  Try korean Corn Dogs 

The most delicious Korean hot dogs and street food are at 88 Hotdog & Juicy! I like the cheddar cheese hot dog and the potato hot dog! Full menu here!

Address: 3825 W 6th St Los Angeles, CA 90020
Hours of Operation: Daily 10:00am-10:00pm 

14.  Heuk Hwa Dang Boba

You got your hotdog and street food fix at 88 Hotdog & Juicy, now make your way to the Korean chain store Heuk Hwa Dang for some delicious boba! This place sells authentic drinks with many fun flavors! Visit their yelp page here!

Address: 621 S Western Ave G01, Los Angeles, CA 90005
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday: 12:00pm-10:00pm
Friday – Saturday: 12:00pm-11:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am – 10:00pm

15.  Drive Through Koreatown at Night

The best time to see Koreatown is at night! All the lights are on and the neon lights are beaming! You see the diversity of the city, and the sounds of Koreatown Los Angeles. It’s an electrifying neighborhood! 

16.  Openaire for Lunch at the Line Hotel 

Photo from Yelp

For the plant lover out there or for those looking for an aesthetic restaurant then Openaire on the roof of the Line Hotel will be your dream. I’ve had brunch  with a friend here and it’s the perfect restaurant for it. It’s filled with greenery and every corner is perfect for Pinterest and/or Instagram! 

Address: 3515 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90010
Hours of Operation: Hours vary, check them here

17.  Visit H Mart (Korean market) 

I like visiting H Mart for kimchi and my favorite Asian candy! If you want to browse the aisles and/or purchase food that you might not find at your local market then make your way to H Mart. There are several within Koreatown Los Angeles, but here’s the one I go to. 

Address: 928 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Hours of Operation: Daily 9:00am-9:00pm 

18.  Take a LA Food Works Cooking Class 

LA Food Works creates a menu and you learn how to cook it with others taking the class! This is a great idea for friends or if you’re on a date! Book your class here!

Address: 462 N Mansfield Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036
Hours of Operation: Daily 10:00am-10:00pm

19.  Guelaguetza 

There’s a majority of Latinos in the Koreatown neighborhood. That’s why it’s no surprise that Guelaguetza is in the heart of K-town! Enjoy an authentic Oaxacan dining experience with a live band!

Address: 3014 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Hours of Operation:
Monday: Closed 
Tuesday – Thursday:11:00am-9:00pm 
Friday – Sunday: 9:00am-10:00pm

20.  Eat at a Taco Stand

With a strong Latino presence, you’ll find taco stands on the corners of most streets (53.5% of the population living in the city). Make a stop at one of them and enjoy your order!

21. Jaws Topokki

You don’t need to fly to Seoul to experience Korean street food, you can just head over to Jaws Topokki! Their menu entails food you would try on the streets of Korea, for example, beef rib gimbap! That’s what I ordered and it was delicious!

Address: 3807 W 6th St Los Angeles, CA 90020
Hours of Operation: Daily 11:00AM – 10:00PM 

22.  Try Korean Dessert at Sul & Beans 

Sul & Beans offers milk based shaved ice with different toppings that include, almonds, fruit, red beans and a variety of others. This is the perfect dessert spot after you have some Korean BBQ!

Address: 621 S Western Ave #208-A, Los Angeles, CA 90005
Hours of Operation:
Sunday – Thursday 12:00-10:30PM
Friday – Saturday 12:00-11:00PM 

23.  Spend the Afternoon at Liberty Park 

This quaint park in the middle of Koreatown Los Angeles’ busy city streets is Liberty Park! It’s the perfect place for a little sit down to read a book, have a snack or enjoy a Starbucks drink from just across the street.

Address: 3700 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Hours of Operation: Daily 6:00AM – 9:30PM

24.  Visit the Koreatown Galleria 

The large mall on the corner of Olympic and Western is K Galleria, a mall with a variety of Korean boutiques. You can find authentic shops here for skincare, clothing and a food court with a variety of Korean dishes! Stop by and walk through the aisles of the supermarket. 

Address: 3250 W Olympic Blvd Ste 400 Los Angeles, CA 90006
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Saturday 10:00AM-8:00PM
Sunday 11:00AM-7:00PM 

25.  See the City on Foot

Get to explore like a local! Park your car somewhere in the neighborhood and get lost in the city as you walk down the busy streets. Get ready to be uber stimulation with neon lights, dozens of eateries and noise levels of 100!

Koreatown Roundup

Next time you have a weekend in LA, take a day or even a few hours to explore the neighborhood of Koreatown Los Angeles. Keeping you central in Los Angeles and only 20 minutes from Culver City (LA’s most central neighborhood). The list above is sure to keep your day trip or weekend in K-town adventurous and busy!

FAQ’S

1. Where is Koreatown in Los Angeles? 

• Koreatown is in the center of Los Angeles, west of DTLA and South of Hollywood. 

2. Is Koreatown safe? 

• Yes, Koreatown is safe. Keep in mind to always be cautious and aware of our surroundings. 

3. Is Koreatown walkable?

• Yes, it’s walkable.

     4. Are there any attractions near Koreatown? 

• Yes, the outdoor mall the Grove is 12 mins away.