Koreatown, also known as K-Town, is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Los Angeles, rich in food, culture, and history. Here are the top 8 experiences to enjoy in this vibrant area:
Best Sleep – Hotel Normandie
For a comfortable stay with historic charm, the Hotel Normandie, built in 1926, offers a mix of vintage style and modern amenities. Located centrally, it features lounges, nightly wine tastings, and Cassell’s Hamburgers for a classic diner experience.
Best Dumplings – Myung In Dumplings
A must-visit for dumpling lovers, Myung In Dumplings on Olympic Boulevard serves Anthony Bourdain-approved pork mandu (Korean dumplings) that are freshly made on-site. Don’t miss out on their super-sized versions and steamed buns.
Best Restaurant – Guelaguetza
For a taste of Oaxaca, Guelaguetza is an LA institution and the first traditional Mexican restaurant to win a James Beard Award. Offering a menu of rich moles, grasshoppers, and pickled pig trotters, it’s a place to savor authentic Oaxacan cuisine.
Best Supermarket – H Mart LA K-Town
H Mart is a food paradise for those seeking Korean and Asian groceries. You’ll find everything from instant noodles and pastes to sweet treats and freshly made hotteok (Korean pancakes). It’s a one-stop shop for food lovers.
Best Bakery – Paris Baguette
A Korean bakery chain with a French touch, Paris Baguette on Olympic Boulevard is known for its selection of both French-style croissants and unique Korean treats like soboro-ppang (peanut crumb buns) and kkwabaegi (Korean doughnuts).
Best Korean BBQ – Hae Jang Chon
For all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ, head to Hae Jang Chon, where you can grill prime cuts of meat such as kalbi (beef ribs) and pork shoulder. It’s a meat lover’s dream, with 27 different BBQ options to enjoy.
Best Karaoke – Cafe Brass Monkey
No visit to Koreatown is complete without a night of karaoke. Cafe Brass Monkey offers karaoke every night until 2 a.m., where you can sing to your heart’s content, whether you’re a ballad lover or a K-pop enthusiast.
Best Spa – Wi Spa
Indulge in a relaxing experience at Wi Spa, a 24-hour jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse) offering saunas, hot tubs, and body buffing treatments. Afterward, recharge at their café with a light snack or drink.
Top Tips for Visiting Koreatown:
Know When to Walk: Koreatown is very walkable during the day but can get congested. If visiting at night, consider taking an Uber.
Visit During Festival Time: For an extra special experience, time your visit with the LA Korean Festival at Seoul International Park, which offers food stalls, cultural performances, and more.
These activities highlight the best of Koreatown’s vibrant culture, blending history, food, and entertainment for an unforgettable experience.
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