Summary of Koreatown Attractions
Despite its name, Koreatown is among the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Though predominantly inhabited by descendants of Korean immigrants, it also boasts a substantial Latino and Asian community. Positioned just west of downtown, Koreatown is characterized by its plethora of nightclubs, karaoke bars, and expansive markets showcasing exotic products worldwide. Its strategic proximity to major freeways facilitates easy access to many of the city’s prime attractions, while offering ample activities for those who prefer to explore within the neighborhood, thereby avoiding traffic congestion.
1. Koreatown Plaza
Koreatown Plaza, recognized as the neighborhood’s first American-style shopping mall, houses numerous shops spread across multiple levels. Situated at the junction of 9th and Western, the plaza serves as an essential destination for those eager to engage with Korean culture. The diverse offerings include Korean health and body products, housewares, as well as internationally recognized brand handbags and footwear. The food court is particularly popular, featuring street food-style options from various vendors.
2. Korean Pavilion Garden
Southern California is home to a significant number of residents of Asian descent, including those from Korea, Japan, and China. The Korean Pavilion Garden, established in 2006, is among several Asian-themed gardens within the Los Angeles area and serves as a serene retreat for individuals seeking respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. Conveniently located on Normandie Avenue in Koreatown, the garden features traditional gazebos, distinct cultivated areas, and ample shaded seating.
3. Park’s BBQ
Since its establishment in 2003, Park’s BBQ has attracted an impressive clientele, including Hollywood celebrities, K-Pop artists, and athletes from Southern California professional teams. While Korean cuisine is often associated with dishes like kimchee and dumplings, the BBQ experience is paramount here. Guests can enjoy cooking on coal-fired tabletop grills, ordering uncooked items to prepare at their tables. Each table is provided with a variety of dipping sauces, pickled vegetables, and necessary grilling utensils, ensuring a unique dining experience.
4. Korean Cultural Center
Situated just outside Koreatown’s city limits on Wilshire Boulevard, the Korean Cultural Center offers visitors a comprehensive introduction to Korean culture, providing an alternative to the more conventional experiences found in karaoke bars and BBQ restaurants. The center encompasses a museum, library, and exhibition space, providing insightful perspectives on the uniqueness of Korean heritage. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to assist visitors with recommendations for further exploration in the area.
5. Soop Sok Karaoke
For many visitors seeking to immerse themselves in Korean culture, karaoke may not be their preferred method of interaction. While it may not appeal to everyone, those willing to participate often find that a few drinks can liberate their inhibitions. Soop Sok Karaoke stands out as one of Koreatown’s top karaoke venues, featuring nearly two dozen private rooms that accommodate groups of up to 30 individuals. Guests can access an extensive digital library of songs in various languages, along with full food and beverage menus, vibrant disco balls, and advanced sound equipment.
6. Alchemist Coffee Project
Located just a few blocks west of Koreatown on South Vermont Avenue, Alchemist Coffee Project stands out as one of the district’s most upscale coffee establishments. Unlike its competitors, it offers valet parking and features a diverse range of hot and cold coffee options made from beans sourced globally. While the coffee is a significant draw, the café also provides a comprehensive menu including fresh salads, Panini sandwiches, and a selection of baked goods. Previous patrons have praised Alchemist for its modern industrial atmosphere, attentive staff, comfortable seating, and reliable Wi-Fi.
7. Wiltern Theater
Los Angeles is home to many well-preserved examples of art deco architecture from the 1920s and 30s, with several iconic buildings located merely blocks from Koreatown. The Wiltern Theater is recognized as one of the city’s most significant historic venues. Over its extensive history, it has functioned as both a movie theater and a live performance venue, presenting a range of entertainment including dramatic plays, vaudeville, burlesque, and classic musicals. Following extensive renovations in the 1980s, the theater retains its original charm while incorporating modern seating, lighting, and sound systems, located on Wilshire Boulevard approximately five kilometers northwest of Koreatown.
8. Anko
Korean shaved ice, a beloved summertime treat, provides a refreshing reprieve from the sweltering Southern California heat. While it shares similarities with Italian ice, Korean shaved ice features a myriad of distinct ingredients, including pumpkin, sweet red beans, and black sesame seeds. Anko, situated on South Western Avenue in Koreatown, is one of the most traditional establishments in the area offering this dessert. In addition to shaved ice, the menu features traditional hot and cold coffee beverages, custard, and baked goods while also providing natural detox drinks aimed at cleansing the body.
9. Cassell’s Hamburgers
While hamburgers are not traditionally associated with Korean cuisine, they have gained significant popularity within the city’s vibrant culinary landscape. Founded over six decades ago as a lunch counter, Cassell’s Hamburgers remains committed to serving hearty, straightforward burgers in the same manner as when it first opened. The restaurant grinds its beef daily on-site, utilizing some of the founder’s original signs and equipment, which contributes to a vintage ambiance reminiscent of earlier times, located three blocks south of central Koreatown at the intersection of West 6th Street and Normandie Avenue.
10. Aroma Golf Range
With hundreds of sunny days annually, golf is among the most favored outdoor activities in Southern California. Each year, numerous golfers migrate to the area to escape the severe winter conditions of their home regions. For those visiting Koreatown who may lack the time for a full round, spending a few hours at Aroma Golf Range presents an excellent opportunity to work on their golf skills. Marketed as LA’s most expansive semi-indoor driving range, Aroma offers a 150-yard range with impressive city views.
11. Hyesung Noodle House
Korean knife-cut noodle soup, known as kalguksoo, is a widely cherished comfort food available in various restaurants across the city. Hyesung Noodle House, situated on North Western Avenue in Koreatown, is a popular destination for visitors eager to experience kalguksoo, as well as for Koreans yearning for an authentic taste reminiscent of their childhood. The soup can be prepared with either anchovy or chicken broth and is customarily served with sliced pork bossam and pancakes made from minced vegetables and scallions. First-time visitors may be unaware that the noodles are handmade each morning on-site.
12. Ernest E. Debs Regional Park
Although comprising nearly 300 acres, Ernest E. Debs Regional Park is often overlooked by rushed tourists. Its features include a lovely lake, numerous shaded areas, an Audubon Center, and miles of picturesque trails suited for leisurely hiking. For those seeking interactive experiences, park staff provide nature-themed programs appropriate for visitors of all ages. There are plenty of shaded picnic tables and grassy areas available for relaxed outdoor dining. The park’s main entrance is located on Monterey Road, approximately 20 kilometers northeast of Koreatown.
13. The Getty Center
Located 15 kilometers west of Koreatown in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles, The Getty Center stands as a leading art and cultural institution. Opened in late 1997, it received significant funding from the philanthropic initiatives of the affluent Getty family. Renowned for its striking architecture, beautifully landscaped gardens, and a world-class collection of American and European artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings from across the globe, it is a must-visit location. Guests can take a small train to the center’s highest point for panoramic views of Topanga State Park and downtown Los Angeles on clear days.
14. Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is a favored destination for both avid stargazers and casual visitors looking for a distinctive attraction in Los Angeles. Owned and operated by the City, the observatory is located approximately eight kilometers north of Koreatown, situated between downtown and Burbank. It features a planetarium, museum, café, and gift shop, with open grounds accessible to both guests participating in activities and those choosing to explore independently. The observatory is a popular spot for enjoying iconic Californian sunsets due to its advantageous location and elevation, as well as its proximity to attractions like the historic Hollywood sign and the TCL Chinese Theatre.
15. Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Having opened its doors more than fifty years ago, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art has emerged as one of the city’s most significant cultural attractions. Conveniently located five miles west of Koreatown, it lies between downtown LA and Beverly Hills. The museum boasts an extensive permanent collection displayed across various galleries, with its grounds extending nearly 20 acres, featuring gardens, walking paths, and shaded areas. While much of its collection comprises contemporary works, there are noteworthy historical pieces representing numerous countries. The museum also offers interactive exhibits and year-round art programs led by knowledgeable staff, catering to visitors of all ages.
