There are two sides to Koreatown in
Los Angeles. The first is the one that stays true to its name, highlighting Korean culture with its fusion restaurants, traditional stores, and more. The second is the buzzing nightlife scene, where EDM and K-pop draw the in-crowd to its bustling bars and clubs. These two blend to form one of the most exciting neighborhoods in Los Angeles, one that champions the city's diversity, all while uplifting its famously electric atmosphere. You couldn't have found a fascinating district to visit or even relocate to!
Where is Koreatown in Los Angeles?
Koreatown lies at the heart of the city, located just west of Downtown LA and south of Hollywood. One of the
central neighborhoods in Los Angeles, it's fairly easy to access via public transport. And that's saying something considering that it's easier to drive in LA than to commute. Nevertheless, its central location and proximity to the city's other, more popular areas make it a popular neighborhood. Staying here places you right in the middle of all the action, not too far from LA's most famous spots, while also having its own distinct identity.
Is it Safe in Koreatown, Los Angeles?
The answer to this is a little complicated. Generally speaking, yes, Koreatown is a safe neighborhood in Los Angeles. It even ranks among the top 20% of the safest parts of the city, which is noteworthy considering its very urban location. With that said, however, there's also no denying that Koreatown contributes to how
LA's crime rates tend to get. It's not a dangerous place, per se, but it does have a relatively high crime rate per capita. You'd do well to take all the necessary safety precautions when you go out here, especially at night!
What's The Vibe in Koreatown, Los Angeles?
Koreatown has evolved to be one of the most electric neighborhoods in Los Angeles. What used to be the epicenter of Hollywood's Golden Age, the Korean-American and Latin-American communities have taken over the district, infusing their colorful cultures and cuisines into the area. At the same time, Koreatown has become one of the premier nightlife districts in town, boasting the best nightclubs and the coolest bars you'll see on this side of Downtown LA. So if you want to have the best night of your life in LA, you couldn't have picked a better place than this!
Is it Expensive in Koreatown, Los Angeles?
Koreatown stands out as one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Los Angeles. The
living costs in LA stay high, generally, so you'll still encounter many high prices here. But compared to other parts of the city, especially in places like Beverly Hills and Bel-Air, Koreatown is downright cheap. Check out the rent here, for instance, which can go as low as $1,600.00 per month. It's also still possible to eat out in Koreatown and enjoy a meal for less than $20.00. That's practically unheard of in other parts of Los Angeles!
What to See in Koreatown, Los Angeles
Though it barely has any of LA's iconic landmarks, Koreatown still has a couple of noteworthy sights to see. The iconic Wiltern Theater stands head and shoulders above the rest of them, luring in tourists with its grand Art Deco architecture. It also still operates as a popular music venue, featuring all sorts of music acts such as top-charting artists, K-pop groups, rock bands, and more. The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is also not too far from here. Located along Santa Monica Boulevard nearby, it's famous for its celebrity graves and, funnily enough, its outdoor cinema, too.
What to Do in Koreatown, Los Angeles
Anyone who's ever lived or
moved to Los Angeles knows that Koreatown is one of the best places to eat out and party all night long. As already mentioned, the district lures in locals and tourists alike with its Korean BBQ places, fusion restaurants, and the like. Grill meat to your heart's content and indulge in the many other delicacies in Korean cuisine. Later on in the evening, you can head to the district's hottest clubs and dance the night away. The famous Infinity Club & Lounge on W 8th Street, Break Room 86 on S Ardmore Avenue, and Normandie Club on W 6th Street are ones you should check out!
The Best Restaurants in Koreatown, Los Angeles
Koreatown may not have the
best Michelin-starred restaurants in Los Angeles, but it does have a fairly strong foodie scene. As its name suggests, Korean eateries reign supreme here. Traditional spots like Sun Nong Dan in Alexandria Plaza on W 6th Street or Dan Sung Sa on W 6th Street highlight authentic Korean cuisine at its finest, pairing its most unique delicacies with strong soju and more. Meanwhile, places like Park's BBQ on S Vermont Avenue G and Hae Jang Chon Korean BBQ Restaurant on W 6th Street continue to prove that Korean BBQ has become a major force in the global culinary scene.
Any true foodie should check any or all of these amazing hotspots in Koreatown:
- Sun Nong Dan in Alexandria Plaza on W 6th Street
- Hangari Kalguksu in Alexandria Plaza on W 6th Street
- Park's BBQ on S Vermont Avenue G
- Kobawoo House on S Vermont Avenue G
- Soowon Galbi on Vermont Avenue B
- Hae Jang Chon Korean BBQ Restaurant on W 6th Street
- Dan Sung Sa on W 6th Street
- Hanbat Shul Lung Tang on 5th Street
- MOOHAN Korean BBQ on Wilshire Boulevard
- BCD Tofu House on Wilshire Boulevard
What to Know About Renting in Koreatown, Los Angeles
Koreatown's average rent ranges from as low as $1,400.00 to as high as $6,000.00 per month. This may seem typical for most, but it's a bit of an anomaly in Los Angeles. For one thing, many of the most
luxurious apartments in LA tend to cost more than $2,500.00 per month. The fact that Koreatown has places that'll cut you back less than $2,000.00 per month further proves just how affordable the place truly is. And don't think that just because there are low prices here that the quality is the same, too. The neighborhood still has many high-quality homes to rent!
From its top-charting music to mouthwatering barbecue, embrace all things Korean in LA’s Koreatown. More than just highlighting traditional culture and cuisine, this district embodies all the best things about the Hallyu Wave and more!
