Koreatown
4
About
Neighborhood in the city's midtown section that serves as the hub for cultural, social and business life for Korean residents.
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The area
Neighborhood: Koreatown
How to get there
- Wilshire/Normandie • 2 min walk
- Wilshire/Western • 8 min walk
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Restaurants
2,410 within 3 miles
Attractions
765 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
121 reviews
Excellent
37
Very good
50
Average
28
Poor
5
Terrible
1
Milissa D
Springfield, MA15 contributions
Nov 2021
I was here in the area for BTS concert and had to do Koreatown. While I didn't have much time I was able to eat a good meal and shop at the Koreatown Plaza which is a mini mall dedicated to Korean products think awesome food court, skin care lines, music, Kpop related items, and clothing stores.
It's a bit far from the subway station if you don't like to walk but you can enjoy stopping in different food places along the way.
It's a bit far from the subway station if you don't like to walk but you can enjoy stopping in different food places along the way.
Written December 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cbrownie
Plainfield, NJ94 contributions
Jul 2022
I guess I expected more. My friend and I drove there, and weren’t sure where to stop. I think we expected a large place full of one shop after another of restaurants and shops. Maybe we were in the wrong place, but we were on the street with a sign, “Koreatown.”
Written August 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vacation33218
San Jose, CA1 contribution
People ask me why I'm so fond of LA Korean Town when I'm not even close to being an Asian. Well, here's why. I've never been to a more affable and welcoming place in my lifetime! PLUS, esp. for females, this is the best shopping place one can possibly find in LA. Not just because it has decent clothings and PURSES, but the price is very affordable for a middle class student like me. :) For example, I purchased a Coach Handbag for $30. Now, you'd probably tell me "that's definitely FAKE!".
Well, it's quite rare to see a fake that has a perfectly original tag + the price tag that indicates the original cost being $120.00. I searched online and managed to find exactly the same purse being sold at 120 or above. So why wait? Visit LA Korean Town and HAVE SOME FUN!
:) (esp. you ladies!)
Well, it's quite rare to see a fake that has a perfectly original tag + the price tag that indicates the original cost being $120.00. I searched online and managed to find exactly the same purse being sold at 120 or above. So why wait? Visit LA Korean Town and HAVE SOME FUN!
:) (esp. you ladies!)
Written July 17, 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela R
Tampa, FL221 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
So many places to eat and such little time! Stopped at the Koreatown plaza food court to get a wide variety of our favorite foods. It was like a regular mall food court, but converted all into Korean food places, down to the $.50 cent automatic coffee and the free water dispensers. Some of the best dumplings I've had since leaving korea. Free parking on Saturday & Sunday at the plaza.
Visited the Tous Les Jours inside the Korea mart store and stocked up on the Korean beauty products at the aritaum beauty shop.
Visited the Tous Les Jours inside the Korea mart store and stocked up on the Korean beauty products at the aritaum beauty shop.
Written July 26, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NfldTravellers
St. John's, NL37 contributions
Nov 2013 • Couples
We enjoyed a quick shopping trip here. We were looking for k-pop dvds and some Korean candy. Not a lot of English but definitely worth the trip for a change in culture.
Written January 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liars N F
San Diego, CA22,515 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
We lived in Seoul for fifteen years over three different periods, and retired to San Diego three years ago. But we had never visited Koreatown before.
We were going to an evening function at the Intercontinental Century City, but stayed at a Koreatown hotel which is a straight shot down Olympic Boulevard. We embarked on our many hour adventure, parking our car before noon at our hotel, and walking all throughout the neighborhood on an extraordinarily cold day for LA, starting with the Kim Family Store, which had nothing but Korean customers, with all the main signs in Korean.
We trundle up Normandie to the Top's Art Supply store, where we found a tool that we could not find at any Michael's and which was run by really friendly Korean proprietors who recommended a luncheon place, which was really good. We eventually walked also to the Koreatown Shopping Center, which was okay with a nice food court, but we had already lunched.
In walking to the Koreatown Galleria, we stopped into a big clothes mart, a shadow of what one might find in Dongdaemun or Namdaemun in Seoul. The Galleria had a food court, too, but on the first floor is a big Korean supermarket and a Cake House bakery, which had an assortment typical of what one might find in Seoul. Again, the customer base was overwhelmingly Korean. (I understand that there is now a Zion Market branch in Koreatown, but we didn't walk there. The original Zion Market is actually a San Diego institution, taking the name of a kosher food market before moving to a giant failed K-Mart.)
We have also been to Koreatowns in Asia, most notably the one in Tsuruhashi in Osaka. That was probably more lively, but under more pressure from some Japanese politicians. The one in LA is very lively and dynamic, intermixed with a lot of Mexican places (we were sorely tempted to have a Oaxaca breakfast, but they opened too late -- at 9:00 a.m. -- for our travel aims.)
We will visit again. Lots of other restaurants to try. Maybe we'll look for a cultural fest to come to.
We were going to an evening function at the Intercontinental Century City, but stayed at a Koreatown hotel which is a straight shot down Olympic Boulevard. We embarked on our many hour adventure, parking our car before noon at our hotel, and walking all throughout the neighborhood on an extraordinarily cold day for LA, starting with the Kim Family Store, which had nothing but Korean customers, with all the main signs in Korean.
We trundle up Normandie to the Top's Art Supply store, where we found a tool that we could not find at any Michael's and which was run by really friendly Korean proprietors who recommended a luncheon place, which was really good. We eventually walked also to the Koreatown Shopping Center, which was okay with a nice food court, but we had already lunched.
In walking to the Koreatown Galleria, we stopped into a big clothes mart, a shadow of what one might find in Dongdaemun or Namdaemun in Seoul. The Galleria had a food court, too, but on the first floor is a big Korean supermarket and a Cake House bakery, which had an assortment typical of what one might find in Seoul. Again, the customer base was overwhelmingly Korean. (I understand that there is now a Zion Market branch in Koreatown, but we didn't walk there. The original Zion Market is actually a San Diego institution, taking the name of a kosher food market before moving to a giant failed K-Mart.)
We have also been to Koreatowns in Asia, most notably the one in Tsuruhashi in Osaka. That was probably more lively, but under more pressure from some Japanese politicians. The one in LA is very lively and dynamic, intermixed with a lot of Mexican places (we were sorely tempted to have a Oaxaca breakfast, but they opened too late -- at 9:00 a.m. -- for our travel aims.)
We will visit again. Lots of other restaurants to try. Maybe we'll look for a cultural fest to come to.
Written February 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
8umble8ee
Braintree, MA66 contributions
Jan 2014 • Friends
I read reviews about Koreatown and thought WOW! I get to try some authentic korean food and do some shopping. Well, I walked and walked for blocks and blocks, not seeing any "town". There were random shops here and there was no "town". I wandered into a random store front, very obscure, and it turned out to be a amrket with lots of small vendors. There was no one shopping besides me. There must have been at least 30 vendors selling all sorts of clothing, assessories, etc. There were no prices, the people spoke limited English, if any. It was just strange and left me with a funny feeling like the prices could change at any given moment based on whether or not I spoke the language. Then I walked into a mall with Korean stores selling very high end, expensive stuff. Definitely not for me, nor for many people because the place was empty except fot the food court. Now we're talking. There were several small food stalls selling all kinds of asian dishes, some Korean, Japanese, Philipino, etc. The problem was it did not seem clean to me. The tables were dirty, and the place smelled off. So I left, not trying any of the goodies being offered. There was also a market. However, for some reason it was closed. Though there were people coming in and out, they were mostly staff. No sure why they were closed because no one spoke English. I felt like a foreigner in a small part of LA, in Koreatown. If you want to feel like you dont belong, go to Koreatown. BTW, you can get great Korean BBQ outside of Koreatown. So dont bother visiting unless you have time to kill.
Written January 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The_Roaming_Raven
Alhambra, CA469 contributions
Nov 2012 • Friends
Definitely visit Koreatown if you are going to be in LA, the BBQ that can be found in this section of the city along with the other Koran style food is amazing and has changed the way I look at food. You must go here!
But as a location to visit or spend time in, its a difficult area to nail down as it doesn't really have a centralized area where tourists or visitors can truly come to visit and enjoy the rich culture that the area has to offer, or at least none that I have been able to find.
You can find the many centers, shops, The Buddhist Temple and other such landmarks within the Koreatown area on their website, but if you are a tourist and just happen to want to go without a plan or doing some research, you will find it a difficult visit as all of the cultural locations are spread out over a very large area of the city.
Though if you want Korean BBQ, it won't be hard to find, and the sight of one of the hundreds of BBQ places signals your entrance into Koreatown.
All in all even though it lacks a centralized tourist location it is a fantastic and (if planned) an intimate and enjoyable part of Los Angeles.
But as a location to visit or spend time in, its a difficult area to nail down as it doesn't really have a centralized area where tourists or visitors can truly come to visit and enjoy the rich culture that the area has to offer, or at least none that I have been able to find.
You can find the many centers, shops, The Buddhist Temple and other such landmarks within the Koreatown area on their website, but if you are a tourist and just happen to want to go without a plan or doing some research, you will find it a difficult visit as all of the cultural locations are spread out over a very large area of the city.
Though if you want Korean BBQ, it won't be hard to find, and the sight of one of the hundreds of BBQ places signals your entrance into Koreatown.
All in all even though it lacks a centralized tourist location it is a fantastic and (if planned) an intimate and enjoyable part of Los Angeles.
Written July 19, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FrankieG808
Honolulu, HI87 contributions
Oct 2014 • Family
my teenage daughter loved all the K-Pop stuff.
i loved the food and drinks of the BBQ and fried chicken wing restaurants.
this is a town that stays open very late.
the only drawback: Koreatown feels old and dirty. but sometimes dirty can be fun.
i loved the food and drinks of the BBQ and fried chicken wing restaurants.
this is a town that stays open very late.
the only drawback: Koreatown feels old and dirty. but sometimes dirty can be fun.
Written October 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melliehi
Malta1,622 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
Visited both. Parked at the plaza which has more shops and is bigger than the Galleria. Teenager in our family went wild in the Music plaza at Koreatown Plaza, as she could buy all the merchandise not easily available back home. Some clothes shops and a very good food court where we had incredible Korean food at a good price. The Galleria on the other hand had a beauty shop that sold some unusual colours of hair dye that also atttracted our teenager and were a compulsory buy. Parking at Koreatown plaza was validated when we bought stuff from one of the shops so that worked out well too.
Written September 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
glin930
Rego Park, NY30 contributions
Best Public transportation (metro rapid bus 720 or Metro Expo) from Ktown to Santa Monica Pier? We are staying at Best western plus (6th & New Hampshire). We plan to visit SM pier on a weekday? Thanks
Jenny D
Cave Creek, AZ
Any recommendation in Korean town for hotel?
Marlaina C
New Plymouth, New Zealand2,758 contributions
We did airbnb down load app, way cheaper they have some really nice properties and you can negotiate. Have a glorious time dining out is fabulous.
OnTheGo123
Los Angeles, CA6 contributions
Do you remember the names of the two stores that sold Kpop merchandise? I am taking my daughter there and she is crazy about kpop.
Thank you!
Linda
yolanda O
Fort Worth, TX
One is called Music Plaza
OnTheGo123
Los Angeles, CA6 contributions
Where can I find Kpop merchandise such as tshirts and sweatshirts with BTS or Astro in Koreatown?
Daniel B
Hinnerup, Denmark97 contributions
Where do I eat breakfast in Koreatown? Staying at The Line hotel. We've got a car available but don't mind walking.
Leeolie C.
Terre Haute, IN6 contributions
Im planning to travel to Koreatown next year in Spring.
Can you use USD in Koreatown or would i need to have the money exchanged to Won to spend around the town?
Im comming for leisure/vaation to experience the culture and Korean food! Excited, please help!
Cris Nakano
Guarulhos, SP78 contributions
onde fica este restaurante? voce lembra o nome? Quero ir tambem
obrigada!
Hello! Please, whee is this restaurant?Do you remember the name? I want to go too!!
slee0267
Vancouver, Canada
We've booked a 2 night stay. wondering if there is public transit close to the hotel that would get us to Universal Studios?
Use the lyft app. They give you a $50 credit for your first time toward your rides. But they break it up at $10 per ride. Theyre 10x's cheaper than public transit and safer. Both my mom and I are having a blast in California for the first time using this app!
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Claim your listingKoreatown - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Koreatown
- Hotels near Koreatown:
- (0.10 mi) The LINE LA
- (0.17 mi) Hotel Normandie
- (0.09 mi) JJ Grand Hotel
- (0.32 mi) Shelter Hotels Los Angeles
- (0.31 mi) Wilshire Serrano Motel
- Restaurants near Koreatown:
- (0.01 mi) BCD Tofu House
- (0.03 mi) Bonjuk La
- (0.04 mi) The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
- (0.08 mi) Myung Dong Kyoja
- (0.09 mi) Bulgogi Hut
- Attractions near Koreatown:
- (0.08 mi) Break Room 86
- (0.13 mi) Wilshire Boulevard Temple
- (0.16 mi) The Normandie Club
- (0.19 mi) Grand Californian Express
- (0.19 mi) Pharaoh Karaoke Lounge