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Beyond Koreatown
Koreatown trip ideas
Korean fish cake and fried dumplings on the streets of Koreatown, Los Angeles.

Things to do in  Koreatown

The Seoul of Los Angeles

Located in the heart of Los Angeles, Koreatown’s name refers to the large population of Korean people who live and run businesses here. Signs are just as likely to be in Korean as in English, and while you won’t feel like you’ve left California, Korean vibes permeate the whole neighborhood. Many of the top things to do in Koreatown revolve around eating, and there are loads of great restaurants, cafés, dessert joints, and supermarkets to please people who like to travel through their taste buds.

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All about Koreatown

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When to visit

Like most of LA, Koreatown is a year-round destination, though the best time to visit is in September or October for the annual LA Korean Festival. If temperatures are your main concern, avoid summer when the weather can be too hot for many people. Early summer can be overcast (leading to what's been nicknamed "June gloom"). Spring and fall bring pleasant weather and fewer crowds, while winters are rarely too cold.

Getting around

Similar to other destinations in Los Angeles, Koreatown is easiest to get to by car or rideshare; street parking is widely available. If you prefer traveling by public transport, you can take the metro lines B or D to the Wilshire/Vermont Station or the Vermont/Beverly Station, which are both within walking distance of Koreatown’s shops and restaurants.

Traveler tips

Koreatown is full of shops and restaurants selling everything from food to Korea’s famous beauty supplies. It also has a fantastic home goods store—Kim's Home Center—right on Olympic Boulevard. Here, you’ll find everything from cooking utensils and earthenware to floor mattresses and specialized kimchi fridges used for home fermentation. They even sell socks, pajamas, and fashion accessories.

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People Also Ask
Q:Are there any traditional *jjimjilbangs* (Korean spas) in Koreatown?
A:

Yes, there are traditional Korean spas in Koreatown. The most famous is Wi Spa on Wilshire Boulevard. This 24-hour spa has a circuit of saunas and heated rooms, including a clay sauna featuring clay imported from Korea and an ice room for cooling down after your spa circuit.

Q:Is it safe to explore Koreatown at night?
A:

Yes, it is safe to explore Koreatown at night. It’s not a high-crime part of town and you shouldn’t have any problem walking around alone in the evening, especially if you stay on brightly lit main streets. However, it’s always wise to be cautious, just as you would in any big city.

Q:Can I find Korean grocery stores or markets in Koreatown?
A:

Yes, Koreatown is full of Korean grocery stores and markets. The most famous is H Mart, a chain of Korean specialty supermarkets found across the United States. These specialize in Korean food, but also sell imported groceries from elsewhere in Asia. Other popular options include Galleria Market, Zion Market, and California Market.

Q:What are the best places to shop for Korean beauty products in Koreatown?
A:

Koreatown is a great place to shop for Korean beauty products, and you’ll find popular K-beauty brands such as Beauty of Joeson and Laneige are widely available at shops such as Aritaum in Koreatown Plaza and Cosmetic World in MaDang Courtyard. Many area supermarkets also have a small collection of Korean toiletries.

Q:What are the top Korean restaurants to try in Koreatown?
A:

Koreatown is full of great restaurants. Popular spots include The Corner Place, known for its barbecue options and for its noodle dishes, and Jeong Yuk Jeom, where beef that's been dry-aged for 45 days is the star of the menu. For something sweet, try the shaved ice at Oakobing.

Q: Is Koreatown worth visiting?
A:

Yes, Koreatown is worth visiting, especially if you’re a fan of Korean food. The neighborhood is filled with great restaurants and grocery stores, making it a must-visit for people who like to eat or cook. It’s also the place to go for K-beauty fans looking to up their skincare collections.

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