Content Creator Helen Lee’s Guide to Koreatown Los Angeles
For content creator Helen Lee, moving to Koreatown, Los Angeles, was more than a relocation; it was a homecoming she’d never expected. Growing up in Kentucky, where the Asian population was sparse, she often wrestled with her identity and it wasn’t until attending Northwestern University in Chicago that she first encountered large Asian communities from New York City and Southern California. These peers celebrated their heritage with a confidence she wasn’t familiar with, and it was that experience which inspired her to seek out a more diverse environment where she could fully explore her own cultural roots.
Los Angeles became that place, and Koreatown, with its vibrant food scene, close-knit community, and pedestrian-friendly streets, felt like the perfect fit—especially since she doesn’t drive. Her path to content creation happened organically. She joined TikTok in 2022, posting lighthearted videos for fun, until one racked up nearly 10 million views overnight; the following day, she woke up to 20,000 new followers. After initially focusing on fashion she pivoted to food, her true passion, and her videos really took off when she began sharing K-town food reviews and recommendations.
As you might imagine then, Lee has her finger on the pulse of the best parts of Koreatown, making her the ideal guide to everything from where to eat to what to do in the popular LA district. Here are her tips.
Los Angeles is famed for its ever-evolving food scene, which runs the gamut from family-run traditional eateries to chefs experimenting with culinary boundaries … and makes narrowing down the must-try spots challenging. For first-time visitors, Lee recommends Hangari Kalguksu. “Everyone loves their bossam (pork belly wrapped with steamed cabbage), and their kalguksu (knife cut noodles) is very approachable to everyone's palette,” she shares. She suggests Jinsol Gukbap for approachable Korean home cooking and Sun Nong Dan for their “fiery galbijim (braised short ribs).” Another pick is Borit Gogae for its viral veggie-focused set menu. “I’m a huge fan of soondae and Eighth Street Soondae is one of the only places that consistently does them well.” As for Korean BBQ, “Yangmani is my absolute favorite right now. Origin is great for visitors, and Soowon Galbi is a classic,” she shares.
South Korea also takes coffee culture seriously, and the caffeine scene is making its mark in Los Angeles as well. “Document Coffee Bar is a popular neighborhood spot for locals, and Café Loft is my go-to, cozy study vibe,” Lee says. “The seating is comfortable, so it's not just about aesthetics. If you want a trendy aesthetic café that feels like you're in Korea, try Café Elorea, the new rooftop perfumer café.”
“My big three for desserts are Anko, Oakobing, and Liu's Creamery. I've always loved Oakobing, even though it's incredibly overstimulating because there are like a million high schoolers and no seating. I love Anko’s taiyaki (Japanese fish-shaped cake) and mango shaved ice. Liu’s Creamery is very new, and they're my favorite now. There are few spots like it in K-town, and I love their Taiwanese desserts and toppings.”
Related: 15 Traditional South Korean Foods and Drinks To Try on Your Next Trip
Where to party and drink in Koreatown
Los Angeles on the whole is known for its nightlife, and K-Town in particular is even more lively at night, so Lee recommends Lock & Key for those who “love to dance.” Other popular spots include Mama Lion and Terracotta, but keep in mind that “Terracotta is a younger crowd.” For more casual drinks and great cocktails, she recommends her favorite bars Normandie Club and Paper Tiger. Finally, “for more of a local pub vibe, HMS Bounty and Frank ‘n Hanks are great bars to pop into for a divey scene.”
More things to do in Koreatown
Besides eating and drinking, there’s plenty to do in Koreatown, including visiting a Korean spa such as Crystal Spa or getting your photos snapped at Korean-style photo booths. To learn more about Korean culture, head to the Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles (KCCLA) for art exhibits, Korean language classes, and film screenings. Alternatively, for live music and art deco architecture, check out The Wiltern Theatre located right at the edge of K-town.
Then, view a bit of city history at Dawooljong, an open air pavilion and garden built by South Korean craftsmen at Olympic Boulevard and Normandie Avenue. It's set across the street from where Koreatown first started with a Korean grocery store in the 1960s.
Lee also suggests that you curate your own mini "Seoul Day.” Visits on this type of self-made itinerary could include “vibey cafés” including Yeems Coffee, Stagger Coffee, and Damo Tea House, as well as grocery shopping at H Mart. Other stops could include perusing Korean beauty stores such as Palace Beauty, getting a color analysis at iColorMe, and karaoke-ing your heart out in a private room at Palm Tree Karaoke. For overnight stays after your K-Town “Seoul Day,” consider the boutique hotel The LINE LA, located centrally on Wilshire Boulevard.
Insider tip: Parking can be challenging in the city, so rideshares might be preferable to driving or trying to create a walkable itinerary.
Top day trips from Koreatown Los Angeles
Koreatown is centrally located and can serve as a convenient base for many outdoor experiences, from visiting Malibu and its famed beaches to heading out to Joshua Tree National Park and its incomparable desert landscape. When in the former, consider taking a wine tasting or biking excursion. Meanwhile, Joshua Tree is an excellent place to try offroad experiences and guided hikes.
You can also drive north to Santa Barbara to explore the beautiful coastal city, head east to Pasadena for the stunning Huntington Gardens, or tour the architecturally impressive Gamble House, all within a short enough distance to keep Koreatown as your Los Angeles home base.
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