Koreatown, also known as K-Town, is one of Los Angeles’ most vibrant and active neighbourhoods, located west of Downtown LA. It is known for its energetic nightlife, authentic Korean cuisine, cultural mix, and 24-hour scene. It is connected by Wilshire Centre, Hancock Park, and Pico-Union, just 10 minutes from Downtown LA. Its atmosphere has a lively fusion of Korean and with neon-lit streets, late-night eateries, and karaoke lounges. It is famous for Korean BBQ, spas, rooftop lounges, and trendy cafes; it’s a hotspot for foodies and night owls. The city is also the centre of social life and entertainment.
What Are the Best Places to Stay in Koreatown?
Here are the nine best hotels in Koreatown that combine luxury, lively culture, and comfort for travellers.
The Line Hotel
Line hotels are ultra-hip, industrial-style, with floor-to-ceiling windows and trendy design. It’s best for the trendy travellers, couples, and Instagram-friendly stays. The average per night is between $220-$280. Its check-in time is 3:00 pm, and its check-out time is 12:00 pm. Valley parking is available, approximately $53.90 USD. It is located in the heart of Wilshire Boulevard, walking distance to nightlife, restaurants and the Metro Purple Line.
Address: 3515 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010, United States
Hotel Normandie
Hotel Normandie’s atmosphere is historic boutique charm with old-fashioned interiors and a warm, cosy vibe. It is best for couples, history lovers and those who enjoy boutique character over modern minimalism. The average cost per night is $160-$200. Its check-in time is 3:00 pm, and check-out time is 12:00 pm and offsite parking is available for $45 USD per day.
Address: 605 Normandie Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90005, United States
Rotex Hotel
The Rotex hotel has a comfortable, straightforward design, and is mostly used by Korean tour groups and long-term visitors. Great for budget travellers, families, or anyone wanting basic comfort. The average cost per night is $120-$150. Check-in begins at 3:00 pm, and check-out is at 11:00 am. The hotel also offers free on-site and self-parking to guests.
Address: Los Angeles, CA 90019, USA
H by H Hospitality
H and H Hospitality Hotel is Modern, minimalist, boutique style with the latest aesthetics. It costs $140-$180 on average per night. Parking is available at $34 USD per night. It’s best for professionals, solo travellers, and people looking for clean and modern hotels at a mid-range price.
Address: 3206 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005, United States
Airbnbs & Extended Stays
The Airbnb atmosphere varies from cosy studios to trendy lofts, apartments, and self-help. Cost can vary from $90-$250 depending on the location, size and amenities. Best for families, groups or anyone planning to stay for a longer time or who wants a home-like facility. Some hotels, like The Pearl on Wilshire and The Line Hotel Residences, are right near Wilshire for walkability, while others, like Fedora Apartments and Oxford Palace Suites, are in quiet residential streets.
Ramada by Wyndham Los Angeles/Koreatown
Ramada by Wyndham is a business-style hotel with a functional, no-frills design with comfort and convenience. The average cost per night is $140-$170. Check-in time is 3:00 pm, and check-out time is 11:00 am, and it offers free on-site and self-parking for guests. The hotel is best for business travellers, short-term stays, and those who prefer chain reliability.
Address: 3900 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010, United States
Shelter Hotel Los Angeles
Shelter hotel is a boutique, stylish yet affordable, with mid-century decor and has a relaxed vibe. It is great for couples, design-conscious travellers, and people who want a boutique feel without luxury pricing. The average per-night rate is $150-$200. The hotel has onsite parking, but spaces are limited.
Address: 457 S Mariposa Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020, United States
Garden Suite Hotel
The Garden Suite Hotel’s atmosphere is classic, clean hotel with a mix of modern and traditional decor. It is perfect for families, clients or travellers who want a central stay with easy food options. It has $160-$220 average per night rate depending on the room type. Check-in time is 2:00 pm and check-out time is 11:00 am, the hotel provides complimentary free parking for one vehicle per room valued $10 USD.
Address: 681 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90005, United States
JJ Grand Hotel
JJ Grand Hotel’s atmosphere is slightly outdated interiors, but spacious, Korean-style hospitality. It’s best for travellers looking for affordability and convenience over design. Its average per-night cost is $130-$160. The hotel offers both self-parking and on-site parking, and both are free.
Address: 620 S Harvard Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90005, United States
How do you get around Koreatown?
The following are the five most convenient means of travel around Koreatown.
Metro Purple Line
The metro ride along Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles is one of the most convenient means to and from Koreatown. Every ride is around $1.75 with free transfer within two hours with a TAP card. The primary Metro stops serving Koreatown are Wilshire/Western, Wilshire/Normandie, and Wilshire/Vermont, which have fast connections to Downtown Los Angeles within 10 to 15 minutes. The trains are most crowded during peak hours.
Walking
Koreatown has one of the most walkable neighbourhoods in LA. BBQ restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, and karaoke bars can be located only a few steps away. A stroll down Western Avenue, 6th Street and Wilshire Boulevard provides a closer view of the blend of old Art Deco buildings and new towers. Many visitors enjoy walking at night when the streets are lighted with neon lights.
Biking & Scooters
The electric scooters in Koreatown rent for $10 to $20 for an average ride. They are great for short trips from point to point between cafes, restaurants, and Metro stations, and 7th Street has bicycle lanes, and some of Wilshire Boulevard does as well. Even though sidewalks can be crowded with pedestrians, scooters often share the street with cars.
Car & Ride share
When travelling around the surrounding attractions, such as Hollywood, Echo Park, or Mid-Wilshire, driving provides the greatest freedom. There are also parking garages around Wilshire and Western, Koreatown Plaza, and The Line Hotel, which range between $1-$3 per hour. Ride-share apps such as Uber and Lyft are also operational both during the day and at night in case of a group or late-night outing.
Bus Routes
Metro buses are convenient and cost-effective, operating all over Koreatown and into the neighbouring areas. Downtown LA, Santa Monica, and Westwood can be accessed by routes such as 720 and 20 along Wilshire Boulevard. The majority of buses operate every 10-15 minutes, and the rides cost $1.75 when a TAP card is used. It is ideal for travellers who plan to take a longer trip and to get to know more of the city in a cheaper way.
What to See & Do in Koreatown?
The following are the seven best places to visit in Koreatown that offer travellers a combination of culture, history and a taste of Los Angeles urban life:
Koreatown Galleria
Koreatown Galleria is the shopping and cultural hub of the area. There are beauty stores, Korean-style fashion brands, a food court, and H Mart, a large Korean grocery store, in the mall. The dining area on the upper floor is ideal for sampling bibimbap, tteokbokki, or Korean fried chicken in a vibrant environment.
Address: 3250 W Olympic Blvd #400, Los Angeles, CA 90006, United States
Wiltern Theatre
The Wiltern Theatre is a well-known Art Deco landmark in LA. It also offers concerts, comedies and film events all year round and is visited by people who enjoy live concerts and old buildings. Its seating arrangement and the use of lighting enhance a close concert feel to about 1,800 guests. The cost of the ticket typically starts $40.
Address: 3790 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010, United States
Korean Spas (Jjimjilbangs)
Korean spas, also referred to as jjimjilbangs, are a major aspect of Koreatown culture. The most popular ones include Wi Spa and Spa Palace, which provide saunas, hot baths, massages, and 24-hour open relaxation zones. The average cost of a visit is between $25 and $40 with lounge and rest facilities.
Address: 1130 Fair Oaks Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030, United States
Chapman Plaza
The Chapman Plaza is an old open-air complex, constructed in the 1920s but currently occupied by popular restaurants, cocktail bars and lounges. It combines traditional Spanish architecture with vibrant nightlife. The patio and the outdoor tables and chairs make it a great place to have dinner or a party in the evening.
Address: 3465 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020, United States
Latino & Korean Fusion Food Spots
Koreatown is also popular with its special fusion of Korean and Latino cuisine. Some of these fusion restaurants include Kogi BBQ Truck, Escala Ktown, and Seoul Taco, where they offer meals such as kimchi quesadillas, bulgogi burritos, and spicy pork tacos. Food is between $10 and $25 and reflects the cultural blending that characterises Los Angeles.
Nightlife
Koreatown provides one of the most lively nightlife experiences in LA. Rooftop bars, karaoke bars, and dance clubs make the neighbourhood busy till the end of the night. Tourists love spots such as Break Room 86, The Normandie Club and Arena Ktown with good music and themed decorations. The majority of venues remain open until 2:00 AM.
Nearby Access
Koreatown is centrally located and can be easily accessed from other landmarks in LA. Silver Lake, Hollywood and Downtown LA are accessible within 10-20 minutes using Metro or car. The convenience enables travellers to visit museums or theatres in other surrounding districts, then return to Koreatown to have dinner or nightlife.
Where Are the Best Places to Eat in Koreatown?
Here are the ten best places to eat in Koreatown with the combination of food, culture and experience.
Parks BBQ
Parks BBQ is the most common Korean BBQ restaurant in Koreatown. It also offers quality meat such as Kobe-style beef and short ribs grilled directly at your table. The interior of the restaurant is neat, the staff is friendly, and the side dishes are tasty. The cost averages are approximately between $40 and $60 per individual.
Address: 955 S Vermont Ave G, Los Angeles, CA 90006, United States
Quarters BBQ
Quarters BBQ is a fun and lively restaurant with smaller portions of meat to be shared. It is situated within Chapman Plaza and has an open and social environment that can accommodate large crowds. They make spicy pork belly and short ribs that are popular among locals. The cost average is between $30 and $50 per head.
Address: 3465 W 6th St #C-130, Los Angeles, CA 90020, United States
Soot Bull Jeep
Soot Bull Jeep is a Korean-style grill, with real charcoal grills that make the meat flavour smoky. The locals are fond of the bulgogi, marinated rib, and pork belly. It has a plain interior, which keeps the attention on the taste and tradition. The average cost per person is about $35-$55.
Address: 3136 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005, United States
Kang Ho-Dong Baekjeong
Kang Ho-Dong Baekjeong is characterised by active personnel and a positive environment. The restaurant also sells tasty portions such as beef brisket and pork neck, which are cooked in front of your table. It is a popular place for first-time visitors due to its bright interior and active music. Its average cost is $30 to $45 per capita.
Address: 3465 W 6th St #20, Los Angeles, CA 90020, United States
BCD Tofu House
BCD Tofu House offers 24-hour service and menu items such as spicy tofu soup, seafood pancakes, and rice bowls. It is the best place to have a quick and delicious meal at any time of the day. The interior is clean, and fast service makes it perfect for single travellers and families. The average meal is between $15 and $25 per head.
Address: 3575 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010, United States
Sun Nong Dan
Sun Nong Dan is known to have braised short ribs that are topped with melted cheese. The restaurant remains active until late at night and has huge servings that can be shared. There is quick service, and the flavours are hot and saturated. The cost on average is between $20 and $35 per head.
Address: 710 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90005, United States
Cafe Bora
Cafe Bora is famous because of its beautiful and tasty sweet potato desserts. Customers get to taste bingsu, soft serve and cakes in a small and peaceful atmosphere. It is the best place to have a sweet bite after sightseeing in K-Town. It costs $10 to $20 per individual on average.
Address: 5250 Windward Pkwy, Suite 111B, Alpharetta, GA 30004, United States
Loft Cafe
Loft Cafe is a relaxed and artsy spot to have a coffee or a dessert. The menu consists of espresso beverages, honey bread, and matcha lattes. It remains open late and tends to host local art exhibitions. It costs about $10 to $15 per person on average.
Address: 3882 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020, United States
Sul & Beans
Sul and Beans focuses on Korean shaved ice desserts referred to as bingsu. The common flavours are red bean, mango and green tea, which are offered in large portions. This spacious and light room is an excellent place to spend an afternoon. The average cost is approximately $12 to $20 per individual
Address: 621 S Western Ave #208-A, Los Angeles, CA 90005, United States
Hotteok (Sweet Pancakes)
The Koreatown stalls sell golden pancakes loaded with brown sugar syrup and nuts. They are a staple of the Korean street food and are available at markets and plazas. The cost of each pancake is around $3 to $5.
Korean Corn Dogs
Korean Corn Dogs are a snack street food sold in stores such as Myungrang Hot Dog and Two Hands Corn Dogs. They are filled with cheese or sausage and are covered with sugar, potatoes, or breadcrumbs. They are between $5 and $8 a piece and are suitable when visiting the area and looking around.
Address: 599 30 Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81504, United States
What Essential Tips Should Tourists Know Before Visiting Koreatown?
Here are the five essential tips that help visitors enjoy Koreatown comfortably, safely, and with memorable experiences.
Dining Hours
The majority of Korean restaurants are open until late, and can serve till midnight or even 24 hours. During lunch periods, things are more relaxed, whereas dinner time is very hectic, particularly over the weekends. During early lunch or late nights, when the number of people is low, plan your visit.
Language
English is commonly spoken, but you are likely to find lots of Korean speakers as well. Photos or translations are frequently included in the menu, and non-Korean speakers can easily order. A little basic Korean knowledge brings a pleasant touch to your trip.
Budgeting
Koreatown offers choices of all kinds, including cheap street food and expensive barbecue restaurants. The average cost of a restaurant is about $15 to $25 per meal. Expenses such as parking, taxes, and tips can add a bit to your overall expenses.
Safety
Koreatown is not particularly unsafe, but they are active well into the night. Ensure you carry your stuff with you when walking in high traffic or travelling on public transit. Always use well-lit streets and even park in secure lots when driving.
Cultural Respect
Respecting Korean dining manners and traditions adds to the experience. Food is commonly shared, and tipping is welcome and not required in smaller cafes. Shaking hands, smiling, and not talking loudly in sound bars are nice gestures.
Best Time to Visit
It is best to visit the city during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) for good weather and street view. It is better to visit the Korean barbecue or dessert in the evenings and spend weekends on music and social gatherings throughout the district.
