Koreatown is known for being the place where night owls gather. With entertainment venues and restaurants open 24/7, Koreatown is where you can get some action at any time of day. Check out our guide on the top 10 activities for you to do in Koreatown!
KBBQ
Everyone loves a good KBBQ, and being in Koreatown you can rest assured knowing that you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a solid KBBQ restaurant. One of the most famous ones is Korean chain Kang Ho-dong Baekjeong, owned by the Korea-based comedian and former wrestler Kang Ho Dong, whom you might have seen in some of your favourite Korean variety shows. There’s a huge variety of ingredients that you can pick from, and the friendly staff on hand will help you grill your food. While it’s a bit pricier than other KBBQ restaurants in Koreatown, the amazing food and service is worth it.
Karaoke
Remember the quintessential noraebang scene in your K-dramas and movies? Recreate it with your buddies in Koreatown, which has some of the best late-night karaoke joints in LA. Pharaoh Karaoke Lounge is one of the most popular joints in the neighbourhood. With an ample food and booze menu, it’s no wonder that people enjoy themselves here all the time. It has a minimum order during the weekends, which can get a bit pricey at $150 for 2 hours, but this includes a choice of alcohol/food sets! For something that’s a bit more wallet friendly, Young Dong is also one of K-town’s go-to spots. It is probably the cheapest karaoke lounge in K-town, which means the queue can get long at times, so call ahead and reserve a room. Wherever you choose, a night spent singing your heart out with your friends is always a fun night!
Ice Cream at Bumsan Organic Milk Bar
Hot or cold, rain or shine, every time is a right time for ice cream. Get some of K-town’s most photogenic and tasty ice cream creations at Bumsan Organic Milk Bar. Their ice cream is made from organic milk, and they’re a huge hit on social media. The shapely swirls and vibrant colours of the cones and toppings make for a drool-worthy surprise. True Milk is one of their best-selling flavours - you can really taste the richness of the 100% organic milk. Their vegan flavour, Hazelnut Cacao is really delicious too, and it’s not overly sweet. Sounds tempting enough? Grab a cone now!
Koreatown Bars
Dive bars, beer bars, and sleek speakeasies are some of the many places for you to crack open a cold one with your travel mates. For drinking Korean-style, head to Ddong Ggo, a beer garden where the party never seems to end. The patio tent area looks like something straight out of a k-drama, and it’s the perfect place for you to munch on some Korean side dishes and snacks while you sip on your beer and play games with your friends! For something more upscale and trendy, The Normandie Club is the place to go. One of the leaders in the cocktail scene in K-town, there’s no limit to the creativity of bartenders here. While you can order from a menu of classic cocktails, try asking for some of the bartender’s original creations, or give them a few prompts and let their creativity run wild!
Korean spas
There’s no better way to rest and relax than at a spa, and Koreatown has plenty of those to spare. Jimjilbangs are very popular here, with many opening till late and some even for 24 hours! Wi Spa is a mega spa and sauna that sees tons of families, couples and friends stream in. It’s open for 24-hours so you can get your pampering any time of day, and their basic body scrub is a must-try for you to get soft and supple skin! Olympic Spa is a ladies-only establishment with a salt room, clay room and hot soaking pools among its many facilities. Treat yourself to an afternoon of relaxation with a facial, massage or mani-pedi. Better yet, try everything!
Koreatown Plaza
Missing Asian food, Asian life, and just anything Asian? Koreatown Plaza comes the closest to give you a distinctly Asian vibe with its mix of Western and Asian brands. If you’re into K-pop, there’s a music store in there that will surely lure you in with its albums and merchandise! There’s also beauty and cosmetic stores for you to get your K-beauty products without busting your wallets. All in all, this is a great place for you to start or end your day in Koreatown, especially if you’re already a fan of Korean culture and trends!
Golfing at Aroma Spa & Sports
The semi-indoor driving range here is one of LA’s largest, and is where many of Koreatown’s wealthier folk gather to play a round of golf. With four floors, 60 tee stations and a high-tech fully automated tee-up system, this driving range will surely impress seasoned golfers. Work on your swing with a computer-aided swing monitoring device and chat with the locals you’ll meet there, or if you’re a beginner, attend a short lesson to find out more about the sport! Don’t worry about sore arms after that, Aroma Spa & Sports also has a wellness facility for you to get massage and spa treatments with a healthy variety of treatments for you to choose from after your golfing session.
California Donuts
Apart from Korean cultural experiences, Koreatown is also home to many quintessential LA businesses and experiences. One of these is California Donuts, a retro bakery that’s been open since 1982. This family-owned business boasts some of the most colourful, cute and wacky donut flavours that will satiate your sweet tooth cravings like no other. Its specialties include Maple Bacon, Snickers, M&Ms and Panda flavours that are so adorably decorated - snap a photo and upload it on Instagram to join the rest! If donuts aren’t your thing, their other bakes - croissants, muffins and bagels - are also as tasty, so you won’t be left out.
Chapman Market
Housed in a historic building with a rustic Spanish Revival castle exterior, Chapman Market (also known as Chapman Plaza) is a sprawling 50,000 square foot complex that hosts various restaurants, bars and cafes. First opened in 1929, it was one of the pioneer drive-thru malls designed for automobile users. It still is the place to be with its chic appearance - it’s where Kang Ho-dong Baekjeong, Quarters Korean BBQ and Snow Monster, some of the neighbourhood’s more famous dining establishments, are situated. It’s also one of the few remaining buildings in Los Angeles that has preserved its Spanish Revival style architecture, making it a significant cultural landmark.
The Wiltern
Finally, it’s near impossible for you to miss the towering 155-foot Art Deco landmark. The stunning blue-green exterior glimmers brightly in the sunlight, making this a landmark that will inspire much awe. Its interior is also elegant and stylish. The ceiling of the auditorium has a huge sunburst as its centrepiece that is a reflection of the opulence and magnificence of the theatre. It’s also a testament to the hard work and effort put into the building’s construction back in 19321. The Wiltern is one of the largest theatres in Los Angeles and regularly hosts events and performances. Some acts that have performed here include Madonna, former K-pop star Amber Liu, Lauv and King Princess. Who knows, the stars might align for you on your visit here?
