LA's Koreatown is the largest Korean neighborhood in the US—and the best place to eat Korean food outside of Korea. Unlike NYC's K-Town (just a few blocks), LA's sprawls across 3+ square miles with hundreds of restaurants, bars, and karaoke rooms.
📍 Where is Koreatown?
Boundaries: Western Ave (west), Vermont Ave (east), 3rd St (north), Olympic Blvd (south)
Main strips: Wilshire Blvd, 6th St, 8th St, Olympic Blvd
Parking: Most restaurants have lots or valet. Street parking is challenging.
Best time: Dinner and late-night. Many spots open until 2-4am.
Korean BBQ
The heart of K-Town. Grill your own meat at the table, enjoy unlimited banchan (side dishes), and stay as long as you want.
Kang Ho-dong Baekjeong
Celebrity chef-owned, always packed. Premium meats, lively atmosphere, worth the wait.
Park's BBQ
The best quality meat in K-Town. More refined, slightly pricier. Special occasion worthy.
Quarters Korean BBQ
Best value for groups. All-you-can-eat format with solid quality. Great for big appetites.
Road to Seoul
Popular late-night spot. Good variety of meats and seafood. Casual vibe.
Stews, Soups & Comfort Food
Sun Nong Dan
Famous for braised short ribs. Worth the line. Hearty, soul-satisfying Korean comfort food.
BCD Tofu House
Sizzling soon tofu at any hour. The ultimate hangover cure and late-night staple.
Hodori
Old-school Korean diner. Huge portions, cheap prices, no frills. Open 24/7.
Ham Ji Park
Famous gamjatang (pork bone soup) and grilled pork. Intense flavors, serious eats.
Korean Fried Chicken & Casual
Kyochon
Thin, crispy coating, Korean-style sauces. Great for groups with beer.
OB Bear
Chi-maek (chicken and beer) done right. Casual, lively, quintessentially K-Town.
Pizza Maru
Korean-style pizza with sweet potato crust. Unique fusion worth trying.
Late Night & Drinking
Dan Sung Sa
Classic Korean drinking food (anju) in a tent-style setting. The vibe is everything.
HMS Bounty
Not Korean, but a K-Town institution. Cheap drinks, old Hollywood vibes, great people-watching.
K-Town LA Tips
- Parking: Use restaurant lots or valet. Street parking in K-Town is brutal.
- No reservations: Most K-BBQ spots don't take reservations. Go early or wait.
- Cash helps: Some spots are cash only or give discounts for cash.
- All-you-can-eat deals: Great for groups. Fixed price, unlimited meat.
- Late night is king: K-Town peaks from 10pm-2am. The later, the livelier.
- Koreatown Plaza: Food court for quick, cheap Korean food.