Koreatown Los Angeles is far more than just another historic and trendy LA neighborhood – it’s also one of the best places to eat, shop, and play. This is one of the most dense neighborhoods in Los Angeles so it’s easy to get lost in the noise.
Following the footsteps of those in the know (yep, that would be us), we’ll give you the skinny on the best things to do in Koreatown.
Koreatown LA, founded by Korean immigrants in the early 1900s, is a lively community spanning over 150 city blocks, boasting more than 5,000 businesses and 500+ restaurants.
As you might guess, Koreatown is loaded with great Korean food, especially Korean BBQ (Barbeque), otherwise known as KBBQ. We’ll skip this, as you can get extensive insider info on the top Korean barbeque joints here.
Koreatown is one-stop shopping for an immersive LA experience, from indoor golf to the hottest karaoke bars. In fact, our largest saturation of museums is just along Wilshire Blvd., which includes the Museum of Contemporary Art, The Broad, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Pharaoh Karaoke Lounge
3680 Wilshire Blvd Ste B-02 Los Angeles, CA 90010
Pharaoh Karaoke Lounge is one of the best-kept secrets of the best karaoke bars. This bar is known for its amazing atmosphere, great drinks, and of course, incredible karaoke. Pharaoh Karaoke Lounge has been voted one of the best karaoke bars in Los Angeles, and it’s not hard to see why.
With a full bar and 34 private rooms, this is a mecca for you part-time crooners and crooner-ettes. Dubbed the largest karaoke bar in Koreatown, the interior is upscale and equipped with various lasers, LED strobes, and neon-filled decor. Suffice it to say you will truly be in the spotlight when you hit the stage.
They also offer packages that include food and drink so you can make an evening out of it while celebrating your birthday, or anniversary, or just looking for a reason to coral your closet BFFs.
CGV Cinemas Movie Theater
621 S Western Ave, Los Angeles CA 90005
If you’re looking for something a little more down-tempo than the high energy of a crowded karaoke bar, you can still have an immersive experience at the CGV Cinemas movie theater, another of our top things to do in Koreatown. We mentioned some top luxury movie theaters in the Los Angeles area, but this one does peculiar things.
With our mission reflecting our old-standing slogan, “Funplex,” CGV Cinemas movie theater offer premium seating, 4D effects, and rewards membership programs.
The adjacent parking lot offers 4 hours of validation. So plenty of time to catch dinner and show – or maybe squeeze in that one song stuck in your head at the local Karaoke bars.
This place is known for showing Korean movies with English subtitles, so you can keep it real while looking for the best things to do in Koreatown. So what’s their 4D experience?
In every dedicated 4DX® auditorium, motion chairs and multisensory environmental effects such as wind, bubbles, lightning, fog, water, rain, air shots, and scents work perfectly synchronicity with the action on screen. OK, so maybe not as down-tempo as you thought, but it makes this theater stand out from your typical movie-going adventure.
Koreatown Plaza
928 South Western Avenue,
Los Angeles, CA 90006
Some of us were born to shop, and Koreatown Plaza hits all the right notes with restaurants, K-pop stores, boutique shops, and a nice place to relax.
Prepare to be enchanted by the rich tapestry of Korean culture at the crossroads of 9th and Western, where this captivating destination beckons with its irresistible allure.
It’s a must-visit spot for anyone seeking to delve deep into the heart of Korean traditions and immerse themselves in its vibrant heritage.
With over 70 shops in the 3-story indoor-outdoor mall, you can hit the music plaza to bone up on your K-Pop music collection or browse around Fancy House, which carries knick-knacks, stationery, Hello Kitty, K-pop paraphernalia, and Korean plush toys.
The popular food court has an international charm, so you won’t have any trouble finding food that hits the spot. With various stalls offering street food and quick meals for people in a rush, you’ll be hard-pressed for an excuse to skip this mall. There’s also a sizeable supermarket located inside Koreatown Plaza.
So what’s the relaxing part? Comfortable seating areas and seasonal flowers add to the ambiance of Koreatown Plaza, and enjoying a cultural meal in the spacious center court gives you time to plan out your spree.
Aroma Gold Range
3680 Wilshire Blvd Unit 301., Los Angeles, CA 90010
Speaking of shopping malls that go the extra mile, inside the Aroma Shopping Center, you’ll find one of LA’s most significant indoor golf ranges. So after shopping that includes a fitness center, spa, and dining, you can knock a few out of the park at the driving range. If you need more of a view while whacking the heck out of those little balls, then opt for these golf courses with epic views.
The four-level, 150-yard, state-of-the-art range has a computer-aided swing monitoring device, pneumatic height adjustment, and a fully automated tee-up system.
If you decide golfing is a better career choice than shopping, they also offer Professional golf school programs. A golf club might not be the best gadget to exercise with, but we understand the sport’s therapeutic angle. That’s probably why Scottsdale Arizona has so many word-champion golf courses.
Maze Rooms Escape Game
132 S Vermont Ave Unit 204, Los Angeles, CA 90004
If you’re in the mood to challenge yourself in a fun way, then Maze Rooms escape game in Koreatown is definitely one of the top things you can do. Here, you’ll figure out ways to unmask a villain or tap into the psyche of a mastermind who just committed a heist. What better way to kill some time?
Offering 5 different types of escape room games (or mazes), you can choose an adventure from Sky Odyssey, The Abyss, Magic Kingdom, Lunar Mission, and Secret Mission.
We like the high difficulty level of the Lunar Mission. Per the website: “Was it a massive computer glitch? Sabotage? Or maybe something even more sinister? There’s no time for speculation – all you know is that you only have 60 minutes to escape, and you better not forget that research sample!”
You get a comprehensive backstory which should help give you clues about saving your team, and to the best of our knowledge, everyone in this room has been able to escape. So have some fun and don’t stress.
Park’s BBQ
955 S Vermont Ave G, Los Angeles, CA 90006, United States
Park’s BBQ has been a go-to destination for high-profile clientele since its opening in 2003, attracting high-profile clients, including Hollywood celebrities, K-Pop stars, and professional athletes from Southern California’s top teams.
This beloved restaurant specializes in Korean BBQ, which is a must-try for anyone who loves grilled meats and bold flavors. Located in Los Angeles’ Koreatown neighborhood, Park’s BBQ has been serving up mouthwatering Korean cuisine for over 20 years.
One of the main attractions of Park’s BBQ is their traditional Korean BBQ, where you can choose from a variety of meats, including beef, pork, chicken, and seafood, and grill them yourself at your table.
But what makes the experience at Park’s truly unique is the interactive aspect of the meal.
Guests are encouraged to grill the meats themselves, making it a fun and hands-on way to enjoy a meal with friends and family.
Each table is equipped with all the necessary utensils, along with an assortment of dipping sauces and pickled vegetables to enhance the flavors of the meats.
In addition to the food, Park’s BBQ offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with rustic decor and friendly service. The restaurant is often busy, so reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times.
Korean Cultural Center
The Korean Cultural Center is a special place that offers a glimpse into Korean culture and history. Located in Los Angeles, it is a hub for promoting Korean culture and fostering cultural exchange between Korea and the United States.
The center offers a variety of programs and events, including exhibitions, film screenings, performances, and education classes, all designed to showcase the richness and diversity of Korean culture.
Another unique aspect of the Korean Cultural Center is its film screenings. The center regularly hosts film festivals and screenings of Korean movies, and interesting stories, allowing visitors to experience the vibrancy and diversity of Korean cinema.
The Korean Cultural Center is a unique and special place that provides a window into Korean culture and history. Whether you’re interested in art, film, or education, the center offers something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate.
Anko
400 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020, United States
Anko is a popular Korean shaved ice dessert that has been around for ages. This sweet treat is perfect for anyone who wants to cool down on a hot summer day.
The dessert includes shaved ice topped with sweetened red bean paste, condensed milk, and different toppings like mochi balls or fresh fruit.
One of the best things about Anko is its versatility. You can customize it by adding your favorite toppings or flavorings. This is achieved using special machines that finely shave the ice into delicate flakes, creating a texture similar to freshly fallen snow.
Some people prefer their Anko with green tea powder, while others like to add chocolate syrup or caramel sauce. No matter what you choose, this dessert will satisfy your sweet tooth and refresh you.
Liberty Park
3700 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Liberty Park is a beautiful, serene public park in the heart of Koreatown in Los Angeles. This park is a popular spot for both locals and visitors to relax, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors. It offers a tranquil oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, making it a perfect place to escape and unwind.
Situated along the bustling Wilshire Boulevard, Liberty Park is a vibrant and dynamic hub that draws people from all walks of life. This park is renowned for its lively festivals, bustling street markets, and lively World Cup viewings, making it a popular destination for Korean Americans and other communities.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy delicious Korean cuisine, coffee shops or shop for unique gifts and souvenirs, or simply soak up the lively atmosphere of a community festival, Liberty Park is one of the interesting places to be. With its prime location and vibrant energy, it’s no wonder that this park has become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.
Wiltern Theater
3790 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010, United States
The Wiltern Theater, located in the heart of Los Angeles, is a stunning Art Deco building steeped in history and culture. Initially built in the late 1920s, the theater has undergone several transformations, from a vaudeville house to a movie palace to its current incarnation as a premier live music venue.
One of the most striking aspects of the Wiltern is its Art Deco design, which is characterized by its use of geometric shapes, bold colors, and intricate details.
As one of LA’s top-tier landmarks, The Wiltern is a testament to the glamour and elegance of the Art Deco period. Every inch of this theater exudes sophistication and style, from the intricate details on the walls and ceiling to the plush velvet seats and ornate chandeliers.
And with its prime location just a few miles from Koreatown, The Wiltern is the perfect destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the rich cultural history of Los Angeles.
Conclusion
With large malls, KBBQ, late-night dining, and pretty much Karaoke bar heaven, Koreatown is more than a cultural destination; it’s a blast to explore. We didn’t mention it’s also saturated with French bakeries and the best coffee joints, and it’s located close to downtown LA so you can do a little business and do a lot of fun things all on the same day.
