10 Best Activities To Do In Koreatown
(credit: Lynn Y/shutterstock)
Encompassing roughly three square miles south of Hollywood and just west of Downtown Los Angeles, Koreatown is a thriving and diverse neighborhood. K-town has a flourishing scene of bars, restaurants and some of the best spas in L.A. along with a dense concentration of nightclubs and 24-hour businesses. From having a drink to shopping to going to a spa, there are a plethora of options for those curious to explore, here are 10 of the best.
Have A Drink & People Watch At Koreatown's Best Hotel
The Line Hotel
3515 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 368-3030
www.thelinehotel.com
Inside the boutique and ultra-cool and newer Line Hotel is its watering hole, the Pot Lobby Bar. The supper club which doubles as a hip cocktail spot opens at 5pm and is a great place in Koreatown to sit at their wide hexagonal bar, or on of the circular booths and enjoy drinks and good conversation. Be prepared for some unique cocktails like the Long Island Iced Tea, now made with mezcal, blood orange and aloe vera and soju with kimchi in it. The vibe is as cool as it gets, and with a unique cocktail menu, you'll love it here.
Practice Your Golf Game
Aroma Spa & Sports
3680 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 387-2111
www.aromaresort.com
Spa and sports? Yes, it's true. At Aroma Spa & Sports, this health center offers personalized massage and spa treatments, a comprehensive fitness center and a pool. But, it's also home to a state-of-the-art, four-level, semi-indoor golf driving range. Perched up on Wilshire Blvd. the 150-yard enclosed driving range features 15 teeing stations on each floor where anyone can perfect their stroke. The golf center is also equipped with a computer-aided swing monitoring device and pneumatic height adjustment. It's one of the more popular spots in K-Town.
Sing Karaoke
Shrine
2999 W 6th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90020
(213) 738-5034
Although Shrine is a bit hard to find, it is one of the best karaoke bars in town. Under the Grand Spa building at West Sixth Street and Virgil Avenue, guests will pass a makeshift night market and a stairwell will lead them underground. The Egyptian-themed interior gives the space an exotic feel while guests are drawn to its great atmosphere, tasty Korean dishes and of course its eclectic song selection. It's a great place for parties due to their private rooms, but note that on Friday and Saturday nights, groups must order bottle service, along with food. Other great karaoke spots in the area include SoopSok Karaoke, which some would argue is even better!
Shop For Unique Finds
Daiso
621 S. Western Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90005
(213) 637-0336
www.daisoglobal.com
Daiso, the Japanese chain store with multiple locations across Los Angeles County, sells most of its items for just a few dollars. This mega store sells a huge range of products including cheap candy, Asian snacks and drinks, stationery and much more. Shoppers can purchase everything from kawaii stationary to multipurpose pens. Their stock changes regularly and many items sell out quickly, so make sure to check out the store often!
Shop At Koreatown's Best Toy Store
Kidsland
3807 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 487-9090
www.kidslandusa.com
Kidsland is home to just about every baby and kid product that your heart can desire. From baby toys, car seats, strollers, feeding-related accessories and much more, the number of offerings may be overwhelming to some. So, if you're looking for baby gear, arts and crafts sets, puppets, health and safety items, or nursery furniture, they've got it.
Cure Yourself
Dongguk
440 Shatto Pl.
Los Angeles, CA 90020
(213) 487-0150
www.dula.edu
Dongguk is both a destination to cure a variety of ailments as well as an accredited and approved institution offering a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine and Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. At their clinic, patients can choose from: acupuncture, cupping, electro-acupuncture, herbal formulas, moxibustion and tuna to cure any aches, pains or diseases.
Grill Your Own Korean Cuisine
Multiple Restaurants
There's so many terrific Koreatown restaurants where you can grill your own food that it would be criminal to list just one here. Favorites in Koreatown include the always popular Soowon Galbi Restaurant, which made it on our list of Best Eats In Koreatown, as well as spots like Sun Ha Jang. Korean barbecue restaurants are a plenty throughout L.A. and this is one that certainly sticks out. The small restaurant added grilled duck at the table a few years ago to supplement the menu heavy with meats (i.e. beef, short ribs and belly pork) and hasn't looked back. Thin slices of duck are thrown on the grill in the manner of bulgogi as an appetizer, while duck fat is used to fry up a bowl of rice. Other great Koreatown restaurants include Soot Bull Jeep, Pot At The Line Hotel, Buil Samgye Tang, Chosun Galbee, Chunju Han-il Kwan, Korea bar food king Dan Sung Sa, Dong Il Jang, Genwa Korean BBQ, Gwang Yang BBQ and Ham Ji Park. More are found between Western Avenue and Vermont Avenue.
See A Great Concert
Wiltern Theatre
3790 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 388-1400
www.wiltern.com
So, The Wiltern Theatre doesn't have much Koreatown influence. It just happens to be in the center of the area. But, regardless, it's one of the best venues to see a concert in all of Los Angeles with its classic and historic Art-Deco landmark design. Located at the Western edge of Koreatown, at the corner of Wilshire Blvd. and Western Ave., The Wiltern Theater is one the largest theatres in L.A. Designed by architect Stiles O. Clements and interior designing by G. Albert Lansburgh, The Wiltern was built in 1931 and is considered among the finest examples of Art Deco architecture. Named to the National Register of Historic Places and declared a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument, the historic venue has been home to legendary concerts from Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan and more recent bands like Broken Bells.
Grab Drinks At Koreatown's Best Gastropubs
Biergarten
www.biergartenla.com
Established in 2010, Biergarten is a contemporary local neighborhood beer hall serving 25 taps of German, Belgian and American craft beers. This Koreatown hot spot also offers an American-Korean fusion menu, including delicious small and large plates, and great dessert, with favorites being the Tempura Fries, Chosun Burger and Kimchi Pancakes.
Get Relaxed
Wi Spa
2700 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90057
(213) 487-2700
www.wispausa.com
Offering many different treatments such as massages, body scrubs and skincare services, with the most authentic Korean spa experience different from a western spa, Wi Spa is a 48,000 square feet multi floor family spa located just on the outskirts of Koreatown. It's one of the best in town, and with a small charge for regular admission, it's a great bargain for what you get!
