When it comes to Los Angeles neighborhoods, Koreatown is hard to beat. Ten, and even five short years ago, the neighborhood was relatively closed off to non-Koreans. Many of the older residents still don’t speak English, and every cop, bank, post office, and grocery store employee in the area only really lasts if they can speak Korean with the residents. “I really love Koreatown because it’s one of the more authentic neighborhoods in L.A.,” says Jennifer Lee, who you probably know best as TOKiMONSTA. She’s been a resident there for years and knows the ins-and-outs of the best spots to eat, drink, shop, stay, and relax.
According to Lee, although there are a few outlying American cultural mainstays, like iconic music venue The Wiltern, the true gems are independent businesses whose owners are still warming up to new non-Korean patrons. They come in droves seeking out Korean BBQ at places like the eclectic Kang Ho-Dong Baekjeong, acupuncture from the mother-daughter team that runs the Dr. Na AcuChiro TMJ Clinic, and food truck pioneer Roy Choi’s Korean fusion food experiences at The Line Hotel. “It’s also totally walkable, which is rare in L.A.,” notes Lee. So the next time you find yourself in Los Angeles without wheels, head to Koreatown to stroll to one—or all—of her favorite spots.
Han Bat Sul Lung Tang
Bourbon Street Cafe
Brew/Well
Kang Ho-Dong Baekjeong
The Line Hotel
Beer Belly
The Wiltern
Koreatown Plaza
Dr. Na AcuChiro TMJ Clinic
Wi Spa
