Ever since a large neighborhood in Los Angeles became home to the Korean community, it has become a hub for its food and culture. When in Los Angeles and craving some Korean food, the various coffee shops, restaurants, and more in the neighborhood are sure to satisfy your soul.
The Restaurant Guelaguetza
Koreatown is a well-established neighborhood in LA, where you will see the names of the shops of every basic need written in hangul, an alphabet in the Korean language. From hair salons to florists, from grocery shops to Michelin-star restaurants, the Korean residents have it all. One of the must-visit places here is the VIP Palace. Although it got shut down decades ago, since 2001, it has been serving people some of the best food under a new name. Today, people recognize it as Guelaguetza, an Oaxacan-Angeleno family-owned restaurant. People visiting this restaurant can spend some time at the patio which was recently renovated from a parking spot. The locals will recommend you to definitely try the rice sauces, sourced from Oaxaca while you are living here. These sauces are a perfect blend of nuts, peppers, fruits, artisanal chocolate, spices, and seeds.
The Ham Ji Park and Dan Sung Sa
For people who can’t get enough of pork, there is definitely no other place better than Ham Ji Park. Order yourself some pork ribs and pork-neck stew with a side of the Pacific and you will be lost in the wonderful blast of flavors in your mouth. Another place in town for you to eat, drink, and relax in Koreatown is Dan Sung Sa. Here, you will be greeted with classical Korean vibes. Amazing graffiti and finger-licking food are what will make you want to stay for long. Do not skip out on trying the grilled squid, a specialty of theirs.
What Else to Do in Koreatown
In addition to all the food items that await you in Koreatown, there is a lot more for guests. With many historic landmarks such as the Art Deco Wiltern Theater and the Gaylord Apartments, you can take a walk and explore many such places here. For people who are into shopping, the streets of the main market are also known for some of the best fabrics. As the sun starts to set, you can end your day while sipping on some exceptional beverages at the many establishments lined up across the town.