KOREATOWN

Koreatown is an adventure-seekers paradise: although the neighborhood is only 3 square miles, it could take years to discover all the hole-in-the-walls, back alley restaurants and locals' favorites. Having lived in South Korea for a year, we can attest that wandering the streets of K-town is reminiscent to being in Seoul or Pusan, with the delicious smells of barbecued pork, the sounds of loud conversations in Korean, and shopping center after shopping center under flashing neon signs.

The food is a main attraction, and if you ask an Angeleno what their favorite Korean barbecue (or gogigui) spot is, you are bound to hear a variety of different responses. Soowon Galbi and Park's BBQ are arguably two of the best and most well-known, although it's important to remember that Korean cuisine goes beyond just good barbecue (try jajangmyeon, bibimbap or jigae).

People always complain that LA shuts down at 2am, unlike other big cities like Miami or New York. But Koreatown is one of LA's only 24-hour neighborhoods: karaoke rooms, arcades, restaurants, and even spas often stay open 24 hours a day, and you can find something to do (or eat!) almost any hour of the day or night. So come hungry, and get ready to explore one of LA's best-kept secrets.

Stop 1: Caffe Bene

Caffe Bene is K-town's "other" coffee chain. It's only been in Los Angeles about a year, but it's quickly gaining popularity over Tom N Toms. The cafe has a very cool urban decor, and looks exactly like a coffee shop you might walk into in Seoul: there's a waffle menu, quotes about love on the walls, and the welcoming "Annyeonghaseyo!" from baristas. We tried a nonfat misugaru latte, described as a "multi-grained drink" that tastes a lot like peanut butter. Very delightful.

3287 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles.

Stop 2: Kobawoo House

The smells of K-town were making us hungry already, so we quickly popped over to Kobawoo House, one of Koreatown's older restaurants. The traditional "home-style" restaurant specializes in bossam (steamed pork belly, kimchi, raw garlic and shrimp paste wrapped up in a cabbage leaf), but we ordered kimchee jjigae (a kimchi stew made with ingredients like scallions, tofu, and seafood - perfect for a cold day or a hangover!) and pajeon (one of our favorites - a cross between a pancake and a quiche, made with green onions and seafood). Truly, truly delicious.

698 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles.

Stop 3: Wilshire Spa

A day in Koreatown would not be complete without a trip to a Korean spa. There are plenty of them all over K-town, but we found a great Groupon ($11 entry!) at Wilshire Spa, right in the heart of the neighborhood. The grotto-like spa is small but clean, and includes a dry sauna, hot sauna, several hot and cold pools, as well as two mineral salt rooms. Scrub, seaweed wrap, facial and massage services are also available. Great for the price point, but less toiletries available than other jjimjilbangs (and no snack bar). We left feeling relaxed, happy, and in need of a long nap.

Insider's tip: If you've never visited a Korean spa before, be aware that it's all nude (no bathing suits allowed). You are expected to shower before entering the spa area, and a locker, basket with towel, and sandals are provided. 

3442 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 100, Los Angeles.

Stop 4: Mr. BOBA

We were hot and thirsty after leaving the spa, so decided a cool treat was in order. Mr. BOBA has it all: slushies, frozen yogurt, milk tea, smoothies, and even "vampire juices" (carrot, beet, celery and orange). The avocado smoothie came highly recommended, but we ordered the Taro Boba ("boba" is a tea-based drink with tapioca pearls) and Mango Slushie. Both were just yummy, and there were plenty of red benches to relax on. Mr. BOBA also has board games like Jenga and Mad Gab available to play!

3525 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles.

Stop 5: Han Kook Supermarket

We LOVE Asian markets - fresh (and usually inexpensive!) produce, Japanese candy, and lots of seafood. This Korean supermarket has all that and more, with a banchan station (small Korean side dishes), kimchee GALORE (white kimchee, green water kimchee, cucumber kimchee, among many others), Korean barbecue sauces, rice wine, dried jujubes. A wonderful place to explore and try something new!

Insider's tip: head to the back of the store for red bean pancakes in the shape of fish. Yummy!

124 N Western Avenue, Los Angeles.

Stop 6: Yang San Bak

Yang San Bak is a Korean barbecue (or KBBQ!) joint known for its high-quality meats. Their combo platters offer great options: we ordered Combo B2 with beef brisket, pork belly, rib finger, beef sirloin and one large beer. The banchan plates arrived quickly, and they cook the meat with kimchi. We wrapped the meat in rice paper or lettuce leaves with ssamjung (soybean paste sauce that is SO GOOD). We guarantee that you will leave with a fully belly and a full heart. 

3601 W 6th Street, Los Angeles.

The Details:

Koreatown is an incredibly walkable neighborhood. We took the Metro Red Line to the Wilshire/Vermont station and walked the rest of the day.

A map of our day looks something like this: