Neighborhood Series: Spending the Day in Koreatown

Koreatown is one of LA’s most popular - and populous - neighborhoods, and for good reason. With substantial Korean (of course) and Latino cultural influence, plentiful nightlife, and restaurants for days, listen carefully - you’ll hear this neighborhood calling your name!

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Getting There

• Metro: Take the Metro D (purple) line to Wilshire / Normandy.
• Driving: Park at Central Plaza Parking Garage on S Mariposa for a $5 flat rate on weekends.

Morning

• 10:15am: Get a sense of the area by walking over to 3THYME for a coffee to kickstart the day. Try their specialty misu or injeolmi latte.
• 11:00am: Head Southeast a few blocks to Central Plaza for a mouthwatering scrambled egg sandwich at Egg Tuck.
• 11:45am: In the same plaza, step into the peaceful ambiance of Spa LA (women only, $50 weekend admission) for a midday detox. Choose from massages, facials, saunas, and a variety of rejuvenating rooms (mud, salt, infrared, etc!) to suit your mood. Alternatively, check out the nearby gender-inclusive Crystal Spa ($30 admission).

Afternoon

• 1:45pm: Follow your spa treatment with a treat (for now or later) from Brown Bag Cookies right next door, where you’ll actually find way more than just cookies.
• 2:00pm: Keep up your appetite for lunch just across Wilshire at Moohan Korean BBQ. Make sure to try the short ribs!
• 3:00pm: One block North, check out perfumery, Elorea. Even if scents aren’t your thing, the signature drinks and rooftop patio may tempt you.
• 3:30pm: Time to start walking! Head Southwest about 20 minutes to fuel up with a top notch matcha at DAMO - we hear it’s one of the best matcha spots in LA!
• 4:15pm: Take your matcha to go as you make your way one block South to Koreatown Plaza for some shopping. Make sure to stop at Music Plaza for your K Pop fix, Aritaum for cosmetics, and Saint Cross if you’re in the market for some brand name jewelry.

Evening

• 6:45pm: When you’re done shopping, head North on S Western to K Pasa, a casual Mexican spot offering fusion delights like birria ramen. If you have time, stop into MaDang Courtyard on the same block to check out shops like Aladdin Used Books and memorialize this day at Potobox photo booth.
• 7:30pm: Time to kick off the exciting night ahead! Head one block South to The Wiltern for a show or concert ($50+). Typically doors open at 7 for shows at 8, but make sure to check your show time!
• 10:30pm: Time to stop listening and start singing for yourself. Dive into Koreatown’s famous karaoke scene at a spot like The Venue. If you’re not so into private karaoke rooms, check out speakeasy-style 80s-themed Break Room 86 or head back to 3THYME, which turns into a wine bar on weekend evenings (open until midnight). Stick around or bar hop across the neighborhood, then make your way home when you’re finally wiped!

Tips

• Total walk time: 1h 47m
• This itinerary can be done Tue, Thu-Sat.
• We recommend booking tickets for The Wiltern and any spa treatments in advance. If you want to snag a private karaoke room, you may want to reserve in advance.
• There are a surprising number of gems for golf enthusiasts in K Town! If that’s your sport, check out The City Golf and Aroma Golf Range.

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