Koreatown, or K-Town as it is more affectionately known, is a metropolitan community located in the heart of Los Angeles. This bustling city within a city is known for its 24-hour establishments, unique architectural buildings and thriving nightlife.
Where is Koreatown?
Koreatown is located in central Los Angeles, in the Mid-Wilshire area, just four miles south of Hollywood, and three miles west of Downtown L.A. It is flanked by other easily accessible neighborhoods such as Silverlake, Larchmont, Westlake and East Hollywood.
History
The area is densely populated with approximately 104,000 residents. It’s a cultural hub of diversity, comprising a plurality of ethnic groups including Latino and Korean populations. As one of the most progressive areas of L.A., Koreatown is filled with young singles, urban professionals and artistic types.
Lifestyle
What to Do
If you’re looking for activity, you will never lack for things to do here. K-Town’s convenient location presents easy access to some of L.A.’s greatest attractions, such as Santa Monica Beach and the Staples Center, as well as other cultural venues (The Wiltern Theatre) and important places celebrating the Korean heritage (the Korean American Museum, The Korean Pavilion).
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Moreover, Koreatown has a flourishing art scene. One of L.A.’s most popular elements is the Downtown Art Walk, an event which showcases music, art and fashion – every month on the 2nd Thursday – thus making it an ideal location for photographers and artists.
Looking for great shopping? Two hidden gems in the area are the Koreatown Galleria and the Koreatown Plaza. Both are family-friendly shopping centers that boast many globally branded stores, and a delicious selection of eateries. Koreatown is also home to the popular Wilshire Central Farmers Market, which takes place every Friday.
Where to Eat & Drink
Many people complain that Los Angeles shuts down too early, but residents of Koreatown never have to worry about that. K-Town is known for being the city that never sleeps. There are multiple 24-hour businesses available including karaoke bars, tea houses, spas and restaurants. It even holds the record for the highest concentration of restaurants and nightclubs in the country.
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The sprawling neighborhood of Koreatown has plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options at every turn. Most notably, this area is known for offering traditional Latino and Asian cuisine. The Korean barbecue is absolutely fantastic if you’re into strong flavors.
However, if the traditional Korean fare isn’t your style, there are a plethora of American dining establishments to choose from that tantalize the taste buds. Lock and Key, Mountain Cafe and Pollo A La Brasa are all highly ranked among the locals.
Moving to Koreatown
Real Estate Snapshot
Already known for its vibrant nightlife and varied dining scene, K-Town is currently emerging as a welcoming place to live, with new developments, converted warehouses and revamped properties sprucing up the entire neighborhood. Art Deco buildings and historic structures with vintage architecture beautifully sit on palm-lined boulevards. Quaint mid- and high-rise towers make up most of the area’s buildings, including a rich throng of pre-1940 brick colonial revival designs.
Koreatown apartments tend to be less expensive than in neighboring Los Feliz or East Hollywood, with plenty of lodging options, from stylish condos to cozy studios or cool rehabs, to suit any style and budget.
While there isn’t a tremendous amount of single-family residences, this area offers multiple rental options, including studios and multi-bedroom apartments.
Transportation
Well-served by public transit and close to Downtown’s employment core, Koreatown is a first-choice for many Angelenos who look for both convenience and affordability in their apartment choices.
Schools & Employment
There are over 20 public schools and private schools within the Koreatown school district. Many of the schools offer special programs such as Advanced Placement Classes, Bilingual Education, Blue Ribbon Schools, Before and After School Programs and more. Koreatown is also in close proximity to USC (4 miles) and UCLA (12.6 miles), making it an ideal location for college students.
Home to Asiana Airlines and multiple businesses such as bars and restaurants, there are plenty of job opportunities here.
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