37 Reasons to Live in Koreatown
If you are thinking about living in Koreatown, we are excited for you!
When you look at apartments for rent in Los Angeles, location is everything. There are so many unique neighborhoods in LA, each with a different living experience and personality.
Billed as one of the most unique cities within the City of Los Angeles, Koreatown often feels like crossing the border into a new country. It is an always developing and exciting neighborhood to be living in. There are plenty of perks to renting an apartment in this affordable and highly walkable area.
Honestly, it’s one of our favorite neighborhoods in all of LA. Living in Koreatown is such a cool experience and a part of the city that provides so much history, culture, and cuisine.
Here are our top reasons why you should move to Koreatown:
37 Best Things About Living in Koreatown, LA
There Is An Abundance of Great Food: Where to Eat in Koreatown
Koreatown is jam-packed full of amazing restaurants and cafes. It is, of course, the neighborhood where you can find the very best Korean BBQ in Los Angeles, but it also is home to a wide range of cuisines.
Chinese, Indian, and Japanese restaurants are not hard to come by in Koreatown, but it’s also well known for its fantastic Mexican food. Sometimes the cuisines are even blended like at
Kogi BBQ, a Mexican-Korean fusion food truck.
We recommend you try…
- Soowon Galbi for the BEST Korean BBQ
- Hae Jang Chong again, KBBQ and also a fantastic date spot
- Anju House for great tapas and ambiance
- Hangari Kalguksu a delicious, women-owned spot
- Enchant for brunch
- K Pasa for awesome tacos
- Don’t forget the food trucks that haunt the area like Downtown Shawarma, Burritos Sahuayo and Pie Pizza. YUM!
Also, if you happen to live near Wilshire and 6th, there’s a woman who walks those blocks selling Tamales and if you’re lucky enough to find her, make sure you buy a bunch!
Variety is the Spice of Life: People Who Live in Koreatown
Koreatown is home to more than 120,000 residents and around 20 percent of the residents of Koreatown are of Korean heritage. The majority of its population is Latino. It is a trilingual area of Los Angeles and you’ll likely hear Korean, Spanish, and English spoken anywhere you go.
All the cultures and backgrounds together make for an incredible melting pot experience.
It’s The Neighborhood That Never Sleeps: Koreatown, LA Nightlife
Move over New York City! Koreatown is the new city that never sleeps.
People know Koreatown for its vibrant nightlife. There are hundreds of bars and nightclubs. In fact, rumor has it that Koreatown has the highest concentration of restaurants and nightclubs in all of Southern California.
If you’re a shower singer, take your talent to the stage at one of Koreatown’s many karaoke bars. Karaoke may just be the neighborhood’s favorite pastime.
It’s not just bars and nightclubs open late – Koreatown is also home to many 24-hour restaurants.
You’ll never be bored or hungry when you live in Koreatown.
Some of our favorite late night spots include…
- Anju House
- Louders
- Honey Night
- Sun Nong Dan (best late night drunk food)
- Damn Fine great little speakeasy behind the Normandie Club
- Pharaoh Karaoke Lounge
Endless Activities: Best Things to Do in Koreatown, LA
If you’re looking to do more than just eat, drink and be merry, Koreatown has something for you as well. Throughout Koreatown in LA, you can find elements that are distinctly Korean.
- Try stopping by Dawooljung to see traditional Korean architecture.
- If you’re looking for some fun and games and you like old school gaming, you can stop by the 88 PC Cafe or book an escape room at Maze Rooms Escape Game. And for the adrenaline rush you can throw axes at Mo’s House of Axe.
- The Aroma Golf Range can be seen from almost anywhere in Ktown and as a bonus has great sunset views.
- You can try acupuncture at Kyung He Acupuncture & Herbs.
- Movie lovers can watch Korean Movies with English subtitles at CGV.
- A visit will not disappoint K-Pop fans to K-Pop Music Town.
Get a feel for Korean style when you stop by
Meehee Hanbok where you can try on and rent traditional Korean dress.
Treating Yourself At The Spa: Best Spas in Koreatown, LA
You can treat yourself to a relaxing spa day on the cheap in Koreatown.
Spend a day at the spa complete with saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, pools, and lots of lovely add-on options (body scrubs, anyone?) for as little as $15 for a day pass.
Many of the spas also have Korean cafes so you can enjoy a great meal while you’re there too.
Honestly, we don’t know why anyone would ever leave!
Great Shopping: Best Koreatown Shops
Part of the fun of living in Koreatown is knowing that what you get here isn’t like what you can buy anywhere else in Los Angeles.
- There are two shopping centers that we highly recommend: Koreatown Plaza and the outdoor shopping center, Madang the Courtyard.
- Chapman Plaza is one of the oldest shopping centers in all of LA. Built in 1929 this center is directly across the street from our buildings, Casa California and the Kenmore Arms.
- If you’re looking for unique items for your home, we love Sixth Sense.
Location, Location, Location: Walkability of Koreatown
Koreatown has a great walking score and is easy to navigate. It is also centrally located making it convenient to get to every other part of Los Angeles using the 10 or 101 freeway, bus, or the subway.
A short bus or subway ride will bring you to Downtown Los Angeles where you can enjoy the art scene, markets, and museums of the revitalized neighborhood.
Koreatown is accessible by both the Purple and Red lines.
The Really Cool Koreatown Apartments for Rent
Even with its cool factor and all that it has to offer Koreatown is still an affordable Los Angeles neighborhood to rent in.
As it was a 1920s hotspot destination for many glamorous Hollywood stars, the glamor lives on and is being revived and restored in our apartment buildings – for example, our building Casa Bella.
Built in the fanciful Spanish Revival style Casa Bella maintains an old-world feel while embracing modern flourishes. Step through the front doors into a grand foyer where a vintage gated elevator is waiting to whisk you up to your apartment.
Each of our Koreatown apartment buildings is unique, as well as conveniently located.
Common Questions About Living in Koreatown, Los Angeles
Where is Koreatown in LA?
Koreatown, lovingly known as K-town to its residents, is located west of Downtown LA and south of Hollywood.
Is Koreatown in LA safe?
The County Sheriff’s department lists Koreatown as one of the top 20% of safe neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Having said that, Koreatown is very much an urban neighborhood. Basic precautions like locking your doors and being aware of your surroundings are good in all urban neighborhoods.
Is Koreatown a good place to live in LA?
Yes! We love Koreatown for its walkability, incredible restaurants, nightlife and unique community makeup. If you’re interested in what it may be like to live here you can contact one of our apartment managers to schedule a tour. Our managers love their neighborhoods and will happily direct you to their favorite Bobba tea joint or lunch spot.
How much does it cost to live in Koreatown?
According to Zumper, “the median price for all bedroom counts and property types in Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA is $1,895. This is -5% lower than the national average.”
At Urban LA we specialize in revitalizing 1920’s buildings in the Koreatown neighborhood. Our buildings offer a blend of studios and one bedroom apartments and range from $1,495 to $2,100.
Check out our
available apartments and pack your things! It’s time to move to Koreatown.
