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Centrally located just three miles outside of downtown Los Angeles, and with more than 300,000 residents, Koreatown is one of the highest-populated, most bustling neighborhoods in the city. It’s also one of the most diverse. With excellent international fare, great nightlife, historic Art Deco architecture and easy access to a number of the city’s major thoroughfares, it’s an exciting and lively spot to call home.
Despite the name, this part of town hosts a number of ethnicities in addition to its Korean population, from Latino families to white hipsters living on the outskirts of downtown. The high percentage of residents born in another country, coupled with the relatively low rent, makes this neighborhood one of the city’s biggest melting pots, although it’s only five square miles in total area. You’ll find students living alongside sales professionals, next door to artists and food & beverage works—it’s a dynamic, thriving neighborhood for all walks of life.
Stop by the historic Chapman Plaza, an indoor market full of restaurants and shopping, or the Wiltern Theatre, one of L.A.’s most iconic historic theatres that still hosts major acts. Seoul International Park (complete with gym and children’s play center) and Shatto Recreation Center (complete with a baseball diamond) round out the area’s community centers, and you’ll also find a number of cultural offerings, like the Korean American National Museum. Don’t forget the proximity to downtown, which brings even more shopping, nightlife and entertainment into play. Koreatown is extremely flat, making it one of the city’s most walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, in any direction. If you’re looking for public transportation, “K-town” has two Metro Rail lines (Purple and Red) running near or through the neighborhood, and multiple bus lines, including DASH neighborhood routes.
With such a diverse population comes an incredible hotbed for dining. Koreatown offers some of the most exciting and authentic cuisine in the city, not to mention a number of bars. In the mood for a craft cocktail? Head to the Lock & Key. Craving Korean barbecue? The options go on and on. You’ll also find karaoke bars, great live music at the Wiltern, shopping at the Koreatown Galleria (with retail, restaurants and its ever-popular Cake House), an annual Korean Festival & Parade, and a popular Earth Day festival each spring.