Reasons To Move to Koreatown If You Are a Foodie
Koreatown is a special part of Los Angeles and is known not just for its amazing range of restaurants but also for the many great housing options and amenities nearby. It’s undoubtedly an up-and-coming area that has proven popular for people from all walks of life, from aspiring actors to international students wanting to experience everything that LA has to offer.
In this article, we’ll look at why Koreatown should be at the top of your list if you’re a foodie. We’ll also list the top eating spots in this beautiful part of the city and unpack how you can decipher whether a restaurant in Koreatown is worth the hype — you can thank us later.
What Housing Options Are There in Koreatown?
If you are considering moving to Koreatown, many great housing options are just a short walk from the area’s center, where you’ll find many great restaurants and hangout spots. While we can’t name all of the great housing options in the area, some of the most popular include Nexen, Nova on Wilshire, and Luna, but make sure to explore the whole neighborhood to find something perfect for your needs. The great thing about Koreatown is that there’s sure to be something for everybody.
Why Move to Koreatown?
Koreatown is a brilliant part of Los Angeles and has obtained a cult-like status, and it’s easy to see why. Below are a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with Koreatown.
Great Transport Links
This part of LA has great transportation links, so you won’t have much trouble getting around. If you decide to grab something to eat with friends and want to go for a drink afterward, you can easily get on a bus, while you’ll also find it easy to hail a cab, not to mention that — wherever you are in Koreatown — there are plenty of great spots within walking distance.
Plenty of Foodie Options
While Koreatown is best known for its many Korean restaurants, there are many more options available, which we’re sure you’ll quickly discover. Because this part of Los Angeles is such a cultural melting pot, you’ll find restaurants serving cuisine from around the world within a short distance. At the same time, its proximity to Little Bangladesh means you’ll have easy access to great Southeast Asian food as well.
It’s a Walkable, Safe Neighborhood
One of the main things people love about Koreatown is its walkability. Unlike many parts of the LA area, Koreatown feels like a community, and you won’t need to own a car to get from A to B. It’s a very pedestrian-friendly area, and you’ll have a lot of great places to weave into your routine within a short distance, including fantastic restaurants and artisanal grocery stores.
What Are the Best Restaurants in Koreatown?
Luckily, Los Angeles boasts some of the best Korean restaurants outside of the Korean Peninsula, and we have so many options available, so you can be sure that you’ll be able to find somewhere to eat no matter what time of day (or night) it is.
Soban
If you’re planning a night out with friends, make sure to book a table at Soban — one of Koreatown’s best eateries. Soban is named after the lowered tables that are traditional in Korea and serve a variety of options — don’t worry, you won’t need to grill your meat on a tabletop stove here. It’s best known for its fantastic crab dishes, including a soy-marinated raw crab called ganjang gejang. This is a no-frills, authentic restaurant that we’re sure you’ll love!
Park’s BBQ
If you love Korean BBQ, this has got to be near the top of your list. There are many BBQ spots in Los Angeles, and everybody seems to have their favorite, but most people agree that Park’s is one of the best and is perfect for family get-togethers and long-overdue catchups with friends. You’ll have the choicest range of meats and many unique, traditional side dishes that will take your eating experience to another level.
Mapo Chicken
Korean chicken has become something of a cult-like dish in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. At Mapo Chicken, the team knows what they’re best loved for and doesn’t try to complicate things, serving great food that makes people happy. Best enjoyed as part of a group, you can customize your shared dish to your liking once it’s been served, so you’ll have complete control without everybody needing to order different items.
What Makes a Korean Restaurant ‘Good’?
If you plan to move to Koreatown and are a big fan of your food, you must know how to identify an excellent Korean restaurant. While there are many ways to choose somewhere to eat, the number of options available can be overwhelming, so having a shortlist to help you narrow things down can be useful. Here are a few things to help you pick where to eat in Koreatown.
Authentic Food
With Korean food becoming such a popular cuisine in the United States, it’s understandable that more restaurants have opened in recent years. As a result, some may be copycats serving low-quality food that might look great on social media but isn’t authentic to Korean culture. Look out for restaurants owned by first or second-generation Koreans, and read up to find reviews from other foodies who take the food seriously.
Diverse Menu
While in some countries, it’s common for some restaurants to specialize in serving a specific dish — such as ramen shops in Japan — when you’re out for Korean food, keep an eye out for places that serve a wide range of dishes. Popular Korean dishes include bibimbap, bulgogi, kimchi, and a variety of banchan (side dishes), so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore Korea’s culinary staples.
Fresh Ingredients
While you can sometimes get away with serving lower quality foods, especially if they’re prepared over a more extended period or paired with many other items or sauces, this isn’t true for Korean food. When you’re out in Koreatown, ensure the restaurant you’re eating at uses high-quality, fresh ingredients. The use of authentic seasonal produce can significantly enhance the eating experience.
If you’re looking for great food in Los Angeles, Koreatown is a great place to visit and live. You’ll be right in there amongst all the fun and action, while you’ll only be a short walk away from some of the city’s best restaurants, with plenty of great housing options available.
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