Is Los Angeles your next vacation destination? If so, then you have surely made a perfect choice. You will just be overwhelmed and amazed with all that you see and do in this sprawling city, which is constantly on the move. Get ready to experience all the joys that this city and its neighborhoods have to offer. Today, I will be taking you on a virtual tour of a city within a city. Koreans would know this particularly better when they visit the “Koreatown”. This neighborhood will give a feeling as though one is actually in a Korean city. But for those who are essentially other than Koreans, they would get a feel as though they are visiting a country within a country. Marvelous, isn’t it!
The Koreatown in Los Angeles is one of its most remarkable and interesting neighborhoods. The first glimpse of this neighborhood would give you an instant feeling that it is impenetrable, particularly in a vast city like Los Angeles. As you explore through this area you will come across residences of Korean immigrants, strip malls, markets and many restaurants. In fact, you will feel intimidated by the rocking nightlife, fascinating culture and fabulous food.
Believe me, you will simply fall in love with Koreatown and want to visit it again and again on your visit to Los Angeles. It seems as though you are exploring an entirely new city within a city. Some of the places here have stark resemblance to those in Asia. It’s completely foreign in America though, but 100 percent Los Angeles. This spectacular melting pot of cultures is full of amazing hidden delights just waiting to be discovered by you.
As you hurtle down in Koreatown for your incredible exploration, here are some the facts and interesting things that you should know about this magnificent place.
Koreatown is huge
Koreatown is quite huge area-wise. It is spread in an area of nearly 3 square miles and is among the densely populated areas in Los Angeles. It is situated in the south of Hollywood and to the west of downtown. This neighborhood forms a part of the Mid-Wilshire district. During the 1920s and 1930s this area remained a hotspot for Hollywood celebrities. The famous Ambassador Hotel was located here. It was at this hotel that the Academy Awards were hosted in the 1930s and 1940s. Though the Ambassador Hotel was demolished in 2005, but you can still see the old glamor of yesteryears reflected in other buildings found throughout the newer strip malls.
A hotpot of cultures
Koreatown came into being during the 1970s after California was flooded by a large number of South Korean immigrants. However, this huge Korean settlement had to face turmoil because of violence and looting that took place during the Los Angeles riots in 1992. This resulted in the massive exodus of Koreans to the city’s suburbs after the riots. However, the area witnessed a renewed development and construction activities during the early 2000s. The area, which is known as Koreatown today, was revitalized once again because of the developmental activities with stations and new subway line coming up. The area is better known as a tri-lingual neighborhood now with its residents speaking Korean, English and Spanish. The city has the biggest Korean population in the United States. However, the Latinos form 58 percent, while the Koreans are 22 percent here. People from other nationalities such as Pakistani, Vietnamese, Brazilian and Bangladeshi are also found here.
Koreatown is abuzz 24/7
With people from diverse nationalities, Koreatown exudes vibrancy and is abuzz 24/7. The area boasts of a thrilling nightlife more than what one would find in other cities. You can enjoy good food whenever you want with the trend of 24-hour restaurants fast catching up. You will discover many karaoke clubs, high-end cocktail speakeasies and dive bars to keep you entertained whole night. In fact, it is said that Koreatown is the only place in Southern California with the highest numbers of nightclubs and restaurants.
Fabulous food available
If you are looking for the best Korean barbecue in the United States then consider visiting Koreatown. The amazing eateries such as Genwa and Park’s are renowned for serving delicious meat dishes. You can also look forward to savoring various kinds of small side dishes served along with rice, and also yummy banchan as well. All types of Korean specialty that you just might be looking for is available here, be it stews, raw fish salads, porridge and soups. Apart from Korean restaurants, this area is also home to some of the best Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles. You can expect here some really good, refreshing fruity tropical mescal cocktails, grilled meats, and live musical performances on weekends.
So, what are you waiting for now. Consider a visit to Koreatown on your next vacation to Los Angeles. You will find this ethnic neighborhood enticing and interesting.
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