Koreatown

Located in central Los Angeles, Koreatown has become known as a hip gathering center for Koreans, tourists, and party-goers. Koreatown covers, 3 square miles (unofficially), the center of which is at the intersection of Irolo Street and West Olympic Blvd.

In the midst of Koreatown, tourists will find modern establishments including Asian high-fashion boutiques, nightclubs, businesses, and restaurants. Karaoke studios abound and attract Koreans and non-Koreans alike. Authentic Korean samplings include foods such as bulgogi and kimchee or Hite, a Korean beer.

Hee Deok Lee, a Korean immigrant, established Koreatown in the 1970's by opening a grocery store and displaying neon "Koreatown" signs in what was then known as the Willshire center. Previously, the area earned note by housing the Ambassador Hotel, sight of the Academy Awards and was the site of the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. Since the 1970's, the area has seen a population boom and has become home to energetic nightlife, prolific cultural traditions and the largest population density in the city of Los Angeles.

Koreatown attractions include the Wiltern Theatre, the Korean American Museum, the La Aju Tour, and Seoul International Park, among others. From Los Angeles International Airport, Koreatown is located 25 minutes northeast of LAX by car and less than one mile south of the Ambassador Hotel.