Koreatown: Hotel Normandie LA’s Historic Backyard
Visit Koreatown Los Angeles, a cultural epicenter of LA and home to the historic Koreatown Hotel Normandie. Boasting an eclectic mix of authentic Korean restaurants, boutique shops and vibrant nightlife, Koreatown - or K-town - is one of the hottest destinations to eat, play and stay in LA.
Learn more about our neighborhood before an upcoming stay in Koreatown at Hotel Normandie.
The History of Koreatown Los Angeles
Like so much in Los Angeles, the history of Koreatown has long entwined with the glittering lights of Hollywood. K-town's Westland Park proved a popular filming location for stars such as Charlie Chaplin as early as the 1920's. After the turn of the decade, the famous Ambassador hotel in Koreatown played host to the Academy Awards four times from 1930-1934.
A shifting housing market in the 1950's and changes to immigration laws in 1965 brought a large influx of Korean-born or descended immigrants to the area centered on Eighth Street and Western Avenue. The large population and significant cultural influence led City Hall to officially designate the area as Koreatown in 1978.
The 90's and 00's saw a rapid growth in the Latin population. Today Koreatown is one of LA's most ethnically and culturally diverse neighborhoods and home to our Koreatown hotel.
Koreatown: The Place to Be in LA
It's no surprise that Koreatown has become one of the hottest destinations in Los Angeles. The location just west of downtown LA and only minutes from Hollywood makes K-town a convenient central destination for visitors of all kinds to come together in celebration of influences old and new, of established cultures with centuries of history combined with the young, energetic diversity of today.
Also unique among most Los Angeles neighborhoods, Koreatown is pedestrian-friendly. The densely packed neighborhood covers no more than 3-square miles. You're never far from something exciting to see or do. And better yet, it's all just steps from Koreatown's Hotel Normandie LA.
Things to Do in Koreatown: Attractions, Dining, Nightlife
Hotel Normandie is located on South Normandie Avenue and W 6th Street at Wilshire Center, just on the edge of Koreatown. From our front door, some of the most exciting Koreatown attractions, restaurants and nightclubs are only a short walk away.
Restaurants in Koreatown: Hotel Normandie's Local Dining
Soowon Galbi
856 S Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90005
Website
One of the places to enjoy authentic Korean BBQ.
Beverly Soon Tofu
2717 W. Olympic Boulevard #108
Los Angeles, CA 90006
Website
Specializing in soon tofu soups, Beverly Soon Tofu was an original when it opened in Koreatown in 1986 and it still sets the standard to this day.
Mapo Kkak Doo Gee Restaurant
3611 W 6th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90020
A hidden gem featuring traditional Korean dumpling soups. Located in easy walking distance to Hotel Normandie in Koreatown.
Bars and Nightclubs in Koreatown, Los Angeles
R Bar
3331 W 8th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90005
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This under-the-radar dive exudes cool with its classic America speakeasy vibe. Occasional live music. Stay plugged to their Facebook page for the day's password.
Café Brass Monkey
3440 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90005
Website
A favorite for karaoke in Koreatown, offered every night of the week.
S Bar
3240 Wilshire Boulevard, #401
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Website
Good music and fabulous drinks in a high end atmosphere. This is the ideal place to start - and end - a night.
Attractions in Koreatown
Koreatown Plaza
928 S Western Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90006
Website
A family-friendly shopping mall with an abundance of Korean boutiques and other shops.
Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles
5505 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Website
Explore the rich history and traditions of Korea at this esteemed cultural center.
The Wiltern
3790 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90010
This historic music venue is now a top destination for live entertainment in Koreatown, boasting an assortment of big name and local acts with shows multiple nights a week. Learn more about L.A. Music Venues.