Koreatown: The City That Never Sleeps Koreatown, or K-‐Town, as it is more affectionately known, is a metropolitan community located in the heart of Los Angeles. This bustling city, within a city, is known for it’s 24 hour establishments, unique architectural buildings, and thriving nightlife.
photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90008001@N00/13684358263">CicLAvia: Iconic Wilshire Blvd.</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-‐nc-‐sa/2.0/">(license)</a
Koreatown is located in central Los Angeles, in the Mid-‐Wilshire area, just four miles south of Hollywood, and three miles west of Downtown L.A. It is flanked by other easily accessible neighborhoods such as Mid-‐City, Silverlake, Larchmont, and Westlake. Koreatown is heavily populated with approximately 120,000 occupants. It’s a cultural hub of diversity, comprised of mostly Latino and Korean populations. Koreatown is one of the most progressive areas of L.A. It is filled with young singles, urban professionals, and artistic types.
Local Attractions/Culture If you’re looking for activity, you will never lack for things to do. Its convenient location presents easy access to some of L.A.’s greatest attractions, such as Santa Monica Beach, and the Staples Center. Many people complain that Los Angeles shuts down too early, but residents of Koreatown never have to worry about that problem. Koreatown is known for being the city that never sleeps. There are multiple 24-‐hour businesses available including, karaoke bars, spas, and restaurants. It even holds the record for the highest concentration of restaurants and nightclubs in the country. Subsequently, Koreatown has a flourishing art scene. One of L.A.’s most popular elements is the Downtown Artwalk, which showcases music, art, and fashion, every Thursday night. Thus making Koreatown an ideal location for photographers and artists.
Downtown LA Artwalk
Photo courtesy of Allen Lee https://www.flickr.com/photos/allenjaelee/6780678476/in/photolist-‐bkbKtA-‐ bkbKD3-‐by6DYF-‐by6E7T-‐bkbKP3-‐bkbLvJ-‐bkbL2j-‐9SdWeG-‐6Dw6Y5-‐6DtsWH-‐ 8ttHKN-‐8XxdJo-‐6PAMTD-‐6PEW7L-‐6PARsv-‐6PAU52-‐6PAVni-‐6PAMLZ-‐6PF4hf-‐ 8XuaV6-‐6PF2iS-‐6PAQ7F-‐6PAV1R-‐6PAP4v-‐6PEWi7-‐6PAUM4-‐6PATot-‐6PEVMd-‐ 6PAQgK-‐6PAPc4-‐6PANor-‐6PAPSK-‐6PANTR-‐6PAQwF-‐6PAUvP-‐6PAUgT-‐6PASG2-‐ 6PAQ16-‐6PEWUo-‐6PF3RU-‐6PEYP7-‐6PF3hq-‐6PF1bb-‐6PEX3G-‐6PEYu3-‐6PAPBv-‐ 8tqGrX-‐6PEZsS-‐6PF3w9-‐8SLBjU
Shopping and Dining Options
The sprawling neighborhood of Koreatown has plenty of shopping, food, and beverage options at every turn. Koreatown is rich with culture. Most notably, this area is known for offering traditional Latin and Asian cuisine, in particular their Korean barbecue. If the traditional fare isn’t your style, there are a plethora of American dining establishments to choose from that tantalize the taste buds. Beer Belly, Lock and Key, Mountain Café, and Pollo A La Brasa are all highly ranked amongst the locals.
Korean BBQ Pizza
Photo courtesy of Nate Gray https://www.flickr.com/photos/a-‐culinary-‐photo-‐ journal/4085174296/in/photolist-‐7dZzZA-‐BmYCX-‐faCZqm-‐93DP92-‐73K3hz-‐ aom9Gj-‐m8Zp1C-‐a1Ly1H-‐5TvnFp-‐faCYGy-‐aAm6o8-‐a9L3Gr-‐bq5SBH-‐9UabQ3-‐ 9U9ZVW-‐oWtDyn-‐a6tx7r-‐9UaepN-‐bQALSt-‐3exXdT-‐czaS8G-‐bDtSxk-‐3exX7Z-‐ qxKPAP-‐ehbJ6F-‐c99UfY-‐bxAT69-‐bANSUD-‐czaSbC-‐czaS3b-‐baTeSB-‐b48n1Z-‐oTKCfz-‐ baTgsk-‐b48n3v-‐9U7pVR-‐9U7kEB-‐bq5TEi-‐9U7i8M-‐a6twua-‐aeZtjR-‐8NbisN-‐a6wnLU-‐ 9U9Ysq-‐oeDuFW-‐nxg8Y7-‐a6woAd-‐aorp3P-‐a6woRj-‐bs7e8Q Looking for great shopping? Two hidden gems in the area are the Koreatown Galleria and the Koreatown Plaza. Both are family friendly shopping centers that boast many globally branded stores, and a delicious selection of food eateries. Koreatown is also home to the popular Wilshire Central Farmers Market, which takes place every Friday.
Transportation
Los Angeles is notorious for its difficult parking. Fortunately, Koreatown is an ideal place for exploring Los Angeles car free, as it has excellent access to public transportation. LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) is just 12 miles away. In addition, there are numerous bus routes available on the main streets that transport to different areas of the city. But the public transportation access doesn’t stop there. The metro operates two lines, the Purple Line, which goes through the heart of Koreatown, and stops along Normandi, Wilshire Boulevard, Vermont, and Normandi, and the Redline, which travels as far as Union Station, North Hollywood, and hits a number of different stops throughout the city.
Wilshire -‐ Vermont Station
Photo courtesy of Metro Library and Archive https://www.flickr.com/photos/metrolibraryarchive/2944105912/in/photolist-‐ 5uaj7L-‐6Q3dJk-‐eravLS-‐eraw3L-‐A7owK-‐E8Dis-‐A7orP-‐jA5AUj-‐fC6Xz-‐eUkxR7-‐ 6Q7fTh-‐fC7qe-‐4oYX6y-‐4oUTMX-‐EnknS-‐2U5oL1-‐2U5fHy-‐6EFksg-‐6FaQ3x-‐2U5fKb-‐ 2TZZUH-‐jexVK-‐4XsnWV-‐jexxR-‐2U5qn5-‐4oYWFL-‐5gSdhx-‐a4ZyQY-‐a4WKuT-‐ a4WK7g-‐a4ZAEd-‐a4ZBuC-‐6FeXNu-‐6LZffv-‐7TdqJ9-‐4oUEag-‐fC7x4-‐6Q7iru-‐6Q3aGX-‐ 6Q7gD5-‐6Q7hnG-‐6Q39dK-‐6Q7fvm-‐6Q3czP-‐6Q39zg-‐6Q38Qr-‐6Q3dk2-‐6Q7e2j-‐ bCNYPE-‐q83wF3
Schools
There are approximately 16 public schools and 7 private schools within the Koreatown school district. Paragon-‐re.com lists Koreatown’s school system as a four out of five stars. Many of the schools offer special programs such as Advanced Placement Classes, Bilingual Education, Blue Ribbon Schools, Before and After School Programs, and more. Koreatown is also close proximity to USC (4 miles) and UCLA (12.6 miles), making it an ideal location for college students.
Other Considerations Crime Rate According to the crime map for latimes.com, Koreatown ranks at 47 out of 209 for violent crimes in Los Angeles. There are an average of 13.9 violent crimes and 44.4 crimes per week. The problems in the area tend to be related to robbery or auto theft. The city is making great strides to improve the city. The Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council have created a Beautification and Safety Committee, to help aid in the efforts of environmental restoration and crime stop.
Pollution Koreatimesus.com lists Koreatown pollution as among the worst in California. A study was conducted through the California Environmental Protection Agency, which assessed area codes throughout the state of California. Koreatown is inundated with smog because of the high concentration of vehicles in the surrounding Downtown area. It tops out at a 109 rank on the pollution index.
Cost of Living
Many people flock to Koreatown because of it’s affordable housing. The cost of living is relatively cheap compared to the neighboring areas. Average cost of a one-‐ bedroom apartment is around $1000.00.
Housing Stock
While there aren’t a tremendous amount of single-‐family residences, this area offers multiple rental options, including studios, efficiencies, and multi-‐bedroom apartments at an exceedingly low rate. The area is comprised of historic buildings with beautiful, vintage architecture, interior settings, and finish. Commercial, mid and high-‐rise towers make up most of the area’s buildings, including a rich throng of pre-‐1940 brick colonial revival buildings. Here is just a sample of what Koreatown rentals have to offer. TOWERS ON THE TAVERN This charming building offers brand new renovations that renters will love. The building has studio and one-‐bedroom apartments, starting at $950. Part of what gives this building its character are the art deco exterior, the brick interior walls, and the restored hardwood flooring. This building offers many community and apartment amenities, including an on-‐site laundry facility, traditional styling, accented walls, gas ranges, high ceilings, and walk-‐in closets. The intercom entry helps residents to feel safe. And they even allow pets, although some restrictions apply.
www.rentcafe.com
www.rentcafe.com THE VERSAILLES APARTMENTS The Versailles Apartments are on the higher end of Koreatown rentals, offering upscale living, without the hassle of maintenance. These lux apartments are located in the Mid-‐Wilshire district, about three miles west of downtown, Los Angeles. This gorgeous, vintage, 1922 brick colonial revival building, blends elements of Old Hollywood glamour, and modern L.A. living. All of the amenities are state of the art, including a fitness center, laundry facility, on-‐site parking, with all utilities paid, except for electricity. Best of all, all units come with a stove and fridge. There are studio, one, and two bedroom apartments starting at $875.
www.theversaillesapartments.com
www.theversaillesapartments.com WILSHIRE HARVARD TOWERS These towers are located in the prestigious area of Wilshire corridor. Part of this apartment’s appeal is the easy access to freeways, and nearby shopping and restaurants. In addition to location convenience, Wilshire Harvard Towers showcase bright and spacious single, one and two bedroom apartments. There are plenty of amenities, including dishwasher, air-‐conditioning, and laundry on each floor. You’ll feel totally secure with controlled access, security cameras and gated parking.
www.rentcafe.com
www.rentcafe.com
Koreatown is one of the fastest growing areas in Los Angeles. If you are seeking all of the amenities of living in the city, with affordable pricing, then Koreatown is just the place for you. For more information on Koreatown rentals, be sure to check out apartment listings on at www.rentcafe.com