Best Korean Restaurants in Koreatown (90005)
5 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
8.5
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
This Koreatown institution has served authentic Korean comfort food for over four decades, with their famous bossam taking center stage. Their massive seafood pancake loaded with five types of shellfish delivers crispy-edged perfection, while the braised black cod swimming in umami-rich sauce has become a sleeper hit among regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bossam (Boiled Pork Belly), Haemul Pajeon (Seafood Pancake), Eundaegu Jjorim (Braised Black Cod)
What makes it special: Four decades of perfecting traditional Korean recipes in a welcoming strip-mall setting
#2
Sun Nong Dan
8.4
The 24-hour galbi jjim specialist draws late-night crowds with massive cast-iron cauldrons of braised short ribs simmering in spicy-sweet sauce, dramatically blowtorched with melted cheese tableside. The intensely beefy bone broths, particularly the oxtail sulungtang, have built a devoted following among post-karaoke groups and shift workers seeking serious hangover prevention.
Must-Try Dishes:
Koh Galbi Jjim with Cheese, Oxtail Brisket Soup, Sulungtang
What makes it special: Open 24/7 with blowtorched cheese galbi jjim, a late-night Koreatown institution
#3
Somisomi
8.3
Vibes:
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Sweet Treats Escapes
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Founded in Koreatown in 2016, Somisomi serves Korean soft-serve in signature fish-shaped taiyaki waffle cones with customizable fillings like custard, red bean, or Nutella. The creamy ice cream comes in rotating flavors including matcha, ube, black sesame, and milk, topped with unlimited toppings like Oreo crumbs and fruity pebbles.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ah-Boong Fish Cone with Ube & Custard, Matcha-Milk Swirl with Graham Crackers, Black Sesame Soft Serve
What makes it special: Instagram-famous fish-shaped waffle cones filled with Korean soft serve and customizable fillings
8.2
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
South Korean franchise serving double-fried wings with ultra-crispy texture and authentic sauces inside Madang Mall. The chain's specialty since 1982 involves precise frying techniques that create a distinctively crunchy exterior while keeping meat juicy, with standout flavors like smoky hot and original that draw steady crowds of Korean fried chicken enthusiasts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Wings, Smoky Hot Wings, Crispy Boneless Chicken
What makes it special: South Korean chain's time-tested double-frying technique creates exceptionally crispy wings
Worthy Picks
#5
Goopojib
7.8
Since 2005, this specialist serves traditional chueotang using mudfish in nourishing soups alongside chueo-bulgogi stir-fry preparations. The well-being dishes attract older Korean clientele seeking authentic flavors that match quality standards found in Korea itself.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chueotang (mudfish stew), Chueo-bulgogi, Abalone mudfish soup
What makes it special: SoCal's best chueotang matching Korean standards for 20 years