I <3 LA: Koreatown
Nestled between the 10 and the 101 (iykyk) is Koreatown, one of Los Angeles’ most vibrant and culturally rich neighborhoods, located just about 20 minutes north of campus. Home to the largest Korean population outside of South Korea, Koreatown has become a hub for food, nightlife, small businesses, and community in the heart of LA.
One of my favorite things about being so close to Koreatown is how accessible it is. Whether you take the Metro, hop on a bus, drive over, or even walk if you are feeling ambitious, it is an easy way to explore a completely different side of Los Angeles beyond campus.
For USC students, Koreatown is one of those neighborhoods that quickly becomes part of your routine. Whether you are looking for a late-night meal after studying, a new coffee shop to tackle homework in, karaoke with friends, or simply somewhere to explore off campus, Koreatown always has something going on.
Food is easily one of the biggest reasons people fall in love with the neighborhood. A warm meal at BCD Tofu House has become a comfort spot for many Angelenos, especially during late nights. Small mom-and-pop restaurants line nearly every block, and that is really where Koreatown shines. Spots like The Potato Sack have built loyal followings, myself included, for their breakfast burritos, while dessert cafés and bakeries continue to make the neighborhood feel exciting and constantly evolving. Koreatown’s food scene reflects the cultures and communities that have shaped Los Angeles over generations.
Beyond the food, part of the fun of Koreatown is simply wandering through it. Its countless strip malls are packed with restaurants, bakeries, skincare shops, and cafés, and some of the best places are the ones you discover by accident. I have stumbled upon dozens of coffee shops while searching for the perfect study spot, and the beauty is that each café has its own vibe. Some are perfect for studying quietly for hours, while others feel more social and energetic late into the evening.
As you immerse yourself in the community you will join at USC, take in all that Los Angeles has to offer, including the neighborhoods just up the block from campus.
What makes Koreatown special is not just the food or coffee shops, but the feeling of energy and community that exists within it. It is the kind of place where a random stop can turn into your new favorite restaurant, café, or hangout spot. Koreatown feels alive at almost every hour of the day, and that energy is part of what makes it such a memorable part of Los Angeles.
Written by: Rosa Garcia Rios, Assistant Director – USC Office of Undergraduate Admission