(As seen in the Unique LA Spring Show directory.)
Chances are you drive through Korea Town on the regular, but have you ever wondered what was goin’ down behind some of those cryptic Chosungul signs? Here’s a rundown of a few of our favorite mid-city gems. 
Coffee is something of a ritual and Coffee House Heyri is one of many Korean cafés open early and into the wee hours of the night. Drinks tend to run pricey but often refills are included because they’re banking on you sticking around a while. The converted house provides plenty of nooks and crannies to get cozy in and a backyard lined with firepit seating. Ever wondered where to go at 3am for coffee, cake, a snack, a smoke, and free wifi complete with $2 valet? Now you know.
Coffee House Heyri | 755 S Hobart Blvd | Los Angeles 90005 | (213) 389-6138 | $
Basking in the primal smell of meat and fire over a table top grill is a simple and splendid thing. For a traditional KBBQ experience complete with imported Korean charcoal, head to Moo Dae Po. Their beautiful panchan (small plates served with KBBQ) and abundant assortment of fresh lettuces, cabbages and herbs – intended to shuttle meat to your mouth – are the stuff rabbits’ wet dreams are made of. MDP also holds the honor of winning the 1st Annual KBBQ Cookoff last year.
Moo Dae Po | 936 S Vermont Ave | Los Angeles 90006 | (213) 386-9292 | $$
More interested in quantity? Relative newcomer to the AYCE (All You Can Eat) scene, Road to Seoul, is a winner. The large, modern, clean space is great for groups and you can’t beat $16.99 to put down a side of beef – along with some pork, chicken, baby octopus and kimchi pancake for good measure.
Road to Seoul | 1230 S Western Ave | Los Angeles, CA 90006 | (323) 731-9292 | $$
If you lean more towards a meal that won’t jump off your plate, try a piping hot, bubbly spicy cast iron pot of soon tofu. Meals start with panchan and the rustic interior with knotty pine wood tables and benches oozes comfort well before you dig into your hot pot.
Beverly Soon Tofu | 2717 W Olympic Bvd #108 |Los Angeles 90006 | (213) 380-1113 | $
What goes well with a big meal? A walk. Strolling the aisles of Hannam is a veritable journey to Seoul. You’ll find unfamiliar produce, fresh to order seafood, thin sliced Kurobota pork, pre-marinated DIY BBQ meats, an endless selection of panchan, frozen dumplings and buns, specialty sweets and more varieties of sochu than you can shake a stick at. With bargain prices you’ll be tempted to try it all.
Hannam Chain Store | 2740 W Olympic Blvd | Los Angeles 90006 | (213) 382-2922 | $
All that eating and exploring can work up an appetite for R&R and the Korean spa experience is something every Angeleno ought to behold. The recently opened Wi Spa is a massive three levels, co-ed, family friendly, 24-hrs and complete with café and salon. Spa entry will set you back $25 (included with treatments) and from there, they’ll set you up with a nifty watch gadget that’s everything from your locker key to currency. Not for the faint of heart, a Korean scrub is a must. You’re naked, they’re nearly naked, you leave smooth as a baby’s bum, it’s a party. Between running the JimJilBang gauntlet of steam, sauna, the jade, salt and clay rooms, try the bing soo (a shaved ice dessert topped with fruit and condensed milk). It’s great for cooling off. If you’re not a fan of kids and crowds, try this on a weeknight. Leave your worries and your inhibitions at the door. No one’s looking. Trust us.
Wi Spa | 2700 Wilshire Blvd | Los Angeles 90057 | (213) 487-2700 | $$
Odds are you’ve heard of The Prince, but what about Mazinga Z? With a wild manga theme and graffiti all over the walls and tables tolerated, if not encouraged, this is one of many casual late night bars to get loud and rowdy in. Dark, dirty and smoky, the bar food standards like baked cheese corn, dduk boki and fried chicken gizzards hit the spot. Try the piña colada sochu. It goes down like a coconut creamsicle with a Fruity Pebbles finish, but packs a punch. Don’t say we didn’t warn ya.
Mazinga Z | 3054 W 8th St | Los Angeles 90005 | (213) 368-0466 | $
Does a little boozing get you loosened up enough to croon? You’re in luck. Norebang (Korean karaoke song rooms) abound. With private rooms for hire you can sing your little heart out with a minimum of public display. Choose a package booze deal (like $99 for a grip of large Hite and sochu) that includes use of a room complete with tambourines and all the crazy K-Pop vids you can handle. Smoke machine optional.
Sook Sop | 4070 W 3rd St | Los Angeles 90020 | (213) 380-0909 | $$
