Geography of Koreatown in Los Angeles
Koreatown is a neighborhood located in the Central Los Angeles region of Los Angeles County, due west of Westlake. Its boundaries, according to the Mapping L.A. project of the Los Angeles Times, are Beverly Boulevard on the north, Virgil Avenue, Wilshire Place, and Westmoreland Avenue on the east, Olympic Boulevard on the south, and Crenshaw Boulevard and Wilton Place on the west.
Koreatown is a neighborhood in the city of Los Angeles in the Central L.A. region of Los Angeles County. It contains Park Mile, Wilshire Center and Wilshire Park.
The official boundaries set by the City of Los Angeles for Koreatown are Vermont Avenue on the east, Western Avenue on the west, Third Street on the north, and Olympic Boulevard on the south.
The business corridor along Western Avenue to Rosewood Avenue is also part of Koreatown. The Koreatown Regional Commercial Center runs along Olympic Boulevard and is bound by Eighth Street on the north, Twelfth Street on the south, and Western Avenue on the west.
Koreatown History
Koreatown's history in Los Angeles dates back to the late 1800s when the United States and Korea established diplomatic relations, allowing for Korean immigration to Hawaii and, eventually, Los Angeles.
Initially, Korean immigrants formed communities centered around ethnic churches, but as their numbers grew, their businesses and residences expanded to the southwestern corner of the Los Angeles business district. However, discriminatory housing policies and economic constraints confined Koreans to this smaller area.
After the 1948 Shelley v. Kraemer case, Koreans could move north of Olympic Boulevard and establish new homes and businesses. In the late 1960s and 1970s, wealthy South Korean immigrants found inexpensive housing in the mid-Wilshire area, leading to an economic boom in Koreatown.
Today, Koreatown is the primary hub of the Korean community in Southern California, with a strong sense of communal identity and a rich history.
Koreatown Demographics and Economy
Koreatown has a diverse ethnic makeup, with Latinos making up 53.5% of the population, Asians 32.2%, whites 7.4%, and blacks 4.8%. The area is considered one of the densest neighborhoods in the US, with an average of 42,611 people per square mile. It is also known for having a relatively young population, with a median age of 30. Despite the high density, the median annual household income is relatively low at $30,558, and many households earn less than $20,000 annually.
The economy of Koreatown is largely driven by Korean businesses and investment, with South Korean investment playing a significant role since the 1960s. The area has many vibrant nightlife spots, including Korean barbeque restaurants and karaoke bars. Jamison Services, Inc. is Koreatown's largest landlord and residential builder, and the Korean business district stretches along Olympic Boulevard, Vermont Avenue, 8th Street, and Western Avenue.
Additionally, there are several consulate offices in the area, including the Consulate-General of South Korea, Consulate General of the People's Republic of China, and Consulate General of El Salvador.
Koreatown Schools
Koreatown has a relatively average percentage of residents aged 25 and older with a four-year degree, with 21.4% having completed higher education. The area's schools reflect this trend, with public and private options for students of all ages.
Some of the notable schools within Koreatown include Central City Value, which is a charter high school, the New Open World Academy, which offers education from kindergarten through to grade 12, and the Virgil Middle School. Private schools in the area include Saint Brendan School and Saint James' Episcopal Day School.
Koreatown is also home to many educational institutions outside of traditional K-12 schools. The Korean Education Center, for example, is affiliated with the government of South Korea and provides educational opportunities for Korean Americans and others interested in Korean language and culture. Southwestern Law School also has a presence in the area, offering degree and non-degree programs at two locations.
Koreatown Hotels
Hotel Normandie LA
605 S Normandie Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90005
The Hotel Normandie stands as a distinguished landmark in Koreatown, boasting a rich history and classic Los Angeles character spanning over eight decades. Originally designed and constructed in 1926 by renowned architects Walker and Eisen, the hotel's Spanish Colonial and Renaissance Revival accents continue to showcase its original beauty. Recently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation, the property has been elevated to new heights, blending Hollywood's golden age elegance with modern luxury and contemporary comforts to create a splendid boutique hotel experience.
Directions from Hotel Normandie LA in Koreatown to Schwartzman & Associates
The LINE LA
3515 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90005
Directions from The LINE LA in Koreatown to Schwartzman & Associates
Shelter Hotels
457 S Mariposa Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020
Directions from Shelter Hotels in Koreatown to Schwartzman & Associates
H Hotel
3206 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005
Directions from H Hotel in Koreatown to Schwartzman & Associates
Transportation
Koreatown in Los Angeles offers various transportation options for commuters to travel to and from the neighborhood. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) operates two subway lines near or in Koreatown, the B Line beneath Vermont Avenue and the D Line beneath Wilshire Boulevard.
The neighborhood is primarily served by the D Line's Wilshire/Normandie station, along with Wilshire/Vermont and Wilshire/Western stations. Metro also operates several bus lines, including Express, Rapid, and Local buses.
Rapid lines include the 720 Wilshire and 754 Vermont, while Local lines include the 207 Western, 20 Wilshire/Westwood, 204 Vermont, 206 Normandie, and 210 Crenshaw. Many bus lines operate 24/7, offering commuters convenient and accessible transportation options.
The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) also operates several transportation options in Koreatown. The district-to-district DASH routes, the Hollywood/Wilshire line, and the Koreatown line are shorter than Metro's bus routes and intended for local neighborhood transportation. DASH Koreatown operates on weekends until 6 pm, while DASH Hollywood/Wilshire line ends its service at 7 pm on weekdays.
The LADOT Commuter Express line 534 Century City provides weekday service, and Cityride offers door-to-door dial-a-ride service for the elderly and disabled. These transportation options make it easy for residents and visitors to travel to and from Koreatown.
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