Your Guide to Shopping Malls in LA’s Koreatown
TL;DR: Wondering where to go shopping in Koreatown, LA? Koreatown offers an array of amazing cafes, restaurants, shopping malls , and entertainment venues. For those looking to explore the area, consider visiting California Market, ABC Mall/Koreatown Plaza, and Koreatown Galleria. With a lot of parking structures and street parking available, it is a fairly easy place to navigate. Keep in mind, however, that the area can get very congested.
- Before You Head Out
- California/Gaju Market
- ABC Mall/Koreatown Plaza
- Koreatown Galleria
- Explore More in the Area
In 1982, the first Koreatown sign was officially installed in L.A. Even before this, however, Koreatown had been growing as a home to the Korean community since the early 1900s. Now, Los Angeles is home to more ethnically Korean individuals than anywhere else in the world (outside of Korea, of course). The area is rich with history and has developed a unique culture of its own.
Before You Head Out
Koreatown has developed quite the (well-deserved) reputation for its amazing cafes, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.
While business hours will change depending on, of course, the respective business, I find that 11am works best as a starting point for most malls. Certain businesses (especially the markets) will be open earlier. You can definitely get to the malls as soon as they open, just be aware that many shops will open closer to mid-day.
Before you head out, keep in mind that street traffic can be very congested. All three of the shopping centers mentioned below are within walking distance from each other, making it easy to navigate your way around. If you are driving, each place does have its own parking structure (just be aware that the structures are pretty narrow).
If you’re not sure where to start in K-town, read on for three of my favorite places!
California/Gaju Market
Address: 450 S Western Ave #1, Los Angeles, CA 90020
Parking: Free Street/Structure Parking
Perfect for: Casual dining, light shopping
Featured previously in Goop, California Market is a beautiful outdoor plaza, with a market and Paris Baguette on the bottom floor. As you make your way up, you’ll find a charming rooftop hang-out, filled with some of the tastiest snacks in the area. If you’re looking for a casual and photogenic place to spend a few hours, then you’ll definitely want to stop by California Market. As a bonus, you can see the iconic Hollywood sign from the top of the parking garage.
Not sure what to eat first? Be sure to check out Thanks Pizza and Ye Stage and Tea (my personal favorites) to refuel. There are a few shops, but I find a lot of the non-food businesses (with the exception of some beauty and home goods stores) have varying hours so they may or may not be open during your visit.
ABC Mall/Koreatown Plaza
Address: 928 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Parking: Free Street/Structure Parking
Perfect for: Clothing/Home Goods Shopping, Music Store, Casual Dining
Koreatown Plaza is a 1980s style shopping mall off of Wilshire Blvd. With so many retailers – including a great music store, skincare, fashion, and home goods – it’s a great place to walk around and explore a bit.
The true shining star, however, is the great food court. If you love sweets, check out Cheesetella for castella cakes or Siroodang for a few rice cakes. I also like to stop by Bosco Bakery for a few shortbread cookies to munch on when traffic gets annoying.
Koreatown Galleria
Address: 3250 W Olympic Blvd #400, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Parking: Free Street/Structure Parking
Perfect for: Skincare shopping, Book shopping
Opened in 2001, Koreatown Galleria is a smaller indoor shopping center with a grocery store on the bottom floor. Some current features include a great Palace Beauty shop, K-Pop music store, and a bookstore. The mall also continues to open new shops, including a second Choice Music.
I personally love the beauty selection at this Palace Beauty location, so it’s one of my must-visits in the area. There is also a small cafe and food court with a great selection of dining options.
As the largest Koreatown in the USA, there are so many more business to check out! If you are planning a trip, I recommend heading over to Koreatown Online – a blog all about, well LA’s Koreatown. Read more here.
Let me know what your favorite place in K-town is!
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