Chill, Bro: The 5 Best Spots to Unwind in Koreatown

While a lot of you were taking in the view on York Ave. and cursing the tech bros on Abbot Kinney, Koreatown has cemented itself as a legit thing. The centrally located urban hub is home to some of the most progressive attractions in the city, as well as its fair share of cultural landmarks, quirks, and hidden gems.

The holiday season can be a lot. So, in the spirit of relaxation, we put together a list of our favorite K-Town detours to indulge in a little personal time. From day spas to karaoke—we’ve got a little something for every persuasion. Schedule a fake meeting and unwind.

Best Place To Get Custom-Pampered | Crystal Spa
3500 W. 6th, St Suite 321

Featuring top-of-the-line facility and equipment, Crystal Spa boasts an impressive menu of services for anyone on any budget. The knowledgeable staff can assist you in designing your Crystal experience, choosing from skincare, body care, make-up, manicure, pedicure services, “Elemental Nature Acupressure,” and different massages. The four “rooms,” (The Salt Room, Ice Room, Charcoal Room, and Yellow Sand Room) each serve a different purpose, from treating atopy to purifying your body of harmful agents. In addition, the Spa offers free wifi, authentic Korean food, snacks, and movie and TV screens.

For An Authentic Tea Break | Hwa Sun Ji Tea & Coffee
3960 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 100

Anyone who’s a true fan of tea knows that it’s not just a drink— it’s an experience—at least according to our hippie friends. But tea connoisseur or not, all visitors can appreciate the tranquility to be found at Hwa Sun Ji. Offering an affordable array of traditional Korean teas, desserts, and snacks, their menu will transport your taste buds to the heart of Seoul. A must-try is the pat-bing soo, shaved ice with red bean, fruit, mochi bits, condensed milk, and ice cream. But even without the dessert, the serenity of the authentic Korean atmosphere is sweet enough for anyone needing a break. Kamsahamnida!

Best Place To Unleash Your Inner Star | Café Brass Monkey
3440 Wilshire Blvd

The perfect place to belt out your favorite Limp Bizkit banger. Or, if you’re on the shy side, sit back and enjoy a specialty cocktail as you watch the ENTP-ers get their shine. It’s not a huge space, so be prepared to get cozy with other patrons, or better yet, make some new friends on the dance floor. No judgement. Concert begins at 5 pm on weekdays, 8 pm on weekends, but get there early— especially if you want some stage time.

Best Place To Do Your Body Good | Wi Spa
2700 Wilshire Boulevard

Spoil yourself with a trip to sensory heaven. Open 24/7, Wi’s Aveda spa features hot and cold baths, sauna rooms, massages, facials, and body scrubs make it tempting to just stay and live there. Additional amenities include a full-service restaurant, fitness room, and kid zone. But the best part has to be the co-ed “jimjilbang” mineral sauna. You can pop in for a mid-day break, but we prefer taking the whole day off to indulge. A sanctuary of wellness, beauty, and luxury in the heart of a bustling city? Great, but they had us at carwash and on-site parking.

Best Place To Dine Like Royalty | The Prince

3198 W. 7^th St.

The Prince is one of the aforementioned “well-known restaurants.” Famous for their deep-fried chicken and beer, The Prince is a favorite for both locals and Hollywood A-listers. Better yet, it’s sort of a celeb itself, having been featured in a ton of productions like Criminal Minds, New Girl, Mad Men, and more. The ornate interior, drenched in red and gold, has a vintage yet immaculate feel that’s fancy but not uninviting. From a casual drink at the bar, to a date night with live piano music—The Prince’s ambience can dressed up or down, seamlessly.

Best Place to Hang your Hat | K2LA

688 S. Berendo St., LA 90005

The holidays are stressful—add moving to the mix during the busiest season of the year and life can get overwhelming pretty quickly.

As Angelenos, we’re all too familiar with the difficulties of finding the perfect digs (thanks Air B&B!). Chill out though; the folks over at K2LA have some amazing units available.

Located in the heart of the bustling K-Town neighborhood, K2LA features luxury apartments with unparalleled amenities so that you can properly unwind—right in the middle of it all. Think roof deck fire pits, spa-like experiences, curated monthly events, epic views, and generous community spaces.

Beat the crowd and book your appointment to view the available units today. Visit K2LA for an exclusive VIP tour to gain access to pre-lease opportunities while they last.