Best Gukbap in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has one of the largest and most vibrant Korean food scenes outside of Korea. With Koreatown (K-Town) at its heart and Korean restaurants spreading throughout the metro area, LA is arguably the best city in the US to eat gukbap.

Top Gukbap Spots in LA

1. BCD Tofu House

While famous for soondubu, BCD also serves excellent dwaeji gukbap with their signature bubbling hot pots. Multiple locations throughout LA.

2. Soban

Known for its Busan-style dwaeji gukbap, Soban in Koreatown is widely considered one of the best Korean restaurants in LA. Their pork soup rice comes with a rich, milky broth and tender meat.

3. Dan Sung Sa

A classic K-Town pojangmacha-style spot that serves gukbap late into the night. Perfect for a warm bowl after a night out.

4. Sun Nong Dan

Famous for their braised short rib soup, but they also serve an excellent beef-based gukbap that’s perfect for cold evenings.

5. Yuk Dae Jang

Specializes in shredded beef soup (yukgaejang), but their house version comes with rice and all the right fixings.

Koreatown Guide

Koreatown (roughly Olympic Blvd to Beverly Blvd, between Vermont and Western) is the epicenter. Most gukbap restaurants are concentrated around the Wilshire/Vermont area.

Pro Tips

• Go early — K-Town restaurants get busy, especially on weekends
• Bring cash — Some smaller spots are cash-only
• Look for “Busan-style” — Restaurants that specify Busan-style dwaeji gukbap are usually the real deal

Inland Empire & South Bay

• Gardena — Has a growing Korean restaurant scene with solid gukbap options
• Buena Park — Just south of LA, this area has excellent Korean restaurants too