The Calm Side of Koreatown | Seoul Salon 1988

Good morning, Los Angeles. You’re reading Obsessed LA, your insider guide to what’s actually worth being obsessed with in the city. Each week, we highlight the restaurants, events, and hidden gems that capture LA’s best energy.

This week’s issue is a little quieter on purpose. I wasn’t looking for anything flashy or new, just places that feel good and fit easily into your night instead of taking it over.

If you’ve been burnt out on packed rooms and overhyped spots, this one should land. These are the spots you end up going back to because they’re solid, not because they’re making noise about themselves.

Let’s obsess.

Most Koreatown nights are high-energy and chaotic in a fun way. Seoul Salon 1988 went the opposite direction. It’s intimate and calm. Our first impression was genuinely charming which makes it feel even more special.

The charm hit us immediately. The lighting is soft and the space feels intentionally small. The staff is extremely welcoming. I don’t just say that. The staff gave us a free pint (yes pint!) of Makgeolli.

The food is comforting and familiar, but there are moments that really stick. We ordered the Rose Tteokbokki, and it was insane. Rich, creamy, and indulgent. It felt nostalgic and cozy in a way that matched the room perfectly.

Seoul Salon 1988 feels like a pause button in Koreatown. In a neighborhood that’s constantly buzzing, this place chooses cozy over chaos, and that choice is exactly what makes it memorable. It’s not trying to be the loudest or trendiest spot on the block.

Most breweries lean loud, industrial or overly pretentious about their beer. Project Barley Square feels different. It’s relaxed and welcoming, When you find an empty table, it’s comfortable in a way that makes you want to hang out instead of pounding a drink and leaving.

The space itself does a lot of the work. Inside is cozy, almost cabin-like, with an easygoing neighborhood energy that works whether you’re there for a quick pint or a long catch-up. After staring at the long list of beers, I was quickly assisted by the staff.

Speaking of beer, this is a place where trying something new feels low-stress. There’s a solid range from lighter, easy sippers to more interesting brews, and people consistently mention how balanced and well-made everything is. Nothing is showy, just thoughtfully done.

The food seals it. Smash burgers, fish and chips, pretzels, wings. Comfort food that pairs perfectly with beer and doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. Project Barley Square feels like my South Bay spot I recommend without even thinking about it.

Tortoise General Store is a small neighborhood shop focused on Japanese home goods and everyday objects. The space is quiet, warm, and thoughtfully laid out, without feeling intimidating.

The shelves are filled with practical things done really well. Kitchen tools, ceramics, tableware, and small household items that feel sturdy and good quality. Nothing is flashy or trendy. Everything feels like it was chosen because it works and will last.

Shopping here feels low-pressure. You can browse without being rushed, and even the smaller items feel like good finds. It’s the kind of place where you walk out with something simple that ends up becoming part of your daily routine.

Tortoise General Store is an easy recommendation when you need a gift that feels personal or when you want something useful and well made for yourself. Quiet, intentional, and exactly what a neighborhood shop should be.

Monterey Park
A vibrant street festival celebrating the Lunar New Year right on Garvey Avenue with food vendors, cultural performances, lion and dragon dances, amusement rides, and plenty of community energy. Free to attend and a great way to experience local culture and eats in one of LA County’s most dynamic neighborhoods.
RSVP →

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Hollywood
Channel your inner frontperson at this long-running karaoke night where the crowd sings punk favorites backed by live musicians. It’s fun, loud, and perfect for anyone who’d rather shout “Blitzkrieg Bop” than belt a ballad.
Details →

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Hollywood
A small community art fair at the Hang On to the Dream Theatre. Local painters, makers, and creatives sell original work, jewelry, prints, and small gifts — a nice Saturday stroll where you can actually talk to the artists.
Tickets →

Moncha Cafe feels like a true neighborhood favorite in Rosemead. It’s easy and dependable.

The space feels relaxed even when it’s busy. It feels like a spot people come back to regularly, not just somewhere they stop once for a drink and forget about. The drinks are where it really clicks. We went lighter and floral, and everything tasted clean and balanced without being overly sweet. The matcha stood out in particular, smooth and rich without that bitter edge you sometimes get elsewhere. Even the toppings felt thoughtfully done and not just there for show.

You could come here on a random weekday and it would make just as much sense as coming on a weekend. It’s easy to picture this being someone’s regular spot. It’s a place I end up returning to because the drinks are consistently good all around.

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