Soban, a Korean restaurant in Los Angeles’ Koreatown, is getting renewed international attention after being featured in Louis Vuitton’s City Guide. The recognition puts the longtime neighborhood spot back in the spotlight as one of LA’s notable global dining destinations.
Located at 4001 W. Olympic Blvd. near Norton Avenue, Soban is run by owner Young Hee Park of Gwangju and her daughter Deborah. The family restaurant opened about 14 years ago and has built a loyal following by staying focused on traditional Korean flavors and careful preparation.
Park says the restaurant’s side dishes, or banchan, are central to Soban’s identity. She said even something as small as stir-fried anchovies cannot be treated lightly, and that the kitchen starts each morning with the principle that honest ingredients make honest food. She said the most rewarding moments come when diners leave saying they feel reminded of Korea or simply well-fed and comforted.
Soban has also drawn attention from food writer the late Jonathan Gold and from director Bong Joon Ho, who reportedly ate there on the night he won the Academy Award for best picture for Parasite. The restaurant has also seen visits from cast members of Netflix’s Beef and K-pop stars, helping make it a place where Korean food and Korean pop culture meet naturally.
[Radio Seoul News Room]
