LA Koreatown ranks third in the number of parking tickets issued across Los Angeles, with more than 200 violations recorded daily, according to a new analysis.
Data from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), analyzed by Crosstown, shows that from January 2024 to February 2025, a total of 93,832 parking tickets were issued in Koreatown. This equates to an average of 221 tickets per day.
The area trailed only Downtown Los Angeles, which recorded 221,957 tickets, and Westlake, with 94,629 tickets.
Limited space fuels violations
Koreatown, a densely packed area with both residential and commercial buildings, suffers from a chronic lack of parking. The scarcity of designated spaces leads to frequent violations such as double parking and exceeding posted time limits.
As a result, enforcement is concentrated in the area. Residents say the situation is worsening.
“It’s almost impossible to find parking in the evening unless you pay extra for a reserved space at your apartment,” said Jung-Hoon Kim, 53, a Koreatown resident. “Instead of solving the issue, the city seems focused on writing tickets. It’s incredibly frustrating.”
Citywide decrease, but budget concerns grow
While enforcement in Koreatown remains high, Crosstown reports that overall parking violations in Los Angeles declined. Between January and February 2025, 283,423 tickets were issued citywide—a 7.8% decrease compared to the same period last year.
One reason for the drop may be the impact of recent wildfires. In the Pacific Palisades, for example, just 118 tickets were issued during this two-month span, a sharp decline from 1,722 in the same period last year. The reduction is attributed to fire-related road closures and fewer visitors.
Revenue shortfall raises concerns
The decrease in ticket issuance is also affecting the city’s finances. According to a March 24 report from the City Controller’s Office, parking tickets generated approximately $110 million in revenue last fiscal year. However, operating costs exceeded $176 million, resulting in a $66 million deficit.
City officials have acknowledged that the decline in citations is one factor contributing to the shortfall. This has raised concerns that the city may increase ticketing efforts to make up for the lost revenue.
More restrictions, fewer spaces
The LADOT has expanded no-parking zones since last year, citing pedestrian safety. In addition, state-level policies now prohibit parking within 15 to 20 feet of crosswalks and intersections. These changes are shrinking available parking in Koreatown, potentially leading to even more violations.
Residents and advocates warn that stricter enforcement without addressing the root cause—lack of space—could worsen the parking crisis in the area.
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
