A popular Korean restaurant and doughnut shop from South Korea is coming to Los Angeles next year.
Hojokban, a fusion Korean restaurant, and Knotted, a viral cream doughnut shop, in Seoul’s Apgujeong neighborhood are coming to the Los Angeles Art District at 734 E 3rd Street in early 2025, according to Eater LA.
Both are Korean eateries that have attracted a flock of young consumers with their eye-catching visuals and stylish vibes.
Hojokban specializes in fusion Korean cuisine, offering dishes such as Korean-style short rib steak, truffle potato pancakes, and fried rice made with cup noodles.
Hojokban opened its first restaurant in the U.S. in Manhattan, New York City, last November. The New York branch is operated by Hojokban’s parent company, GFFG, in partnership with Hand Hospitality, a Korean-American-owned restaurant group that operates Atoboy and Jua. The LA branch, on the other hand, will reportedly be operated directly by GFFG.
Knotted will open around the same time, right next door to the space that Hojokban LA will occupy. In Korea, Knotted branches sell 30,000 donuts a day and are a favorite among young and old alike. Its cream doughnut, filled with bursting cream between two halves of bread, is its main menu item, while it also offers a variety of other desserts such as cakes.
Knotted LA will be the first store in the U.S., unlike Hojokban. GFFG, which also operates Hojokban and Knotted, will directly participate in its local operation in Los Angeles.
BY KYEONGJUN KIM, HOONSIK WOO [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
