More than 10 Korean-run businesses across Southern California were temporarily shut down between April and July, according to data from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH). The closures, which lasted between 2 and 21 days, were ordered due to various public health and sanitation violations.
Violations cited by the county included evidence of rodent or insect infestations, lack of cleaning supplies, and general cleanliness failures. Moobongri in La Crescenta and Kabuki Restaurant in Woodland Hills were closed for four days each in May after signs of rodents or pests were discovered. Moobongri received a second closure on June 10, this time for 20 days, due to similar issues.
Gogi House in Santa Clarita was shut down on both July 2 and July 17 for pest-related violations. A WaBa Grill in Pico Rivera also closed for four days after health inspectors found insect activity. In Torrance, Jun Bakery, located inside a Korean market, was closed for one day on April 29 for failing to maintain proper sanitation tools.
A Korean restaurant representative commented, “Inspections are random and can happen at any time. If you let your guard down, even slightly, violations can be caught—leading to lost revenue.”
Spas in Koreatown were also affected. WeSpa was ordered to temporarily close its men’s bath area on June 5 after sanitation standards fell short of California Health and Safety Code 116043 (state public health law). The spa reopened four days later. Century Spa was closed for one day on July 16 for failing to meet California Code 65529 (spa sanitation regulation) regarding bath temperature and chlorine levels.
The county typically increases health inspections from April through May, targeting restaurants, spas, gyms, food trucks, and shared housing facilities. Between January and mid-July, over 900 businesses and facilities in Los Angeles County were temporarily shut down for health violations.
With the summer travel season underway, officials anticipate more frequent inspections. Industry voices are urging Korean American business owners to stay vigilant to prevent closures and protect their reputations.
BY BRIAN CHOI [choi.inseong@koreadaily.com]
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