Los Angeles Koreatown Homeless Encampment Grows Into Sprawling Unsafe Settlement

A large homeless encampment on a vacant lot in Los Angeles' Koreatown has rapidly expanded into what residents describe as a "tiny city" with makeshift homes, electricity theft, drug activity, and recreational facilities like a tennis court and barbecue pit. Neighbors express significant safety concerns including fires caused by unsafe electrical hookups, car explosions, and general crime, leading many to avoid the area. The encampment sits on privately owned land, complicating city efforts to intervene directly, despite ongoing involvement of multiple city departments and outreach teams aiming to connect unhoused individuals with services. Mayor Karen Bass condemned the situation as "entirely unacceptable" and vowed to hold the property owner accountable while ensuring community safety. Local officials acknowledge bureaucratic challenges and the need for cooperation from the private property owner, who has begun installing "No Trespassing" signs. Residents and city council members continue to demand more effective action to address the growing crisis impacting the Koreatown neighborhood.