Culver City is about to get its own sizzle. Hwa On, a new Korean barbecue concept from the team behind Mikomi Sushi and Seoul Alley, is moving into the historic Citizen Publishing Company building on Culver Boulevard with table-side grilling, wagyu cuts and a full cocktail program. The goal is to give locals a Korean BBQ destination that does not require a Koreatown field trip. Management is targeting a late-September opening, and pre-opening hiring is already underway.
As reported by What Now Los Angeles, Hwa On is set to open at 9355 Culver Blvd, with manager Daniel Chung Min saying the team is aiming for a late September debut. "HWA ON was created with one simple vision: to bring a modern, premium Korean BBQ experience designed specifically for the diverse Culver City community," Chung Min told the outlet.
What To Expect
The restaurant's coming-soon site lays out a menu built around traditional Korean barbecue, including wagyu beef, combination platters and à la carte options, plus Korean side dishes and lunch specials, according to Hwa On's site. The same site notes that the dining room is being designed with a warm, contemporary feel that leans on natural materials and comfortable seating rather than flashy gimmicks.
Where It's Going
Hwa On will take over part of the Citizen Publishing Company building at 9355 Culver Blvd, a restored Art Deco property that now houses a small food market and rooftop venues. That adaptive reuse helped turn the block into a cluster of chef-driven dining concepts, according to Uncover LA, and Hwa On is lining up to be the latest entry on the roster.
Timeline And Hiring
Local hiring posts indicate the restaurant is recruiting front-of-house staff and prepping training sessions ahead of the planned September opening. A listing on Radio Korea's community bulletin notes a mid-September timeline for training and early shifts, hinting that the team wants staff in place and ready to go in the weeks before doors officially open.
Who’s Behind It
The owners describe Hwa On as a sister concept to Mikomi Sushi and Seoul Alley and say it builds on more than 25 years of culinary experience, according to Hwa On's site. Manager Daniel Chung Min also told What Now Los Angeles that the team chose Culver City "because of its vibrant mix of residents, professionals, creatives and families" and hopes to deliver a contemporary, community-focused take on Korean barbecue.
Hwa On's coming-soon page invites visitors to subscribe for opening announcements and early reservation access, although no public booking links have been posted yet. We will update when a formal opening date and reservation system are announced.
