Koreatown’s Historic Chapman Plaza Welcomes Club HUE, LA’s Newest Private Members’ Refuge

Nestled inside the Spanish Colonial Revival arches of Koreatown’s historic 1929 Chapman Plaza, a quiet new sanctuary has opened its doors. Club HUE arrives not as another flashy neighborhood watering hole, but as a thoughtfully curated cultural hub built specifically for the global nomad. Conceived for creative leaders, entrepreneurs, and tastemakers moving fluidly between Los Angeles, Seoul, Hong Kong, and Singapore, this private members' retreat offers a discreet base in the heart of LA's most dynamic creative corridor.

The foundation of the space rests on a single guiding philosophy: Hueshik (휴식), the Korean concept of rest and restorative pause. Founding investor Stuart Whang—the visionary behind LA’s legendary Wi Spa—has spent decades introducing Angelenos to Korean wellness traditions centered on ritual and restoration. With Club HUE, Whang fuses his deep understanding of Korean hospitality with a refined international outlook, creating a space grounded in comfort, discretion, and authentic connection.

A Design Dialogue Between East and West

Inside the historic walls of Chapman Plaza, the club’s interiors recall the romance of travel's golden age, reinterpreted with contemporary warmth. Layered textures, soft ambient lighting, custom sculptural accents, and lush greenery frame the space. The visual centerpiece is a custom mural by artist Michael Haight, inspired by his time in South Korea and the concept of hangang huesik—the peaceful leisure of summer afternoons along the Han River. Curated by Artistic Director Jane Lee, the art program creates a quiet dialogue between continents, punctuated by bold accent works from RETNA.

Social life within the club naturally orbits around a central sculptural bar surrounding a dedicated performance stage. Tucked just beyond are private dining chambers and a state-of-the-art, discreet karaoke lounge—an elevated nod to late-night social culture across major Asian capitals.

Progressive Flavors and Social Dining

The culinary ethos, developed in collaboration with Executive Chef Hiroo Nagahara, centers on progressive Asian cuisine. Plates emphasize seasonality, complex flavor layering, and refined presentation, crafted specifically for shared, social dining that transitions seamlessly from afternoon meetings to late-night gatherings. Complementing the kitchen is a sophisticated cocktail menu that infuses classic mixology with delicate Asian botanicals, alongside a global wine and spirits selection.

A Curated Global Community

To maintain an atmosphere of genuine intimacy, Club HUE strictly caps its membership numbers far below standard industry benchmarks. The community brings together individuals fluent in both Eastern and Western cultures, offering a familiar touchpoint regardless of which side of the Pacific they call home.

Prospective members based in Asia are invited to apply across several tailored membership tiers, including Under 30, Founder, Founder Premium, Corporate, and a highly limited Lifetime option. Standard initiation begins at $7,500 USD.

Beyond its physical doors in Los Angeles, a Club HUE membership functions as a global passport. Key privileges include reciprocal access to elite private members' clubs across Singapore, Mumbai, Doha, Hamburg, Milan, and Vienna, alongside priority bookings at partner luxury properties, dedicated travel concierge services, and invitations to exclusive cultural programming worldwide. Elevated Founder Premium tiers further unlock bespoke local perks, including luxury chauffeur transfers within Koreatown and complimentary valet services.

For travelers who demand something more personal than a luxury hotel when Los Angeles is on the itinerary, Club HUE delivers a sophisticated home away from home.

For membership inquiries and application details, visit www.clubhue.com or contact membership@clubhue.com.