| Document And entity Information | Apr. 28, 2020 | Oct. 21, 2019 |
| Cover page. | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Apr. 28, 2020 | |
| Entity Registrant Name | HOPE BANCORP INC | |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE | |
| Entity File Number | 000-50245 | |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 95-4849715 | |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3200 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1400 | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Los Angeles | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 90010 | |
| City Area Code | 213 | |
| Local Phone Number | 639-1700 | |
| Written Communications | false | |
| Soliciting Material | false | |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false | |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock | |
| Trading Symbol | HOPE | |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001128361 | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
