Discover the Vibrant 51st LA Korean Festival in Koreatown
The 51st LA Korean Festival, held from September 26 to 29, 2024, at Seoul International Park in Los Angeles’ Koreatown, brought together thousands of visitors to celebrate the richness of Korean culture, traditions, and heritage. As one of the city’s most anticipated cultural events, the festival highlighted the harmony between Korean identity and multicultural Los Angeles. With free entry, vibrant performances, and interactive exhibits, it attracted both locals and international tourists eager to explore the heart of K-Culture in the U.S.. A major highlight of the festival was the Korean Food Expo, where guests sampled iconic dishes like kimchi, bibimbap, tteokbokki, samgyeopsal, and hotteok. The event featured live cooking demonstrations by professional chefs, offering a hands-on introduction to traditional Korean cuisine. Attendees also explored lesser-known foods such as jeon and banchan, further deepening their appreciation for Korean culinary traditions. From street food to savory stews, K-Food was at the heart of the festival experience. Beyond food, the LA Korean Festival offered live K-pop performances, traditional folk music, and the spectacular Korean Parade along Olympic Boulevard. Visitors engaged in hanbok photo ops, craft stations, and instrument workshops, learning to play the janggu and kkwaenggwari. The impressive Historical Wall exhibit honored Korean-American history and community growth in Los Angeles, making the event not just entertaining—but deeply meaningful and educational.
The 51st LA Korean Festival, held from September 26 to 29, 2024, in Los Angeles’ Koreatown, brought together thousands of attendees to celebrate the rich culture, traditions, and heritage of Korea. This four-day festival is one of the most anticipated annual events in the city, offering a vibrant blend of food, performances, and cultural experiences. As it marked over half a century of promoting Korean culture, the festival also highlighted the diversity and inclusivity of Los Angeles, making it a must-see event for locals and tourists alike.
- Location: Seoul International Park, 3250 San Marino St., Los Angeles, CA 90006
- Dates: September 26 to September 29, 2024
- Weekday Hours: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Weekend Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Food at the LA Korean Festival One of the main attractions of the LA Korean Festival is the Korean Food Expo, where attendees had the chance to sample a wide array of traditional and contemporary Korean dishes. From iconic street foods like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (sweet pancakes) to heartier meals like samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) and bibimbap (mixed rice), the festival offered something for everyone. Food lovers also enjoyed discovering the lesser-known delicacies such as jeon (savory pancakes) and banchan (side dishes), which reflect the depth of Korean culinary heritage.
The Food Expo wasn’t just about tasting; it also offered cooking demonstrations, allowing visitors to learn how to prepare traditional Korean dishes. Attendees could watch expert chefs demonstrate how to craft perfect kimchi, grill the perfect samgyeopsal, or roll kimbap (Korean sushi rolls). This interactive element made the food experience even more immersive.
Cultural Performances In addition to the culinary delights, the LA Korean Festival is renowned for its live performances. A highlight of the festival is the annual Korean Parade, which takes place on Olympic Boulevard. This vibrant parade features ornate floats, dancers in traditional hanbok attire, and cultural demonstrations, including Korean martial arts and traditional folk dances.
The festival also hosted several live K-pop performances, attracting both local fans and international visitors. Korean drumming ensembles and classical dance performances offered a contrast to the modern beats of K-pop, illustrating the balance between Korea’s ancient traditions and its contemporary cultural output.
Hands-On Experiences The festival emphasized cultural immersion through interactive exhibitions. Visitors had the opportunity to dress in traditional Korean hanbok and take photos in front of stunning Korean architectural backdrops, bringing a piece of Korea to the heart of Los Angeles. Craft stations were also available where guests could learn the ancient art of Korean paper craft, creating delicate lotus flowers or miniature turtle ships, a symbol of Korea’s historical military strength.
For those interested in music, the festival offered sessions where participants could play traditional Korean instruments like the janggu (hourglass drum), kkwaenggwari (small gong), and jing (large gong). These hands-on workshops allowed visitors to engage with Korean cultural traditions in a memorable and educational way.
Historical Exhibitions Another key feature of the LA Korean Festival was the Historical Wall, a 100-foot-long display showcasing the rich history of Korea as well as the experiences of Korean immigrants in the United States. This exhibit honored the early pioneers of the Korean-American community in Los Angeles and provided a deeper understanding of how Koreatown developed into the cultural hub it is today.
Locations and Logistics The festival took place at Seoul International Park in Koreatown, located at 3250 San Marino St., Los Angeles, CA 90006. The park is easily accessible from major roads and public transport, making it convenient for visitors from all over the city. The event ran from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM on weekdays and 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekends, providing ample time for guests to enjoy all the festival had to offer.
For those attending in the future, the festival is free to enter, making it an accessible event for all. However, it’s a good idea to arrive early, as the festival draws between 5,000 and 20,000 visitors throughout its duration. There’s plenty of parking around the area, but public transportation is recommended to avoid traffic and parking delays.
The 51st LA Korean Festival was more than just an event; it was a celebration of Korean heritage and a showcase of cultural diversity in Los Angeles. From the delicious Korean food and vibrant performances to hands-on experiences and historical exhibitions, this festival offered something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of Korean cuisine, K-pop, or traditional arts, the LA Korean Festival provides a unique cultural experience that brings the best of Korea to LA.
For anyone planning to attend future festivals, be sure to check the official website or follow the festival’s social media accounts for updates on schedules, attractions, and parking information