The 53rd LA Korean Festival opened Oct. 1 at Seoul International Park in Los Angeles’ Koreatown, drawing crowds to a four-day celebration of Korean food, culture and community. This year’s theme, “LA Arirang,” is meant to connect half a century of Korean immigration history with the next generation.
The festival runs Oct. 1-4 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day and is free to the public. Organizers set up more than 290 booths along the area between San Marino Street and Olympic Boulevard, including the market and agricultural expo area, as well as booths near the main stage.
More than 40 food, beverage and snack vendors are included, along with more than 100 agricultural and seafood expo booths showcasing products such as seaweed, sesame oil and traditional Korean sauces from different regions of Korea. Despite temperatures topping 80 degrees on opening day, visitors kept coming to the festival, where food remained the main attraction.
The article also described the market atmosphere as lively and welcoming, with Koreans of different generations and people from other ethnic backgrounds taking part. Organizers said the festival was designed to bring together Korean tradition, everyday community life and a new generation shaped by K-pop and Korean sports stars.
