More than 500 people attended the 2nd Korea Daily Senior Retirement Expo in LA Koreatown on November 15, underscoring the strong demand for clear, Korean-language guidance on Medicare, Medi-Cal, and retirement planning. Seniors began lining up with umbrellas as early as 9 a.m., despite heavy rain, to secure seats at the event held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Saenuri Church (BSBC, 975 S Berendo St, Los Angeles).
The expo provided Korean-language explanations of complex health insurance programs, annuities, and government services. Attendees said it was rare to find so much essential retirement information delivered in one place in Korean. The “2025 Korea Daily Retirement Guide” booklet, prepared for seniors, was fully distributed and quickly ran out.
Yunho Nam, CEO of Korea Daily USA, said this year’s expo focused on providing practical information directly on-site. He noted that the turnout—despite the weather—highlighted the need to expand next year’s program.
More than 20 sponsors participated, including Seoul Medical Group, PCB Bank, Open Bank, Emart America, SCAN Health Plan, UnitedHealthcare, Alignment Health Plan, Humana, UCLA Health, and Clever Care.
Jinho Lee of Seoul Medical Group said Medicare and related systems have grown increasingly difficult to navigate and emphasized expanding hospital networks and high-quality services after the group’s recent unification.
Across 24 booths, including three operated by Seoul Medical Group, seniors continued seeking guidance even after the scheduled closing time. Exhibitors included the LA County Department of Public Health, health insurance providers, and retirement-planning firms. Medicare Advantage representatives encouraged seniors to compare plans annually due to changing benefits.
Participants ranged from their 20s to 90s, broadening discussions on long-term health and financial planning. Kyungae Kim, preparing to apply for Medicare next year, said receiving direct explanations from Korean American staff helped her understand complicated information and provided reliable contacts.
The morning began with presentations from six Medicare Advantage providers—SCAN Healthcare, UnitedHealthcare (UHC), Alignment Health, Humana, UCLA Health, and Clever Care. Mike Choi (65), who attended with his spouse, said the information had been overwhelming and he had been “studying Medicare for a year,” but the Korean-language explanations helped him organize what he needed to know.
Inside the gym, consultation booths remained busy. Esther Choi with Silver City Insurance said many seniors asked about dental coverage, prescription costs, and over-the-counter products available without prescriptions.
The Seoul Medical Group (SMG) booths drew the largest crowds. SMG clinicians provided one-on-one sessions, while the affiliate Acuwellness offered free treatments. Younghee Kim (75) said hearing opinions outside her regular doctor was helpful, and she appreciated being able to compare health and insurance information in one place. SMG acupuncturist Jason Oh said many seniors mentioned dizziness, shoulder pain, and digestive issues.
Afternoon sessions covered practical retirement topics. MJ Insurance explained Medi-Cal basics, K-Day addressed integrated health management, and Wise Insurance discussed annuities and retirement planning. Returning attendee Youngsun Ham (75) said opportunities to hear this much information at once “don’t come often with age.” Sunyeop Lee (80) said the expo helped him compare options more clearly through printed materials and direct consultation. Justin Lee (31), attending to support his parents, said the event also encouraged him to reconsider his own long-term planning.
Raffle drawings delivered more than 50 prizes, including round-trip airfare to Korea, a smart TV, and market gift cards. A second drawing awarded 66 winners with Air Premia tickets, a Samsung Smart TV, CheongKwanJang health supplements, Haitai rice coupons, and H Mart gift cards.
BY BRIAN CHOI [choi.inseong@koreadaily.com]
AND YOONJAE JUNG [jung.yoonjae@koreadaily.com]
