Korea will be the featured country at this year’s Lotus Festival, one of Los Angeles’ signature Asian cultural events, scheduled for July 12–13 at Echo Park. This marks the second time Korea has served as the host nation, following its first appearance in 2016.
The Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks held a preview event at Echo Park on June 12, showcasing some of the Korean cultural experiences to be featured at the festival. Attendees included Kenneth Mejia, LA City Controller; Heather Hutt, City Councilmember for District 10; Jimmy Kim, General Manager of the LA Parks Department; Steve Kang, Commissioner of the LA Board of Public Works; and Lee Haedon, Director of the Korean Cultural Center in Los Angeles.
During the two-day festival, the Korean Cultural Center will present a wide range of traditional programs, including hanbok (Korean traditional clothing) experiences, Korean food tastings, and performances of gugak (traditional Korean music) and folk dance. The Korean Music and Dance Company is preparing performances featuring traditional instruments and samulnori (Korean percussion ensemble).
In addition to Korean cultural showcases, the festival will feature “Light of Dreams,” a lotus-themed light show, dragon boat races, and booths offering Asian food and handmade crafts from various countries.
Lee Haedon, Director of the Korean Cultural Center, stated, “There’s growing local interest in Korea’s traditional culture beyond K-pop and dramas. Through this festival, we aim to showcase the richness of Korean culture.”
The Lotus Festival is a major multicultural event in Los Angeles that highlights the heritage of a different Asian country each year. Admission is free, but parking is limited, and attendees are encouraged to use public transportation.
BY YEONGCHAE SONG [song.yeongchae@koreadaily.com]
