The LA Korean Festival has cemented its place as one of the city’s premier annual cultural events.
Held from October 16 to 19 at Seoul International Park in Koreatown, the festival drew diverse crowds of all ages and ethnicities, many drawn by the global rise of the Korean Wave (Hallyu). This year’s event showcased the cultural energy of the Korean American community through performances and community programs.
The LA Korean Festival Foundation, in collaboration with the Office of the Mayor, Councilmember Heather Hutt (District 10), the Department of Recreation and Parks, and the Department of Cultural Affairs, was praised for presenting a Hallyu multicultural festival that embodied cultural coexistence. About 40 programs were featured, including K-pop performances, multicultural shows, and public competitions. However, recurring issues—such as cash-only transactions, limited facilities, and safety management—were noted for improvement.
The foundation coordinated with its own security team and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to maintain order, but some visitors still felt uneasy in crowded areas. One attendee said, “There were many children and pets, and at one point I almost fell because of the crowd. I wish there had been more security officers in the narrow passageways.”
Waste management also became a problem as piles of food containers and leftovers accumulated around the venue. Local resident Yuna Kang, 27, commented, “Many people threw food waste directly onto the streets. More trash bins are needed.”
Around 300 booths offered food and products, but several visitors voiced frustration about cash-only payments. “Many vendors still only accepted cash,” one said. Another attendee, Kevin Kim, noted, “It was great to experience Korean culture in the heart of LA, but many products could already be found at Korean markets. It would’ve been nice to see more unique Korean specialties.”
The festival also took place amid increased immigration enforcement. Following the arrest of 323 Korean workers at a Hyundai and LG Energy Solution battery plant in Georgia last month, concerns arose over Korean vendors using visa waiver (ESTA) or short-term business (B1) visas for profit-making activities.
In response, the LA Korean Festival Foundation, led by Chairman Alex Cha, hired local assistants to manage sales at the agricultural expo booths. However, observers noted that some Korean merchants and assistants were still seen handling cash transactions together, pointing to insufficient training and oversight.
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
AND YOONSEO SONG [song.yoonseo@koreadaily.com]
