Los Angeles Korean Festival Cultural Festival Every year in October

Out of all the cities in the world, the Greater Los Angeles area has the biggest population of Koreans outside of Korea. That’s why Angelenos have access to the most authentic Korean food and culture in America. In celebration of the contributions that Koreans have made to the city, Seoul International Park welcomes anyone interested in Korean food and culture for the annual Los Angeles Korean Festival, held across four days in early October.

Since 1973, LA has celebrated Korean culture with the Los Angeles Korean Festival. With K-pop concerts, traditional fashion shows, dance competitions, folk drumming demonstrations, and even a robot exhibition, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the massive parade that goes along Olympic Boulevard through Koreatown, from Vermont Avenue all the way to Seoul International Park. The parade features government officials, Korean pageant winners, community activists, as well as colorful floats and dancers brightly dressed in hanboks (traditional Korean clothing).

The Los Angeles Korean Festival is free, but remember to bring some cash to sample the various Korean dishes from the festival vendors. Over 400,000 people attend the Los Angeles Korean Festival each year, making it one of the biggest ethnic festivals in the country. With such a massive amount of people, the more popular events tend to get crowded, so arrive early for whatever you want to do or see.

While you’re at the festival, be sure to sample the hundreds of different varieties and brands of kimchi (Korea’s national dish and an essential side at every meal). Or celebrate LA’s eclectic blend of cultures by catching on to the growing bulgogi taco trend. At the end of the day, wash down all that food with some traditional soju or makgeolli (rice wine) at the nearby bars in K-town. And if you’re feeling especially adventurous after the festival, unleash your inner K-pop star with some Korean karaoke at a local noraebang for about $20 to $40 per hour.