Rudy Flores

Professor Encinias
CAS 115

Event #1: Koreatown Festival

The first event I want to talk about is the Koreatown Festival that happened in my
community. Even though it is not related to Latin America I wanted to discuss it because it
happens in a majorly Latino environment and there is this fusion between Korean and Latino
culture that in a way represents K-Town. This festival happened between October 12 through the
15th, at Seoul International Park in Koreatown. This festival offers entertainment, Korean
vendors, and some cool activities to do such as games and a 360 video recording where you
stand in the center a camera films you in a 360 rotation. Of course, there was gonna be FOOD,
there was a variety of food, noodles, sushi, Korean street food, also this fusion of tacos, and
carnitas that unique fusion which people Eating. I personally liked the tornado fries which sell
out quickly and some pina colada in a lightbulb-shaped bottle. The people who came and
enjoyed this festival were not only from the Korean community but also from the Latino
community. There is also a parade that shows Korean culture with dancers and Hanboks or
traditional Korean clothing. There are schools that participate in the festival with Korean
drumming and Taikwando demonstrations. My elementary school has participated in the event
for years, I was part of the parade a few times and it's a surreal experience watching the
dedication everyone puts in to entertain. There are also Korean artists that come and perform not
that big Kpop groups but still artists and my friend has performed at the festival not just here but
in others around southern California. It brings the community together and shows we are all
K-Town. It is a very popular event people from the community come as well as from other parts
of the city, I actually encountered someone who came from around Anaheim just to come and
celebrate. It definitely shocked me since I always considered the festival to be an event only
around K-Town but it was a fun experience very unique for sure. Its a must for anyone interested
in Korean culture and food.