As the city gears up for the celebration of Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving, the inaugural K-Fest is set to take place on September 14, 2024, from 10 am to 6 pm, bringing the heart of Korea’s culinary and cultural traditions to the streets of Chelsea. Spanning across 20th to 22nd Street along 8th Avenue, this vibrant festival is poised to offer attendees a taste of Korea’s rich heritage, culinary excellence, and community spirit.
Curated by Jee Young Kim, co-owner of 8282, and Dan Ahn, partner at Kimbap Lab, in collaboration with the organizers of Dragon Fest, K-Fest promises a fun food experience. With the participation of leading Korean chefs and restaurateurs, this festival stands out as the first Korean street food festival in Manhattan.
The event will spotlight renowned chefs including:
Chef Bong Le Jo from 8282
Chef Jae Lee from Nowon
Chef Sungchul Shim from Don Don and Mari.Ne
These culinary masters will showcase a variety of unique dishes, such as Dry Aged Pork Belly Skewers, Scallion Jeon, Kimchi Fried Rice with Cheese, Fried Mochi Donuts with Hojicha Caramel, and the much-anticipated Legendary Kimchi Cheeseburgers. The festival also offers banchan boxes, sesame mochi, and a range of Korean beverages for attendees to enjoy.
In addition to the food, K-Fest will feature live performances from Korean musicians and dance groups, further enriching the cultural experience. With an estimated turnout of several thousand attendees from a diverse range of backgrounds, K-Fest is committed to building connections within the community. Collaborating with local businesses and featuring well-known sponsors such as Blackbird and Square, the event is designed to bring together food enthusiasts and community leaders alike.
“We are incredibly excited to bring the flavors of Korea to Manhattan and introduce locals and visitors alike to the diverse and rich food culture of Korea,” said Jee Young Kim, co-organizer of K-Fest. “This festival is not only a celebration of food but also of community, art, and culture. We hope it becomes a beloved annual event.”
K-Fest plans to expand its reach in the future, establishing itself as a cornerstone of Korean culinary celebrations in New York City, with potential partnerships with other prominent festivals like Dragon Fest. As the festival grows, it aims to highlight even more chefs, artists, and cultural contributors, bringing the best of Korea to the city that never sleeps.
For more information and free admission tickets, please visit Eventbrite and follow us on Instagram @k.fests.