During the 52nd LA Korean Festival, set to take place over four days starting October 16, 2025, at Seoul International Park, the City of Los Angeles is expected to enhance transportation support by increasing bus services in Koreatown. This initiative is anticipated to improve accessibility, attracting more residents and visitors to the festival.

According to the LA Korean Festival Foundation on October 2, 2025, following discussions with LA City Council District 10 Councilmember Heather Hutt’s office and the city’s Department of Transportation, DASH bus services in Koreatown will operate extended hours during the festival, with fares provided free of charge. Typically, DASH buses run until around 7:00–7:50 p.m. on weekdays and 6:00–6:50 p.m. on weekends.

However, during the festival, services will be extended to later hours. According to the LA City Clerk’s office, on September 30, Councilmember Heather Hutt proposed a budget allocation to support transportation for the Korean Festival. The proposal allocates $13,528 to fund additional DASH bus operations and grants the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) authority to make necessary adjustments.

As the budget comes from discretionary funds available to city councilmembers, its implementation is considered nearly certain. Previously, the LA City Council also approved a street banner promotion for the festival. As a result, 200 banners promoting the LA Korean Festival are currently displayed across 100 locations in the city, doubling last year’s count of 100 banners.

Meanwhile, the Festival Foundation announced that this year’s event will feature various competitions to entertain attendees. Contests with cash prizes or gifts include a pull-up competition, a Korean hot dog eating contest, and a senior singing competition. Inquiries about participation can be directed to the Festival Foundation at (213) 487-9696.
Additionally, the finals for the “K-Pop Contest” and “K-Beauty Pageant,” which have already held preliminary rounds, will take place during the festival.

Under the theme “Beyond Boundaries,” this year’s Korean Festival is supported by major sponsors, including global lodging platform Airbnb, US Bank (one of the top three U.S. banks), Hyundai, and Kia. The LA Department of Cultural Affairs, Department of Recreation and Parks, and Metro are also collaborating as partner organizations. Local sports teams, including the LA Clippers, LA Kings, and LAFC, will operate booths to engage with the Korean-American community. A highlight of the festival, the 52nd annual “Korean Parade,” will take place on Saturday, October 18, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., vibrantly decorating Olympic Boulevard in the heart of LA’s Koreatown.

Reporter: Han Hyung-seok