Celebrating CommUnity Through Open Spaces

Green space, park access, and trees

Central LA

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Koreatown is the most park-poor neighborhood in the United States, with fewer than 0.2 acres of green space per 1,000 residents. Despite its high density and rich cultural fabric, families, especially low-income, immigrant, and multigenerational households, lack access to safe, open spaces, worsening public health and social isolation. The Los Angeles Korean Festival activates Seoul International Park with a free, four-day celebration of Korean heritage, offering cultural performances, community engagement, and access to nature. This effort transforms the one and only park in Koreatown into a vibrant, inclusive gathering place for recreation, wellness, and environmental equity, making it inviting for residents to enjoy, fostering a sense of belonging, and building lasting connections to the park as a shared community space.

This grant will support the 53rd Annual Los Angeles Korean Festival, a free, four-day cultural celebration held at Seoul International Park, Koreatown’s only public green space. In one of the most park-poor and densely populated neighborhoods in the U.S., many residents avoid the park due to safety concerns or lack of amenities. The festival opens the gateway for approximately 120,000 local residents of all backgrounds and ages to experience the park as a safe, inclusive, and vibrant gathering space. It features diverse stage performances, traditional and contemporary dance, multicultural showcases, live music, arts and crafts, family-friendly activities, and informational and vendor booths. Unique elements include a green-themed Family Zone, shaded wellness areas, and cultural workshops. By highlighting park amenities like the gym, playground, baseball field, and outdoor exercise equipment, the festival invites the community to rediscover the park, build social connections, and take ownership of their shared space. This initiative blends culture, wellness, and environmental equity in one of L.A.’s most underserved areas.

If our work is successful, Los Angeles County and especially Koreatown will be a more inclusive, connected, and healthier community where public parks like Seoul International Park are seen as cultural and environmental assets. Our vision is to activate underutilized green space through culturally meaningful programming like the Los Angeles Korean Festival, drawing diverse residents into shared public spaces. Success means increased park usage, stronger community pride, and improved perception of safety and accessibility. Over time, we aim to scale our efforts by partnering with other cultural festivals and neighborhood parks across LA County to replicate this model, transforming parks into vibrant, inclusive gathering spaces that celebrate cultural identity while promoting wellness, equity, and environmental stewardship.