Newport Beach
Korean Festival
2026
Experience the Beauty, Creativity, and Global Influence of Korean Culture in the Heart of Newport Beach.
The inaugural landmark celebration connecting Korea and the United States through acclaimed cinema, fine contemporary art, live performances, Kimchi culinary masterclasses, and hands-on heritage.
Save the Date!
Saturday, October 10, 2026 • 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM • Newport Beach Civic Center
Newport Beach Korean Festival
The inaugural Newport Beach Korean Festival is a landmark cultural celebration designed to introduce the beauty, creativity, and global influence of Korean culture to the Newport Beach community. From Korean film and contemporary art to traditional performances, K-Pop, Korean cuisine, and interactive cultural experiences, the festival offers visitors of all ages an opportunity to discover the richness and diversity of Korea in a welcoming community setting. We invite residents, visitors, artists, filmmakers, and community leaders to join us for a memorable day of cultural exchange, creativity, and friendship.
A Bridge Connecting Korea and the United States
The Newport Beach Korean Festival is more than a cultural event—it is a bridge connecting Korea and the United States through film, art, music, food, tradition, and shared experiences.
We hope this inaugural festival will become an annual tradition that strengthens friendship, promotes cultural understanding, and creates a meaningful connection between the Korean community and the greater Newport Beach community. We look forward to welcoming you to the First Newport Beach Korean Festival.
Immerse in the Festival Experience
Experience the vibrant energy of thunderous percussion, dazzling cultural choreography, fine contemporary art, and the cinematic premiere of Beatmaker.
Celebrating Culture by the Coast
From morning opening beats to afternoon cinema and evening cultural celebrations, explore the six pillars that make the Newport Beach Korean Festival an extraordinary coastal gathering.
K-ART: Sunny Kim
Exclusive solo exhibition featuring the radiant, cosmic works of internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Sunny Kim, showcasing the *Colorful Expressions Series*.
View Gallery & BioK-MOVIE: BEAT MAKER
An electric fusion of traditional Korean Pansori and modern hip-hop MPC sampling. Catch the special festival screening of Bada Entertainment's 2026 feature film.
Film Details & PostersK-CULTURE: Hanbok Try-On
Slip into exquisite royal and traditional Korean Hanbok garments and capture lasting family memories at our authentic themed photo pavilions.
K-FOOD: Hands-on Kimchi Making
Presented by Korean American Women's Society (KAWS) & Sponsored by Overseas Koreans Agency. Make authentic kimchi and take home your own fresh jar!
Workshop Details & RegisterK-POP Live Showcase
Feel the infectious energy of global chart-topping K-POP hits brought to life by premier Southern California youth dance teams and vocal performers.
NANTA Drum Spectacle
Experience thunderous rhythmic beats and humorous, synchronized Korean theatrical drumming that will captivate audience members of all ages.
Yellow Edition
Beatmaker MPC Art
Hanok Edition
Traditional Drum meets MPC
Graphic Edition
One drum. One pad. In between, a sound is born.
Festival Program & Schedule
From morning opening beats to afternoon cinema and evening cultural celebrations, explore our continuous program of events from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Newport Beach Civic Center.
Festival Opening & Red Carpet Reception
Civic Center Lawn
Opening Samulnori Performance: The festival begins with the vibrant sounds and energy of traditional Korean percussion.
Red Carpet & VIP Welcome: Red Carpet & Photo Zone, VIP Interviews, Traditional Korean Calligraphy Guest Book.
VIP Arrival & Welcome Reception: Tea & Cocktail Reception.
Opening Ceremony & Dignitary Remarks
Main Stage
Opening NANTA Performance: Exhilarating theatrical drumming spectacle.
Welcome & Opening Remarks: Master of Ceremonies.
National Anthems: Performed by Jinhee Do — National Anthem of the United States & National Anthem of the Republic of Korea.
Festival Opening Declaration: Official Opening of the Festival.
Founding Honors: Introduction of the Four Founding Committee Members • Recognition of Kevin Muldoon (Honorary Chairman & Former Mayor of Newport Beach) • Recognition of Irene (President of the Newport Beach Arts Foundation).
Celebration Cultural Performances
Festival Stage
A magnificent showcase of traditional grace and contemporary rhythm:
• Traditional Korean Fan Dance (Buchaechum)
• Hanbok Fashion Show featuring royal and modern Korean couture
• Electric Violin Performance: Featuring “Golden” and “BTS Arirang”
• Traditional Korean Dance — Ipchum: Performed by Jiho Lee
• K-Pop Performance: Dynamic choreography and youth showcase
VIP & Group Commemorative Photo
Photo PavilionOfficial commemorative photo session with civic dignitaries, committee members, honored artists, and community leaders.
KAWS Hands-on Kimchi Making & K-Food Experience
Culinary Pavilion • Limited 100
Presented by Korean American Women's Society (KAWS) • Sponsored by Overseas Koreans Agency
Hosted by Banya Choi & Yongjin Kim:
Experience Korea’s most iconic culinary tradition through a fun, interactive kimchi-making event. Craft and seal your very own take-home fresh Kimchi jar!
K-Food Unboxing & Tasting Experience: Guests will enjoy delicious authentic Korean snacks and traditional flavors.
Strictly limited to the first 100 registrants.
K-Art in the U.S. — Special Presentation
Community Room
Host: Irene, President, Newport Beach Arts Foundation
Featured Presentation: Sunny Kim
A special presentation exploring Korean art and its growing presence and global influence in the United States, followed by curator tour of the Colorful Expressions Series.
Korean Film Screening: “Beatmaker”
Witte Hall Cinema
Venue: Witte Hall (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Featured Film: Beatmaker (108 min • All Ages Welcome)
Official Competition Selection, Seoul Independent Film Festival
Presented by Bada Entertainment
A special Korean film presentation highlighting the creativity and emerging voices of contemporary Korean cinema.
Cultural Experience Zone
Throughout the day, guests of all ages can participate in a wide variety of hands-on Korean cultural experiences, interactive craft pavilions, and family-friendly activities.
Hands-on Kimchi Making
Interactive workshop by Korean American Women's Society. Make & take home your own fresh kimchi jar (Limited to first 100 registrants).
Hanbok Experience & Photos
Slip into authentic royal and traditional Korean Hanbok attire and capture commemorative family portraits at themed pavilions.
Calligraphy Guest Book
Watch master calligraphers demonstrate Hangul brush stroke artistry and leave your commemorative inscription in our festival guest book.
Traditional Korean Games
Enjoy classic folk games including Yutnori board play, Ddakji tile flipping, traditional archery, tug-of-war, and family activities.
Cultural Gifts & Lucky Draw
Participate in prize events, souvenir raffles, and exclusive Korean cultural gift giveaways throughout festival hours.
Civic Exchange & Friendship
A welcoming community platform fostering friendship, cultural understanding, and global creative connection in Newport Beach.
Newport Beach Civic Center & Witte Hall
Hosted across the landmark Newport Beach Civic Center complex—featuring the 1,500-capacity outdoor Lawn, modern Community Room, covered indoor-outdoor Pavilion, and premier Witte Hall cinema auditorium.
Civic Center Lawn
Spacious coastal green lawn accommodating ceremonies, opening Samulnori performances, cultural pavilions, and family folk game activities.
Covered Glass Pavilion
Expansive covered pavilion providing seamless indoor-outdoor connectivity, ideal for the VIP reception, tea tastings, and cultural exhibits.
Witte Hall (Cinema Screening)
Equipped with high-definition digital projection screen, acoustic sound engineering, and theater seating for the 3:00 PM premiere of Beatmaker.
Reception Courtyard
Picture-perfect coastal courtyard setting for the Red Carpet welcome, photo zones, and Korean calligraphy guest book demonstrations.
Community Presentation Hall
Integrated audiovisual environment hosting Irene's 2:00 PM special presentation “K-Art in the U.S.” featuring contemporary artist Sunny Kim.
Civic Center Architecture
Award-winning contemporary civic architecture designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, seamlessly blending coastal aesthetics with open public spaces.
Join Us Free in Newport Beach!
Register for your complimentary community admission pass to receive festival reminders, fast-track check-in, entry into the community raffle draw, and priority seating for the K-Art gallery walk.