Director Haedon Lee said KCCLA allows the community to experience the rich depths of Korean culture, history and society. (photo by Edwin Folven)

American and Korean culture meld on the Miracle Mile, where the Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles provides a bridge across the Pacific Ocean. From traditional musical performances, art and textile exhibitions and intricate calligraphy displays to modern K-pop, film, theater and sports presentations, KCCLA allows visitors to step into a world of new discoveries.  

“Our Korean Cultural Center in Los Angeles serves as a central hub for promoting and introducing Korean modern and traditional arts and traditional heritage,” KCCLA Director Haedon Lee said. “Our mission and purpose is to connect a bridge between artists and artist groups of Korea and the United States. I think we can contribute to building genuine trust and a lasting partnership between Korea and the U.S.” 

Lee said the relationship between the two countries was on full display in June when the South Korean soccer team played in the FIFA World Cup. KCCLA was part of the 2026 Koreatown Watch Party Festival supporting the South Korean national football club. Lee said the excitement will be amplified even more when Los Angeles hosts the 2028 Olympic Games and organizations including KCCLA promote Korean sports to the world. 

“The 2028 L.A. Olympics is a big mega event in the U.S. We plan to organize a lively fan hub with Korea House, where locals and sports enthusiasts can cheer on the Korean team together,” Lee said. “But also, the L.A. Olympics is a big opportunity for us to bridge sports with culture. For example, we are considering showcasing the Taekwondo Demonstration Team in L.A., and boosting Korean Heritage Night with sports clubs such as the L.A. Dodgers and LAFC.” 

KCCLA highlights intricate Korean art pieces at its gallery on Wilshire Boulevard. (photo by Edwin Folven)

Angelenos can explore the rich history of Korea today through a variety of exhibitions and programs at KCCLA. The center is hosting the First Los Angeles Korean Film Festival from Sept. 24-26 at the Harmony Gold Preview House on Sunset Boulevard and at the center, 5505 Wilshire Blvd. The inaugural festival brings Korean films, filmmakers and audiences together for screenings, special programs and cultural exchange. 

Through Oct. 17, see the “2026 K-Comics Origin Los Angeles: Korean Webtoon Experience Exhibition.” Korean webtoons, or digital comics, have evolved beyond stories into powerful content spanning genres and media. Through original stories and distinctive characters, KCCLA explores Korean webtoons and K-Content. 

On Oct. 9, celebrate Hangeul Day with KCCLA. The national holiday in South Korea commemorates the invention and proclamation of the Korean alphabet. 

“This fall and winter, we have a very big and interesting lineup starting with the K-webtoons exhibition,” Lee said. “Plus, we are launching the First L.A. Korean Film Festival in September – that is very important – and we are hosting fun community events like a Kimchi Festival in November.” 

KCCLA plans to continue its mission of educating and introducing the public to Korea and Lee invites the community to visit the center to experience the culture for themselves. 

“There is a phenomenon about the popularity of Korean pop culture such as K-pop, drama and Korean movies. But I think our mission, our main goal, is to showcase the real depths and quality of Korean culture, diverse Korean culture,” Lee said. “ While K-pop and K-drama is popular, we also want to bring Korea’s rich and diverse tradition and heritage into the spotlight. We really want L.A. citizens to feel the true heart and aesthetic behind Korean culture, not just the trends.”