More than 40,000 celebrate Korean culture and lifestyle at '2026 K-Expo USA' in Los Angeles

More than 40,000 Angelinos took a deep dive into contemporary Korean lifestyle with hands-on experiences ranging from spicy instant noodles to Korean makeup techniques and K-pop acts during the "2026 K-Expo USA: All About K-Style" event in Los Angeles, according to the Korea Creative Content Agency (Kocca). 

Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and organized by the Kocca, the expo took place in downtown Los Angeles on May 23 and 24. 

The exposition has expanded into a comprehensive platform for international cultural exchange that encompasses Korean food, beauty and sports beyond K-pop, according to the agency.

Instant noodle maker Nongshim ran experiential spaces where visitors could taste spicy Korean flavors and recreate the famed "instant noodles along the Han River" experience.

Netflix unveiled exclusive images of Korean-made content that have garnered considerable attention in North America and hosted a “K-star zone” that introduced philosophies and works of Korean creators.

The Korea Football Association created a space that recreated the national football team’s locker room. The Korea Cosmetic Industry Institute offered a personal color analysis with tailored makeup consultations.

In a cooking event, celebrity chef Song Hoon from Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars (2024-25) and actor Ryu Soo-young showcased localized Korean dishes: hoe gimbap (raw fish rice roll) and flatfish tartare tacos paired with fried seaweed.

“When I see foreigners smiling brightly in satisfaction after tasting Korean food, I feel really empowered,” Ryu said. “I will continuously connect Korean food with the rest of the world.”

At Peacock Theater, K-pop acts Jay Park, P1Harmony and K-pop rookie group LNGSHOT performed in front of around 6,000 K-pop fans and concertgoers. The special guests included American singers Jaydon and Paradise.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass presented certificates of appreciation to Korean singers in recognition of the role Korean content played in revitalizing the local community and enriching cultural diversity.

“The expo has proven that K-content is embedding into everyday life [globally], evolving beyond a mere cultural phenomenon,” Yoo Hyun-seok, the agency’s interim director, said in a press release. Yoo also pledged continued support to broaden the global reach of Korean content and promote cultural exchange between Korea and the United States.

The exposition will head to Paris in June and Mexico City in September, according to the Kocca. 

BY LEE SOO-JUNG [lee.soojung1@joongang.co.kr]