EAST SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The sights, sounds, and flavors of South Korea came alive in East Syracuse this weekend as the Taste of Korea Festival returned for its fourth year.
Held Saturday at Legacy Gym (formerly St. Matthew’s Gym) on Kinne Street, the free community event invited visitors to experience Korean culture through food, music, and interactive activities.
Guests sampled traditional dishes like bulgogi, tteokbokki, and kimchi, while enjoying K-pop performances, calligraphy sessions, and a “Squid Game”-inspired challenge area.
Hosted by the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) Syracuse, the annual festival has become a staple cultural celebration in Central New York, drawing more than 1,000 people in past years.
“This event is about bringing people together,” said Steve Park, Director of IYF Syracuse. “Through food, art, and music, we’re building bridges between cultures and sharing the joy of Korean tradition with our community.”
Organizers say they hope to continue growing the festival in the coming years, giving more Central New Yorkers the chance to “travel to Korea” without ever leaving Syracuse.