If you’ve ever wanted to immerse yourself more in Korean culture, boy is it your lucky day! Celebrate Korea is bringing a weeklong festival of programming featuring Korean chefs, fashion, skincare, education, and artists to Rockefeller Center this July to honor Korea’s culture and heritage.
The programming, which is in partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), will feature two on-site public art exhibitions at the Rink Level at Rockefeller Center–one of which is already open.
Origin, Emergence, Return celebrates modern and contemporary Korean art through the works of Park Seo-Bo, Lee Bae, and Jin Meyerson, featuring over 70 works and exploring three generations of Korean art from the 20th century to the present. It’s open now through July 23 (Tuesday – Saturday, 11 am. – 6 p.m.)
Part of this exhibit is Lee Bae’s 21-foot tower of stacked charcoal standing tall in front of Rockefeller Center’s Channel Gardens–the first time a Korean artist has occupied the sculpture space!
Spotlight: 12 Contemporary Artists from Korea, which opens July 18, will highlight younger and emerging Korean artists, including Sungsic Moon, Park Chan-wook, Jina Park, Heejoon Lee, HaSeulLin Jeong, and more, demonstrating the wide spectrum of some of Korea’s most notable talents’ artistic practices. It will be on view through August 27.
Beyond the art though, the festival will hold several activations at Rockefeller Center from July 19 through July 22, celebrating Korean cuisine, wellness, fashion, and art.
Celebrate Korea festival highlights include:
Camel Coffee Pop-Up (North Plaza)
Beloved Korean coffee brand Camel Coffee will host their first-ever NYC pop-up at the Five Acres truck on North Plaza. The pop-up will feature three signature drinks, including Camel Coffee (made from their signature blend of beans), Americano, and MSGR or Misugaru, made from a traditional Korean multi-grain blend.
- 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Live Drawing by Korean Pop Artist YOYOJIN (Center Plaza)
Pop Artist YOYOJIN, will create a live drawing on Center Plaza in honor of the 70th anniversary of the Korea-US alliance. As an interactive experience, each day offers opportunities for Rockefeller Center visitors to actively engage with the piece by coloring the art as it’s drawn.
- 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Korean Cuisine & Refreshments (Center Plaza)
Guests will be invited to savor the flavors of traditional Korean cuisine and refreshing beverages, including a sampling of a Korean citrus juice and grapefruit slush by Damtuh.
- 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Korean Beauty & Wellness (55 W 49th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues)
A pop-up retail space will offer guests the opportunity to explore Korean skincare and makeup products available in the United States. Professional artists specializing in Korean makeup, hair, and nails will be available to introduce Korean beauty products to attendees. Doctors from the National Institute for Korean Medicine Development will also introduce participants to Korean tea therapy and more.
- 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Hanbok Exhibition (Center Plaza)
Visitors will be invited to learn about traditional and modern hanboks, Korean clothing often associated with special occasions and traditional ceremonies. Visitors will have the opportunity to try on hanboks, have their photo taken, and learn more about these traditional garments.
- 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Plus, if you’re really looking to immerse yourself in Korean culture, an information booth will be there to help visitors plan their next trip to Korea!
Following the success of the annual Mexico Week: Día De Muertos at Rockefeller Center, the inaugural Celebrate Korea culture will continue Rockefeller Center’s legacy as a destination for global culture and commerce. The festival honors Korean culture alongside Lincoln Center’s Korean Arts Week, part of Summer for the City.
Learn more at Rockefeller Center’s website.