Pyeongtaek Korean-American Cultural Friendship Festival

Every year, Pyeongtaek hosts a weekend long Korean-American Cultural Friendship Festival to help foster a positive relationship between the Koreans and Americans who live in the area. Osan Air Base is located right across the street from the festival, so many American military and their families take advantage of the street fair. There is plenty of entertainment, including a large stage with ongoing performances throughout the weekend, Korean and American street food, and various Korean vendors, as well as many photo opportunities! Families, both American and Korean, come out to enjoy the nice weather this time of year and experience this unique combination of culture and people.

 

You'll find many types of food at the festival. But if you can't find anything to fill your stomach on the street, there are plenty of restaurants in the Songtan Entertainment District ("the SED"), including Mexican, Italian, Peruvian, Indian, and even a McDonalds.

Entertainment unlike anything I've ever seen before. These professional performers were playing and dancing tirelessly throughout the weekend. I could not believe their stamina! It was very entertaining!

Advertising a local workout studio (I think!). After the performance, they proceeded to give away coupons to the audience for a workout class.

If you stop by for a Turkish ice cream cone, be prepared for an experience! This guy is excellent at the art of deception and will have you giggling foolishly as you try to grab the ice cream cone from him! From what I hear, the treat is worth the trouble! 

Traditional Korean hanbok worn by performers during the evening ceremony; it was fascinating watching them spin and dance.

If you're in the area during this time, I highly encourage you to check out this festival! It's a great way to immerse yourself in Korean festival culture and you'll likely find that the Korean people do festivals much the same as Americans! The map below will put you right in the middle of the festival, there is parking available on the streets surrounding the area, as well as a parking garage nearby. 

The Details

• What: Pyeongtaek Korean American Cultural Friendship Festival 
• When: October 15-16, 2016, things start to pick up around 10am
• Where: Outside Osan Air Base main gate
•  317-14 Sinjang 2(i)-dong, Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

SED Walk Through – Pyeongtaek, South Korea

When talking to our friends and family, Ethan and I will mention walking through the SED or a shop on the SED. This is a shopping district about 3 minutes away from our apartment here in Pyeongtaek. We walk through it pretty regularly and it's on the way to the main gate at Osan AB.

Below is a video of our walk from the main gate through the SED on a rainy Sunday afternoon. As you can see, it's relatively active, despite the weather.

I apologize in advance for the shaky video. Hopefully you don't get motion sick!