Festival organizers invite everyone to 'See, Taste, Listen' at Kapi'olani Park

When you think "Korean," do you think Korean soap operas, K-pop, kim chee? Sure, that's part of the culture — mainstream and traditional — but there's much more to it. And so much of it will be found at today's sixth annual Korean Festival, themed "See, Taste, Listen Korea!" at Kapi'olani Park and bandstand.

Among the attractions will be music and dance, much food (including a kim chee-eating contest at 12:20 p.m.), cultural displays, family activities and local and Korean-made products. Two award-winning recording artists from South Korea — Wax and Lee Ki Chan — will perform at 5 p.m.

The festival also takes a multicultural turn with a Chinese lion dance (9:35 a.m.); Okinawan dancers (1:45 p.m.); and even some hip-hop (9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.).

The festival is a production of the Hawai'i Korean Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds go toward service projects for the betterment of the Korean community and the community at large.

Free parking is available from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Kapi'olani Community College, from which free shuttles will take attendees to and from the festival site.