K-Town Cool: The Korean Diaspora

Los Angeles has the largest Korean population outside of the Korean Peninsula. We explore the social, cultural, and political nuances of the genesis and development of the Korean community in Los Angeles. We explore identity and community through different immersions.

Learning Objectives

Develop an understanding of Korean culture; its values, traditions, and rituals, through an examination of the Korean Diaspora in LA.

Building historical context of immigration in the 20th century, including the geopolitical and economic factors that led to Korean emigration and the establishment of a large KoreaTown in LA.

Experiencing the multiculturalism of Los Angeles and in KoreaTown, charting the distinct cultural influences evolving and shaping what it means to be Korean or experience Korean culture in LA.

Places and Activities

This program is flexible, and can be offered in 3, 5, or 7 day itineraries.

Days 1-2: Getting our Bearings

After arriving in LA, the students then hike to the Griffith Observatory to understand the vast expanse of the city. Also including a KoreaTown slow-looking walk and introductory workshops at the Korean Cultural Center.

Days 2-4: Art and Cuisine

Enjoying a traditional Korean dinner at Dong II Jong, a shopping exercise and empathy interviewing at KoreaTown Plaza mall. Students also participate in a street art tour and enjoy a karaoke night!

Days 5-6: Identity and History

Through a walking tour, the history of the LA riots is learned. Experiencing an evening traditional dance performance, a K-Pop Dance class and even a classical cultural experience at the Korean Wi Spa for some relaxation.

Day 7: Closing the Loop

Celebrating the end of the program with a debrief at Santa Monica Pier and Korean cooking class, before heading home.

Lenses of Inquiry

The Immigrant Experience

How has Korean-American’s individual and collective perception of their identity changed across generations?

Korean Cuisine

How do the traditions of gathering and eating differ from my own culture?

Multiculturalism and Traditions

How does Korean culture in LA differ from Korean culture in Seoul?

Let’s work together

“The individuals we worked with, without exception, were all professional, courteous, patient, and greatly attentive to detail. As stated above, Envoys is flexible and works hard to make sure that if you have custom aspects to a trip that you want to add, they will work hard to make it happen for you.”

— Adam H. , Faculty, Belmont Hill Japan 2016

“The Envoys staff has been amazing. I have bonded with each of them in different ways and they made the trip to Colombia nicer that I expected. Envoys helped me open myself up to interacting with the locals wherever we traveled!”

— Illeana G. , Student, Deerfield Colombia 2014

“It was not only the good times with our friends or the relationships we built but how we were after we came back, returning to this agitated society with a new view of ourselves and not just our impact on the world, but the world’s impact on us.”

— Gabriela , Student, Deerfield Colombia 2014