The City of Jersey City, in partnership with the Show Me Your Heart Foundation (SMYH) and the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce – Korean Chapter, today announced the launch of K-Festival 2025, the city’s first official Chuseok festival and modern Korean cultural showcase inspired by the “K-Town 2.0” concept. The festival coincides with the inaugural Korean-American Community Recognition Day, a new civic tradition honoring the contributions and leadership of Korean Americans in Jersey City and beyond.

Honoring Culture, Innovation, and Leadership

As part of the recognition ceremony, six distinguished Korean-American leaders will be honored for their outstanding contributions in business, arts & culture, education, healthcare, youth leadership, and community service. The honorees, selected by the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce – Korean Chapter with support from KCED LLC, will receive official proclamations presented by the Mayor and City Council inside City Hall’s Council Chambers.

“This festival and recognition ceremony reflect our city’s commitment to celebrating diversity while elevating the voices of Korean culture and leadership at the center of civic life,” said Mayor Steven M. Fulop.

K-Festival 2025: Redefining K-Culture in America

As Jersey City’s first official Chuseok celebration, K-Festival 2025 goes beyond a seasonal holiday to present a boutique, future-forward cultural experience. Drawing from influences in Seoul and New York City, the festival highlights the next generation of Korean creativity and commerce through curated zones of fashion, food, lifestyle, and performance.

Guided by the theme “Localize to Globalize,” K-Festival 2025 positions Jersey City as a gateway city for Korean industries, culture, and innovation—marking the beginning of K-Town 2.0.

Festival Highlights

·         Performances (1:15–3:00 PM): Traditional Korean fan dance (buchaechum), Taekwondo demonstrations, percussion, and a K-pop dance & DJ showcase.

·         Food & Culinary Pavilion (12:00–3:00 PM): Traditional and modern Korean cuisine presented by leading F&B brands and local businesses.

·         Fashion & Lifestyle Zone (12:00–3:00 PM): Contemporary fashion, beauty, and lifestyle showcases by Korean and Korean-American designers.

·         Culture & Arts Zone (12:00–3:00 PM): Hanbok photo studio, Korean crafts workshops, and family-friendly Hangul activities.

·         Recognition & Closing Ceremony (3:00–3:30 PM): Honoree awards presentation followed by a Hanbok fashion showcase.

Jersey City: The Home of K-Town 2.0

As the most diverse city in the United States, Jersey City provides the ideal home for launching K-Town 2.0. With support from civic leaders, corporate partners, and community organizations, this first official Chuseok festival proudly celebrates Korean heritage while building a new cultural and commercial hub for the region.

Event Details

·         Event: K-Festival 2025 & Korean-American Community Recognition Day

·         Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025

·         Time: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM

·         Location: City Hall Plaza, 280 Grove St, Jersey City, NJ 07302

·         Admission: Free and open to the public

Presented by: City of Jersey City & Show Me Your Heart Foundation Co-Hosted by: Hudson County Chamber of Commerce – Korean Chapter Facilitated by: KCED LLC

In Collaboration with: Korean corporations, fashion & lifestyle brands, F&B companies, educational institutions, and community partners

Media Contact

K-Festival 2025 Press Office Email: sylvia@mpluscreative.com Phone: 201-923-0773

About the Organizers

Show Me Your Heart Foundation (SMYH) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing Korean arts, culture, and intercultural understanding through public programming and education. Hudson County Chamber of Commerce – Korean Chapter supports Korean-American businesses, creative industries, and cultural initiatives throughout Hudson County, strengthening both economic growth and community engagement.