Hansamo Returns to Celebrate
the 2025 KCI Chuseok Festival

On September 27, 2025, the Presidio Main Parade Lawn in San Francisco was filled with music, food, and joy as the Bay Area Chuseok Festival welcomed thousands of visitors. Hosted by the Korean Center, Inc. (KCI) for its 50th anniversary, the festival was the biggest Chuseok event in the region.

This year’s festival offered more programs than ever. Visitors enjoyed a live calligraphy show by Korean artist Kim So-young, a graceful Taepyeongmu dance, and a stunning Taekwondo dance (Taekwonmu) performance. A special stage by HoHyun, an R&B singer from Texas, delighted the audience, and in tune with the global K-pop wave, the festival also featured a Golden Song stage inspired by K-pop Demon Hunters, thrilling young fans.

Building on the excitement from these performances, the Hansamo team took the stage, immediately capturing the audience’s attention. Hansamo first performed an exciting Nanta (drumming) show, filling the lawn with powerful beats and energy. Right after, the Hansamo Pungmulnori team performed Pangut, a traditional Korean folk performance with drums, gongs, and lively rhythms. The audience cheered as the drummers lifted and rotated their drums in the air while playing, Janggu performers played energetic rhythms, performers spun dishes in the air and performed the long ribbon hat dance, where a 12-foot ribbon swirled beautifully above the crowd. Their 12-minute show ended with loud applause, making Hansamo the highlight of the festival’s mid-day performances.

Beyond the stage, there were booths for Korean games, arts and crafts, and Hanbok photos, along with a wide variety of food, from galbijjim and tteokbokki to modern fusion dishes, plus drinks like makgeolli and sikhye.

Hansamo has been a key part of the Bay Area Chuseok Festival for many years. By bringing traditional Korean music, drumming, and dance to the stage, they help the community connect, celebrate, and share the spirit of Chuseok, wishing abundance and happiness to all the people of the Bay Area.