2026 Chuseok Korean Festival
at SF Ferry Building

On Sunday, September 20, 2026, the members of Hansamo traveled to the iconic San Francisco Ferry Building to participate in a special Chuseok celebration. Co-presented by the Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles (KCCLA) and MAUM Market, this free-admission event was designed to bring the true spirit of one of Korea's most cherished traditional holidays—a time to celebrate the harvest, share gratitude, and foster community—straight into the heart of San Francisco. It was a profound privilege for our team to anchor the traditional segment of a vibrant day that showcased Korean tradition, creativity, K-Pop performances, K-food, and hands-on cultural activities. 

The performance took place against the scenic backdrop of the San Francisco waterfront. As our team began, local residents jogging along the Bay Bridge and tourists exploring the historic Ferry Building paused in their tracks, drawing together to form a diverse and captivated audience. Our members introduced the five traditional instruments used in Pungmulnori, and it was deeply rewarding to observe the immense curiosity and respect with which the crowd listened to the explanation of our heritage. 

The highlight of the event was the Pungmul team's Pangut, an intense and rhythmic performance that spanned approximately 12 minutes. As the drumming built momentum, the energy within the plaza escalated. The concentration of both performers and onlookers reached its absolute peak during the Beona (saucer spinning) routine, where the thrill of tossing and catching the spinning discs high in the air kept the audience spellbound. Spontaneous crowd participation added a layer of shared joy, which was further elevated by the striking display of the Yeoldubal Sangmo (long ribbon hat) spinning, earning immense applause and enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. 

Following the performance, our members gathered with attendees for commemorative photographs. It was particularly noteworthy to see a significant presence of children and young adults in their 20s and 30s among the spectators, underscoring a vital, cross-generational appreciation for traditional Korean arts amid the lively festive atmosphere. 

This event was particularly meaningful as it marked the first performance for four of our newest Hansamo members, who prepared diligently for their roles. Additionally, it was the debut performance for Seungjun on the Taepyeongso, who put a tremendous amount of effort into mastering his part. We extend our sincere gratitude to KCCLA and MAUM Market for hosting this celebration and inviting Hansamo to participate. The event provided a valuable opportunity for our students to share the warmth of Korean culture and connect with the broader community.