One of the Lower Mainland's largest multicultural festivals is coming to Burnaby.
The annual Korean Cultural Heritage Festival typically takes place in Coquitlam, but organizers are moving it back to Burnaby this year, thanks in part to a $15,000 grant from the city.
"Burnaby has always been the hub of the Korean-Canadian community," said festival spokesperson Mike Suk. "It's the home and workplace of the majority of Korean-Canadians in the Lower Mainland."
Besides the large local Korean-Canadian population, Suk said the festival was moved because Burnaby is more central and local politicians - including MLA Jane Shin and city councillors Pietro Calendino, Anne Kang and Paul McDonell - were very supportive of the event.
The festival, hosted by the Korean Cultural Heritage Society, is set for Aug. 16, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Swangard Stadium, and Suk is hoping to attract 50,000 people.
According to Suk, previous festivals have focused on Korean heritage, but this year, organizers will also highlight things the country is well known for, including K-pop, high-tech industries and impressive b-boys. There will also be a taekwondo tournament, live music, entertainment, a beer garden and food.
"It's going to be the best Korean food you can ever find in North America," Suk said.
For more information, visit koreanfestival.ca or check out the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/kchsfestival.
