Every fall, the atmosphere in Annandale changes slightly.

Signs pop up all over the neighborhood, and John Marr Drive suddenly becomes bustling.

At the center of it all is the KORUS Festival. This annual celebration, hosted by the Korean American Association of the Greater Metropolitan Washington Area, honors Korean American culture.

The KORUS Festival takes place around the K-Market parking lot and usually spans two days. There are a variety of programs, including K-pop dance performances, the KORUS Got Talent contest, taekwondo demonstrations, traditional Korean cultural experiences, a beer garden, food vendors, and a job fair.

At the 2025 event, Korean actor and singer Park Kwang-hyun and singer Park Min-jung, who appeared in the drama Speedy Scandal, took the stage. A special ceremony celebrating Chuseok and Gaecheonjeol was also held on Saturday evening. The event is lively, as it attracts not only the Korean community but also residents from diverse backgrounds.

In addition to KORUS, there are local events organized by Fairfax County. Seasonal programs at Mason District Park and outdoor events at Annandale Community Park are popular among Korean families. In the summer, various shopping centers and parking lots host outdoor events, and Korean markets like K-Market sometimes hold their own events.

I believe the true meaning of the festival goes beyond just the sights of the day. It is a time for immigrants or second-generation individuals to reconnect with their roots and a chance to feel how vibrant this community is.

I've heard many stories from people who, when they first moved to Annandale and saw the KORUS Festival, thought, "Ah, I made the right choice." Since the schedule changes slightly each year, it's a good idea to check the KORUS Festival official website (korusfestival.org) in advance.