SAN FRANCISCO, September 26, 2026—Through January 31, 2027, immerse yourself in Korean art and culture with San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) through the new program series Ride the Hallyu Wave, hosted by the Main Library and Western Addition Branch Library. 

Since the 90's, Korean culture has captured the interest of people around the world through music, film, food and more—a phenomenon known as “Hallyu,” or “Korean Wave.” With Ride the Hallyu Wave, San Franciscans can experience the pop culture that forms the foundation of Hallyu and learn about the rich history of Korean communities in the San Francisco Bay Area.

"Ride the Hallyu Wave is designed to bring together community members interested in Korean heritage, art and fandom and foster conversations between them,” said Jamilla Hyatt, Collections and Technical Services. “All in celebratory joy and recognition of the global rise in interest in the many different facets of Korean culture."

Throughout Ride the Hallyu Wave, learn about the beginnings of Korean American immigration in San Francsico, view a documentary screening that tells the story of prominent South Korean artists, take part in Korean-inspired arts and crafts workshops and explore exhibits featuring artwork of K-Pop supergroup BTS.

At the Main Library and Western Addition Branch, learn about the artists, histories and ideas that inspired San Francisco Museum of Modern Art’s contemporary Korean art exhibit, RM x SFMOMA, curated by the musician RM. Additionally, learn about the beginnings of Korean American immigration in San Francisco, spanning the course of over 130 years. Participants can also join in on Korean style dance choreography workshops.

Attendees at the Main Library can hear from Asian American leaders on how K-Pop has fostered community in different professional fields, from journalism to academia. As part of Ride the Hallyu Wave, visitors can also view the exhibit 아리랑 ARIRANG: ART INSPIRED BY THE ALBUM, on display at the Chinese Center’s exhibit space, featuring pieces from fan artists around the world and across mediums that reimagine the BTS album's themes and cultural roots through their own personal lens.

Western Addition Branch features workshops that draw on traditional Korean arts and crafts, such as hanji lanterns, as well as those inspired by RM’s “nature and human” philosophy, such as cyanotype. Other programs include a film screening of Nam June Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV, a documentary centered on the titular renowned video artist who inspired both domestic and international creatives. Western Addition’s feature exhibit, BTS Through ARMY’s Eyes, presents the creative passion of ARMY, the global BTS fan group. Works include a variety of pieces that speak to the powerful sense of community that spans across multiple cultures.

Programs and exhibits are presented in partnership with Friends of the San Francisco Public Library, Korean Center, Inc. and Namjooning Collective. For the full schedule and more information, visit on.sfpl.org/hallyu-wave.

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