Ride the Hallyu Wave

A Korean art style tiger prowls amongst a bed of clouds next to the next "Ride the Hallyu Wave: Celebrating Korean Arts and Heritage"

Ride the Hallyu Wave (or Korean Wave) at SFPL and celebrate Korean heritage, art and culture – from the beginnings of Korean immigration in San Francisco to today's K-Pop icons. From September 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027, explore films, discover Hanguel (Korean alphabet), learn about early 20th-century immigration history, view BTS-inspired art exhibits and join hands-on arts and crafts workshops.

Art Exhibits
 

Watercolor portrait of BTS band
BTS through ARMY's Eyes
September 9, 2026 - January 31, 2027
Western Addition Branch
Celebrate the creativity and passion of ARMY (fans of the South Korean group BTS) with this special exhibit featuring fan‑created portraits of BTS.

Screen prints of men ringing a traditional Korean bell, a microphone with the colors of the Korean flag, and seven men with alien heads dressed in suits.
아리랑 ARIRANG Art Exhibit
September 1, 2026 - January 7, 2027
Main Library, Chinese Center, 3rd Floor
Celebrate the global creativity of ARMY with a vibrant showcase of artwork inspired by South Korean group BTS’s album Arirang. This exhibition brings together fan artists from around the world, each reimagining the music’s themes, emotions, and cultural roots through their own artistic lens.
 

Programs

SEPTEMBER
ProgramDateTimeLocation
Workshop: Discover HangeulSeptember 9, 20266 - 7:30 p.m.Main Library, Learning Studio, 5th Floor
Workshop: Discover Hangeul—Korean Alphabet, History and Hands-On CraftSeptember 12, 202612 - 1:30 p.m.Western Addition Branch
Presentation: Art Skool with Sturdy BridgeSeptember 19, 202611 a.m. - 1 p.m.Western Addition Branch
OCTOBER
ProgramDateTimeLocation
Panel: Speak Yourself: Building Community Through K-PopOctober 6, 20266 - 7:30 p.m.Main Library, Koret Auditorium, Lower Level 
Activity: BTS & ARMY Creative Lounge with Namjooning CollectiveOctober 9, 20262 - 4 p.m.Main Library, Chinese Center, 3rd Floor
Presentation: San Francisco Beginnings of Korean American ImmigrationOctober 10, 20262 - 3 p.m.Western Addition Branch
NOVEMBER
ProgramDateTimeLocation
Film: The Loneliest WhaleNovember 1, 20261 - 3 p.m.Main Library, Latino/Hispanic Community Room, Lower Level
Presentation: Art Skool with Sturdy BridgeNovember 7, 202611 a.m. - 1 p.m.Western Addition Branch
Activity: BTS & ARMY Creative Lounge with the Namjooning CollectiveNovember 13, 20262 - 4 p.m.Main Library, Chinese Center, 3rd Floor
Cyanotype Making with the Namjooning CollectiveNovember 14, 202611 a.m. - 1 p.m.Western Addition Branch
DECEMBER
ProgramDateTimeLocation
Workshop: BTS Dance CHALLENGE classDecember 5, 20262 - 4 p.m.Western Addition Branch
Activity: BTS & ARMY Creative Lounge with the Namjooning CollectiveDecember 11, 20262 - 4 p.m.Main Library, Chinese Center, 3rd Floor
Hanji Lantern Crafting with the Namjooning CollectiveDecember 12, 20262 - 4 p.m.Western Addition Branch
JANUARY
ProgramDateTimeLocation
Activity: BTS & ARMY Creative Lounge with the Namjooning CollectiveJanuary 8, 20272 - 4 p.m.Main Library, Chinese Center, 3rd Floor
Presentation: Beginnings of Korean American Immigration (1902-1920)January 9, 20272 - 3 p.m.Main Library, Koret Auditorium, Lower Level
Film: Nam June Paik: Moon is the Oldest TVJanuary 16, 20273 - 4:30 p.m.Western Addition Branch
Presentation: Art Skool with Sturdy BridgeJanuary 23, 202711 a.m. - 1 p.m.Main Library, Chinese Center, 3rd Floor
BTS Dance with Rae StudiosJanuary 31, 20272 - 3 p.m.Main Library, Latino/Hispanic Community Room, Lower Level

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.