The main branch of the Allen County Public Library in downtown Fort Wayne is the place you’ll want to be when the 2nd Annual Korea Festival takes place September 8 in the Great Hall. The goal of the festival is to promote diversity and inclusiveness through the exchange of Korean arts, culture, food, and history. The results are likely to be an educational experience filled with good food and fun times.

The schedule for the day is packed with activities that include Taekwondo demonstrations, traditional board games of Yut Nori, the Korean version of “rock, paper, scissors” called Kai Bai Bo, and the traditional outdoor game of Jegichagi — which is something like a cross between badminton and hacky sack. There will also be a K-Pop Dance Competition where you’ll get to experience the current dance craze of the nation and listen to some of their most popular artists.

Other activities offered are a Korean string instrument demonstration of the gayageum, a drum dance called bukchum, the talchum mask dance, free crafts, a market place, and a presentation telling all about the Korean peninsula.

Of course, there will be food. Several dishes that have been rated as “must eat” by the Korean Tourism Organization, including kimchi, bulgogi, and bibimpap, will be available to sample during the day, allowing festival goers to experience the true flavors of this amazing Asian country. While these dishes might have difficult names to pronounce, it’s a sure bet they will be a lot easier to eat.

Wear a hanbok, the traditional attire of the Korean people, learn the Korean alphabet of Hangeul, and eat the delicious traditional dishes or simply come as you are and experience for yourself the infusion of rich culture. However you do it, it’ll likely be well worth the effort to attend. And hey, it’s free.