What can you do here? First, shop for some Korean cosmetics, like face masks or cushion compacts. Then, you can stave off your hunger with some delicious street snacks, like tteokbokki or gimbap. Finally, enjoy one of the best K-pop concerts around, with boy bands and girl groups galore. It's literally a complete gift of all things Korean.

KCON LA 2016 recently wrapped up, a three-day extravaganza convention-meets-concert that took place at the Los Angeles Convention Center and at the Staples Center from July 29 to 31.

Launched in 2012, KCON LA 2016 was -- more than just a K-pop concert -- a luxurious exhibit at which a variety of Korean products and experiences were prepared for visitors' consumption. At the cosmetic booths, not only cosmetics themselves were available, but also Korea-style makeup tutorials were demonstrated on-site. In the virtual reality zone, K-pop fans were able to take pictures together with holograms of their favorite K-pop stars, like G-Dragon and the band AOA.

Also on display was a range of government-certified arts and handicrafts, such as modernized Hanbok dresses and tea sets. This corner of the convention hall gave visitors a taste of a more traditional Korea.











Outside the convention center, a series of snack shacks called "Food Street," inspired by the night markets of Seoul and other Korean cities, was set up in front of the Staples Center where the sold-out K-pop concerts were taking place. Waiting for favorite pop idol, such as Shinee, Block B, I.O.I or GFriend, concert-goers willingly lined up to taste some delicious Korean street snacks like tteokbokki and gimbap.

At KCON LA 2016 -- now in southern California after visiting Abu Dhabi, Tokyo, Paris, and New York this year -- some 75,000 visitors showed up, showing their passion for K-pop, East Asian pop culture and Korean products from across the Pacific Ocean.

By Chang Iou-chung
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: CJ E&M
icchang@korea.kr