DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
CENTRAL PARK — It’s nearly 7,000 miles from Korea, but the Far East took over Central Park Friday.
New York’s first ever “Korea Day” marked the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, and also celebrated the country’s cuisine.
Korea Town’s restaurant owners set up stalls in the park’s bandshell, handing out samples of noodles, rice and spicy meat dishes.
Visitors also got a taste of Korean culture with Taekwondo and demonstrations of Janggu, Samulnori, and Ogomu - different types of percussion music demonstrated by the Korean Traditional Performing Arts Association.
"I don't know if I'll try to make any of it on my own, but I sure like eating it," said Upper West-Sider Eliot Weinstein, who took part in a hands-on exhibit that taught how to make rice cakes.
Korean war veteran Sal Scarlato, a 77-year-old Long Islander who was a machine gunner with the Marines, attended the event. He was wounded in the war.
"When I came home I was very very bitter,” he remembered.
“I hated the world but, as years went on, I loved the Koreans. These types of events are awesome."
