Bay 2 LA
WHAT:
The Association of Korean Adoptees San Francisco (AKASF) is excited to host its 4th Bay to LA event! We can’t wait to see familiar faces, meet new ones, and continue building and empowering our California (and beyond!) adoptee communities.
Bay to LA is a community-centered social gathering for adoptees, with special programming throughout the weekend. It has become tradition to gather in LA’s Koreatown, making it easier to connect folks from San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Curious what we’ve done in previous years? Check out our past events:
WHEN & WHERE:
📍 Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA
📅 Friday, September 12 – Saturday, September 13, 2025
For additional details, please visit our REGISTRATION PAGE
AKA-LA Summer Picnic
Sign up for the AKA-LA Summer Potluck Picnic!
Saturday, August 16
11am-4pm
Rosemead Park
Before summer ends, come join AKA-LA for a fun summer picnic!
Everyone Welcome
Bring a dish to share!
Games + Prizes!
Suggested donation of $4 per person to help cover the picnic reservation cost and supplies
AKA-LA & KRC Present the Art of Kimchi-Making
AKA-LA & KRC Present the Art of Kimchi-Making
You're Invited! RSVP here: https://partiful.com/e/ZtyGc6tUtV9YrQjXuGqO
Join us for a special kimchi-making workshop hosted by the Korean Resource Center. You’ll learn how to prepare three different types of kimchi by hand. We'll also share a meal of Chapagetti noodles with kimchi - the ultimate comfort food.
Date & Time: Saturday, June 28, 2025 · 2–5 PM
Location: Korean Resource Center – Crenshaw, 900 Crenshaw Blvd, Unit B, Los Angeles, CA 90019
Cost: $30 per person
Who’s this for? Korean adoptees and their children
What you’ll take home: 3 types of kimchi, a full belly, and a meaningful connection to Korean culture
Why kimchi?
Kimchi is more than just a side dish—it’s a symbol of Korean identity and heritage. In Korea, kimchi-making is a communal tradition called "kimjang", where families and traditionally whole neighborhoods gather to prepare large batches of kimchi for the winter. For Korean adoptees, it can offer a sensory and emotional connection to Korea. One that’s felt through taste, memory, and tradition.
Whether you’re brand new to kimchi or already love it, this workshop is a chance to explore a core part of Korean life in a warm, welcoming space.
Payment Info:
To reserve your spot, please send $30 per person via Zelle to: Association Of Korean Adoptees-Los Angeles
310-431-7252
If you are bringing a guest, please include their name(s) in the Zelle payment notes.
Bridging Worlds as an Adoptee: a Presentation by Ami Nafzger Along with a Korean Calligraphy Class
Bridging Worlds as an Adoptee: a Presentation by Ami Nafzger; Along with a Korean Calligraphy Class
Korean Adoptees, Families and Supporting Friends are Welcome!
Presentation to include: Navigating your Birth Search, Living in or Visiting Korea as an Adoptee, Understanding Dual Citizenship & F4 Visas, History of G.O.A.'L.
Location: Korean Education Center Los Angeles (KECLA) in Koreatown, 680 Wilshire Place, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90005
Time: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
RSVP HERE by MAY 10th: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf594UTgiUQz8s9e5l8UBoPkSCpgJ_TcDP_Knrr5_u6YUkp4Q/viewform?urp=gmail_link
Between Goodbye's Film + Dinner(as part of LA Asian Pacific Film Festival)
Sunday, May 4
Between Goodbye's Film + Dinner (as part of LA Asian Pacific Film Festival)
All are welcome!
Location: AMC Atlantic Times Square 14 (in Monterey Park)
Time: 4:30 pm - Film Starts / Short Q&A following film / 7:00 pm - Dinner with Film Team (location TBD)
RSVP by MAY 3rd: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScuDummc73YImdfsfhOnyzaMx4IjBG6PTaDo_IrphezhIWTDQ/viewform
Worldwide KAD Hike
This event is for Korean Adoptees everywhere to get outside and hike on the same day, together in spirit with the worldwide KAD community. Family and friends are all welcome to join!
Meet up scheduled for 9am start on May 3rd!
Location: Griffith Park (Fern Dell Nature Trail) - off Los Feliz Blvd & Fern Dell Drive
RSVP Here: https://partiful.com/e/nqYQ1m4TUOteFXKIKAbc
Korean Heritage Night @ Dodger Game
Join us at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, April 16, to celebrate Korean culture and heritage!
This special event ticket package includes a game ticket and an exclusive Korean Heritage Night jersey. *
SIGN UPS ARE NOW CLOSED.
Kings Hockey Game (K-Town Night)
SAVE THE DATE for K-TOWN NIGHT @ Crypto Arena
Mar. 23 at 6:00pm PST: Kings vs. Bruins
We’ll send out a formal sign-up sheet closer to the event!
Dinner at MDK Noodle + Noraebang @ Rosen Karaoke
Join AKA-LA for a fun night in Koreatown! We’ll start with dinner at MDK Noodles at 6:00 PM and follow with Noraebang (Karaoke) at Rosen Karaoke from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM!
There is street parking near MDK Noodles. Rosen Karaoke is an 8-minute walk from the restaurant (or a 2-minute drive).
This is an ADOPTEE EVENT ONLY.
Please RSVP by Wednesday, February 19th using the link below:
Lunar New Year: Mandu-Making Class
~~ Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Korean Dumpling-Making ~~ AKA-LA, in partnership with the Korean Resource Center, invites the Korean adoptee community to celebrate the Lunar New Year together! Join us for a special cooking class where you'll learn to make traditional Korean dumplings, mandu, from scratch—symbolizing good luck and fresh beginnings (we could all use a little of that ;))
Led by Master Chef Salli, enjoy a fun, hands-on session exploring Korean cuisine and culture. All supplies will be provided, and we’ll share a hearty bowl of Duk Mandu Guk (Rice Cake & Dumpling Soup) together. Afterward, we'll learn to play Yut, a traditional Korean New Year game! (Squid Game- style)
~~ About Chef Salli ~~ Chef Salli studied nutrition at Yonsei University then came to Wisconsin to get her Masters degree in Social Work in the early 70s. Her plans took a turn when she met her husband, got married, and raised five children. Ms. Salli is a published essayist and penned a regular column in The Korea Daily in Los Angeles.
RSVP HERE: https://partiful.com/e/ppB4vspXrFkJOvZWDAw9
COST: $20 per person Zelle: Association of Korean Adoptees-Los Angeles @ 310-431-7252 (Include your Name & “Mandu Cooking Class” in the Notes)
Extras: Bring your own container for leftover filling (optional).
Contact: info@aka-la.org Reconnect with your Korean heritage and community—reserve your spot today!
Holiday Potluck
AKA-LA invites adoptees and your families to attend a Holiday Party Potluck!
Address will provided upon RSVP. Please reserve your spot by 12/1 using the Partiful Link Here: https://partiful.com/e/CLfmn5QVLhUDhmZ0N9HH
Party Details Below:
Please bring a dish of your choice to share.
Gift Exchange: Please bring either fun festive socks or a mug to exchange (*new and wrapped)
Funny/ Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest (winner gets a prize)
BINGO! (with prizes!)
Hanji Craft Art Class
KECLA (Korean Education Center of LA) is offering a free Hanji (Traditional Korean Paper) Art Class for adoptees and their families on November 23 from 11:30am-2pm at 680 Wilshire Pl #200 LA, CA 90005. Only a few spots left! See sign up sheet below:
Friendsgiving
AKA-LA invites you to a Friendsgiving Potluck!
Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 1PM in the LA/BEVERLY HILLS area.
The event will be at a fellow KADs home address to be provided upon RSVP.
Bring your favorite food to share! PLEASE RSVP by Nov 13th. Google Doc can be found on instagram bio link (@aka_losangeles).
Bowling night
AKA-LA hosted a bowling night at Shatto Lanes on 10/19/24. After Bowling a group headed to Kimbap Paradise!
Chuseok Beach BBQ & Bonfire
AKA-LA celebrated Chuseok with a Beach BBQ and Bonfire at Dockweiler Beach on 9/21/24.
Songpyeon Cooking Class
AKA-LA hosted a Songpyeon (Traditional Korean Rice Cake) Making class on Sep 7, 2024.
GAME NIGHT
AKA-LA hosted a game night at SORRY NOT SORRY in Santa Monica on Aug 17th, 2024.
