GARDEN GROVE The Korean community celebrated its 25th annual Korean Festival this year (2009) under a theme of harmony and looking ahead to the future.

The cultural festival kicked off with an open air market and a grand-opening ceremony at 7 p.m.

"The economy is very difficult but still, this is a good time for Koreans to join us at the festival," said Raymond Choi, chairman of the Korean Festival Foundation of Orange County.

Thousands visited the Korean District – dubbed "Little Seoul" – an enclave with more 1,000 Korean-owned businesses lining Garden Grove Boulevard. Unlike years past, the festival will take place in the heart of the district rather than in the Brookhurst Triangle.

There was food, performances, more than 120 vendors and a parade. New this year is a traditional rice cake-making demonstration, Choi said.

"This really helps the Korean businesses of Garden Grove," Choi said. "A lot of non-Koreans come, too, to enjoy the culture. The second generation – they come and experience the traditional culture."

The parade down the boulevard was scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday.