As we move into February, the Austin Korean Association is thrilled to highlight a season of significant cultural celebration and unprecedented economic growth. Whether you are a long-time Austin resident, a newcomer to the Taylor area, or a supporter from Houston, there is something for everyone in the coming weeks.

1. Welcoming the Year of the Horse: Lunar New Year 2026

The most anticipated event of the season is our community’s celebration of the Lunar New Year. 2026 marks the Year of the Horse, symbolizing strength, energy, and rapid progress—traits we see reflected in our vibrant local community.

  • AACC Festival (Feb 14): Head to the Asian American Cultural Center on Jollyville Road for a full day of festivities. Expect traditional Korean dance, Nanta drum performances, and a "Street Food" alley featuring authentic Korean treats.
  • Family Day at Umlauf (Feb 8): For families with young children, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden is hosting a free Lunar New Year day featuring storytime and calligraphy workshops.
  • Community Banquet (Feb 21): The Chinese Society of Austin and partners are hosting a 10-course banquet at Tian Tian Golden Palace, a great networking opportunity for our business members.
  • Korean business directory in Austin

2. Samsung Taylor: From Construction to Innovation

Samsung’s $17 billion semiconductor facility in Taylor is hitting critical milestones this month.

  • Operational Readiness: Reports indicate that over 7,000 workers are now on-site daily. Experienced engineers from Korea have arrived to stabilize the production lines, with full-scale operations for Tesla’s AI chips expected by the second half of this year.
  • The "Taylor-Made" Economy: This isn't just about technology; it's about community. We are seeing a surge in Korean-owned small businesses—from restaurants to service providers—opening to support the growing workforce. Our upcoming Koreatown Taylor site will serve as the primary digital directory for these businesses.

3. K-Pop Fever Hits Texas

The cultural "Hallyu" wave continues to sweep through Central Texas, offering major highlights for the younger generation and fans alike:

  • JUNNY in Austin: The Empire Control Room will host K-Pop star JUNNY on February 24.
  • The BTS Comeback: In massive news for the region, BTS has officially announced their return to Texas with back-to-back shows at AT&T Stadium in Arlington this August. Tickets go on sale later this week!
  • TWICE at Moody Center: Mark your calendars for April 17-18 as TWICE brings their world tour to the heart of Austin.

4. Local Heritage & Education

  • Belonging & Citizenship (Feb 24): The Asian American Resource Center (AARC) is hosting a talk titled "Being and Belonging," focusing on the history of Asian Americans in Texas. This is a vital session for those interested in the advocacy work the Austin Korean Association does for local small businesses.

How You Can Get Involved

The Austin Korean Association is more than just a website; it’s a hub for connection.

  • Volunteer: We are looking for community members to help with SEO and content translation for our new Houston and Taylor platforms.
  • Promote: If you own a local business, ensure you are listed in our upcoming Marketplace.

"The growth in Taylor and the festivities in Austin prove that our community is stronger and more connected than ever. Let’s ride into the Year of the Horse with momentum!"

—Senior Editor, The Austin Korean Association