For over 4 decades, Memphis celebrates in May like no other city. Memphis in May International Festival was created to celebrate Memphis culture while simultaneously enhancing international awareness and economic growth. Over time, aspects of Memphis in May changed, but one thing remained the same. Since 1976, Memphis has honored a country each year through the International Salute. From Mexico in 1984 to Chile in 2009, New Zealand in 1991, Ghana in 2022, or even France just last year in 2024, the countries recognized span across all continents.
Why South Korea
This year, Memphis is saluting South Korea. Memphis in May International Festival and the Greater Memphis Chamber announced the country because of an already existing and strong partnership with South Korea. Maybe you’re wondering, “What partnership?” Here are some fast facts about why South Korea is this year’s honored country:
- South Korea’s investment in the Greater Memphis area surpassed $85 million in 2019, creating 400 new jobs in Memphis.
- South Korea makes up 40% of the Memphis region’s total exports.
- Memphis-based global companies like FedEx and Sedgwick already conduct significant business in South Korea.
- Major Korean companies in Memphis include SK Innovation, HMM American Shipping, and Hyosung HICO.
Poster Unveiling
If you’re a lifelong Memphian or have been here for a while, you likely recall the Memphis in May posters featuring the country of the year. This year, the Greater Memphis Chamber hosted a celebration to unveil the poster.
The poster by local Memphis artist, Therrious “Therro The Kid” Davis. His design took elements from South Korean folklore, monuments, and traditions to create a beautiful and vibrant storytelling picture.
Therro The Kid is a 2018 graduate of the Memphis College of Art and native of Orange Mound. He was selected through ARTSmemphis’ artist grantee program to create this year’s commemorative poster. Therro, who works primarily in brush and ink and digital mediums, is known for artwork that explores themes ranging from nostalgia and spirituality to pop culture and politics.
The Celebrations
Each year, there are a wide variety of events throughout the month of May for Memphians to immerse themselves in and commemorate the honored country. One of the most notable is the Barbecue Cooking Contest. For 47 years, the contest brings world-renowned barbecue teams to Memphis to compete for the “Memphis in May World Championship” title. USA Today recognized the competition as “Most Prestigious Barbecue Contest.” For four days, it’s nothing but the best of the best in barbecue.
Another tradition, though slightly newer, is the Great American River Run. The run takes place along the mighty Mississippi River on Memorial Day weekend and features an after-party to celebrate those who cross the finish line. This race gets its name because a portion of all race registrations will support The Fisher House of Tennessee on behalf of the Veterans Administration Hospital. The Fisher House offers shelter and support to the families of Veterans during a medical crisis. 2025 marks the 10th year of the Great American River Run.
Continuing The Salute
Honoring South Korea doesn’t stop in May. South Korea is honored for an entire year, and the Greater Memphis Chamber is dedicated to commemorating the partnership
So far we’ve hosted a delegation from South Korea, attended the World Korean Business Association conference, and met with the Korean Association of Memphis and the Executive Director of the Southeastern US Korean Chamber of Commerce to name a few.
We have more opportunities to strengthen relationships with South Korea coming throughout the year. You can learn more about the Chamber’s involvement in Memphis in May as well as South Korea’s impact on the city here. You can also request a Memphis in May 2025 Poster on our website.
One of Memphis’ oldest institutions, dating back to 1838, the Greater Memphis Chamber is a privately funded nonprofit that serves as the region’s lead economic development organization and the “Voice of Memphis Business” on local, state, and national issues. The Chamber’s mission is to drive the Memphis business agenda for Greater Memphis. We do this by relentlessly pursuing prosperity for all — through economic and workforce development, pro-growth advocacy, and by providing support and resources to its investors, which include many of the region’s largest employers. |
