Join us for Unfolding Koreanness: Exploring Identity in the Age of Migration, a special group exhibition by Georgia-based guest curator Sang Dae Lee, winner of the KCCDC Open Call for Artists, exploring what it means to be Korean through the multidisciplinary practices of six featured artists. The exhibition kicks off with a public opening reception and talk on March 14 featuring curator Sang Dae Lee and featured artist Robert J. Fouser in person.   In a world where migration is increasingly shaped by personal choice rather than economic or political forces, questions of identity and belonging have taken on new urgency. People are not only moving across borders but also navigating the complexities of settling into new cultural contexts, further blurring transnational boundaries. Drawing on Kurt Lewin’s Field Theory and Erik Erikson’s perspectives on identity formation, Unfolding Koreanness investigates the ongoing struggles and negotiations inherent in reconciling one’s origins with the realities of a new environment.   The exhibition features six distinct artists from across the United States: Gayageum musician Hwayoung Shon, media artist Inhye Lee, documentary filmmaker Miriam Kim, linguist and photographer Robert J. Fouser, architect Sung Goo Yang, and textile artist Wonju Seo. Each offers a unique interpretation of Koreanness, reflecting on their personal and collective journeys. Key works include an installation utilizing components of the traditional Gayageum zither, textile art reinterpreting traditional Hanbok clothing and Jogakbo patchwork crafts, and a documentary film on belonging and memory.   Through these six individuals’ diverse works, Unfolding Koreanness moves beyond static definitions of identity, instead fostering empathy and shared understanding within the Korean diaspora and beyond. It incorporates personal narratives, collective histories, and cross-cultural dialogues as a multidisciplinary showcase to reimagine what it means to belong in an increasingly fluid and interconnected world.   This exhibition traces the many experiences of Korean immigrants abroad, exploring how memories of migration, cultural clashes, and shifting values shape their identities in a globalized world. It aims to provide deeper cultural insight not only into the expanding Korean diaspora but also spaces infused with traces of Korean heritage. Join us to uncover and reconnect the evolving tapestry of identity that derives from migration and discover how stories of the Korean immigrant experience can inspire deeper conversations about culture, memory, and our place in a transnational society.   Unfolding Koreanness remains on view from Friday, March 14 through Saturday, May 3, 2025, with a public opening reception and talk featuring curator Sang Dae Lee and featured artist Robert J. Fouser in person on Friday, March 14 at 6:00 p.m. (RSVP required, below). Join additional celebrations of the exhibition during ArtWalk Dupont’s First Friday community event on April 4 (6:00 – 8:00 p.m.) and Passport DC’s Around the World Embassy Tour open house on Saturday, May 3 (11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).   Unfolding Koreanness: Exploring Identity in the Age of Migration March 14 – May 03, 2025 Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. On View: March 14 – May 03, 2025 (M-F, 10 AM – noon & 1-5 PM) Opening Reception & Talk: Friday, March 14, 2025 (6 PM, RSVP below) ArtWalk Dupont Hours: Friday, April 4, 2025 (6 – 8 PM, no RSVP required)                    Passport DC Weekend Hours: Saturday, May 3, 2025 (11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., no RSVP required) OPENING RECEPTION RSVP COMING SOON! Wonju Seo Map Drawing Textiles, 2024 Inhye Lee Mapping the Literary Geography of Sonagi Data Visualization   About the Curator   Sang Dae Lee is a curator, practitioner, and educator, leading UNITEDLAB Associates, a cross-disciplinary design studio he founded in 2006. With a philosophy rooted in integrating architecture with humanism, society, and nature, his work prioritizes social, environmental, and economic sustainability. Before establishing his studio, he gained 17 years of experience at renowned firms in Los Angeles, Boston, and New York, collaborating with architects like Charles Moore, Arthur Gensler, Moshe Safdie, and I.M. Pei. His projects have received accolades such as AIA Design Awards and ASLA Professional Awards. Currently an Assistant Professor at Kennesaw State University, he previously taught at Auburn University. He holds a Master of Architecture from SCI-Arc and a Bachelor of Engineering in Architecture from Kookmin University in Seoul.   About the Artists   Hwayoung Shon, a South Korea-born gayageum virtuoso and composer based in the San Francisco Bay Area, is dedicated to preserving and sharing Korea’s cultural heritage globally. Since her public debut on KBS in 1986 and following success in national Gugak (traditional music) competitions, she has earned numerous accolades, including recognition at Seoul National University. Shon has collaborated with K-pop stars, jazz and world musicians, and classical orchestras, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity. Her performances have graced renowned venues like the Herbst Theatre, Seoul Arts Center, and KBS Hall and have been featured on platforms such as KBS, BBC, and WGVU-FM. Through her music, she fosters cultural understanding and connection.   Inhye Lee Inhye Lee is a media artist exploring images, sound, interactivity, and data to connect scattered inspirations, uncover missing links, and spark imagination through technology. She holds a BA in Anthropology from Seoul National University, an MPS in Interactive Arts from NYU, and an MS in Data Visualization from Parsons School of Design.   Miriam Kim Miriam Kim is a Korean-Brazilian filmmaker and film editor with a background in painting, exploring themes of identity, memory, and belonging. Born and raised in São Paulo, she moved to New York to study Comparative Literature and Visual Arts at Columbia University before earning an MFA in Film Production from USC. She has lived in Los Angeles for the past twenty years with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.   Robert J. Fouser Robert J. Fouser, an independent scholar and photographer based in Providence, Rhode Island, specializes in linguistics, literature, and photography. He holds degrees from the University of Michigan and a Ph.D. from Trinity College Dublin, with studies in Korean at Seoul National University. He taught applied linguistics in Japan and Korean language education at Seoul National University. Fouser has authored and translated several books on Korean literature, architecture, and urban preservation. His photography has been featured in exhibitions in Seoul, Kyoto, Incheon, and Busan, and he has curated community photography projects in Korea.   Sung Goo Yang Architect Sung Goo Yang explores the possibilities of space through diverse methodologies, from traditional architecture to AI and socio-cultural analysis, enhancing spatial value based on user experience. He studied Architectural Engineering at Korea University and earned a master’s degree from Harvard. As the founder of Ether Ship in Seoul and an AIA member, his major projects include the New City Hall of Suncheon (set for completion in 2026). His work has earned recognition such as the New York Young Architects Award, Korea’s Next Generation Design Leader, and the UK’s Best International Architectural Practice.   Wonju Seo Wonju Seo is a Korean American textile artist inspired by antique Jogakbo (Korean patchwork wrapping cloth), reinterpreting its geometric forms with a contemporary style. Born and raised in Seoul, she earned a BFA in Fine Arts Painting from Hong-Ik University and worked in package and textile design before moving to the U.S. in 1998. Her work explores women's lives and Korean Bojagi textile culture. She currently lives and works in New Jersey and Florida.

NEW DATE! Due to weather, this event originally scheduled for February 20 has been moved to February 28! The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) is thrilled to welcome beloved mural artist Julia Sunah Chon, better known as Kimchi Juice, back for a special Artist Talk about her new KCCDC site-specific mural celebrating Korean culture, identity, and the Lunar New Year! Visitors are welcome to stop by to witness Chon’s creativity in action through February 28, and then join Chon to celebrate and discuss the work’s completion on Friday, February 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the KCCDC.   Chon’s new outdoor mural incorporates natural elements reflecting the KCCDC bamboo garden, traditional Korean games, and a sense of community, all in a fun and engaging visual. The gate leading to the KCCDC’s iconic bamboo stand will also transform into an entryway guarded by a Korean folk art-style tiger. As Chon transitions her art from paper to large-scale murals, these intimate portraits take center stage in a dynamic urban environment.   In her public works and individual art pieces, Chon often explores the relationship between cultural tradition and its effects on generational identity, informing the decisions Asian Americans make to form their identities. Through artwork that prominently conveys Korean aesthetics, Chon merges her ancestry and traditions with the contemporary to narrate the nuances of the Korean diaspora.   The Artist Talk on February 28 at the KCCDC will navigate the story behind Chon’s design and her intentions in combining various Korean icons into a single mural composition. An RSVP is recommended to attend. Visitors can also come in advance to observe the live mural creation through February 28 during regular visitor hours (Monday – Friday, 10 AM – noon and 1 – 5 PM).   Julia Chon is a Korean-American artist and muralist primarily active in Washington, D.C. and Denver, Co. who has participated in DC Walls, the Washington extension of World Wide Walls, the largest outdoor mural festival in the United States. Her murals can be found internationally, and her work has been exhibited in solo and group shows in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and New York City. Chon’s past clients and collaborative partners include NASA, Apple, the Phillips Collection, and the Smithsonian Institution, which acquired one of her works into its permanent art collection in 2022. She recently completed a 2024 artist residency with the Nicholson Project.   Learn more about Julia’s work at www.juliachon.com or @kimchi.juice on Instagram. Artist Talk & Mural Creation with Julia Chon Friday, February 28, 5-7 PM  Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C.  Free with an RSVP!  RSVP FOR THIS EVENT!

The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) proudly presents Us Within the World: TalkTalk Korea 2024 Award-Winning Works, a new exhibition of 80 selected multimedia entries from the annual global content contest representing creators from nearly 30 countries, on view January 3 – February 21, 2025. The dynamic exhibition kicks off with a public opening celebration featuring two content creators in person at the KCCDC on Friday, January 10 at 6:00 p.m., in addition to a special evening showing during the local community event ArtWalk Dupont on Friday, January 3 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.   The January 10 opening celebration will also include a special giveaway of recent K-Pop albums and merchandise from artists including BTS, LE SSERAFIM, Seventeen, and many more!   The 80 award-winning works—spanning playful reinterpretations of pop culture to intricate descriptions of craft and artistry—navigate contemporary creative ideas under five categories that highlight Korea’s cultural richness and diversity, including Memes and Trends, Arts and Crafts, and Motion Graphics, offering fresh perspectives on what Korea means to people around the world.   Visitors are invited to reflect on how Korea’s cultural narratives resonate and evolve on the international stage, inspiring new conversations about shared creativity and cultural exchange. Each work reflects the story of creator’s unique personal connection to Korea, presenting an array of imaginative expressions.   As a collection, Us Within the World represents a vibrant platform for cross-cultural dialogue where Korea’s unique traditions and modern innovations converge with diverse global interpretations through the lens of international content creators. In bringing together these global voices, Us Within the World celebrates the dynamic interplay between local identity and global perspectives.   TalkTalk Korea is a global content contest launched in 2014 by the Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS) under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism that aims to promote the excellence and uniqueness of Korean culture worldwide while enhancing Korea’s national image. To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the contest was held in 2024 under the theme of “Experiencing the Authentic Beauty of Korea.” All award-winning works can also be viewed online at www.talktalkkorea.or.kr.   Us Within the World will remain on view from Friday, January 3, to Friday, February 21, 2025, including a public opening celebration on Friday, January 10 featuring two award-winning creators from the contest in person.    About the Creators (January 10 Opening In-Person Guest Speakers)   Viktoria Szotak-Nagy (Unites States), Art and Craft Category, 2nd Place Title: Inmyeonjo Meets the Timeless Beauty of Naejangsan National Park Description: I've been fascinated by South Korea for the past eight years, and it took me over 100 hours to create a diorama that truly expresses the essence of this beautiful country. The Inmyeonjo, a mythical creature symbolizing good luck, paired with the serene atmosphere of Naejangsan National Park captures the timeless and peaceful vibe of South Korea. It was a challenge to bring this atmosphere to life, but I hope I was able to convey it through my art piece and that you enjoy the experience.   Garcia Rolly Boy (United States), Photobook Category, 5th Place Title: ESSENCE OF KOREA: A Journey through Time and Culture Description: Korea, a land where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, invites you to embark on a visual journey through its rich tapestry of history, nature, and vibrant culture. This photo book captures the essence of Korea in its breathtaking landscapes, bustling cities, heartfelt traditions, and mouthwatering cuisine. This photo book invites you not just to see Korea but to experience it with all your senses. Each image is a window into a world that celebrates life, history, and the beauty of human connection. Us Within the World: TalkTalk Korea 2024 Award-Winning Works Exhibition Dates: January 3 - February 21, 2025  Opening Celebration + K-Pop Merchandise Giveaway: Fri. January 10, 6 - 8 PM (RSVP required below) ArtWalk Dupont (special open hours, no RSVP required): Fri. January 3, 6 - 8 PM RSVP FOR THE OPENING CELEBRATION (JAN. 10)! Above: stillcut images of various select video entries and the TalkTalk Korea 2024 contest poster. For individual work details and credits, please contact us or visit www.talktalkkorea.or.kr.  

Join us for Experiencing Autumn, a special interactive exhibition and activity space in the galleries of the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C., from October 10 through November 30, 2024! Across three galleries, visitors are invited to explore the beauty of Korean culture through holiday tradition displays, original artwork, and hands-on crafting and fashion experiences, all celebrating the themes of Chuseok and Hangeul Proclamation Day.   The first of three experience galleries showcases the significance of Chuseok, the traditional fall harvest holiday akin to Thanksgiving, with displays of traditional folk crafts and a beautifully arranged authentic Charye table, a centerpiece of Korean homes used for ancestral rites. Also on display are traditional folk crafts and a stunning display of pressed flower art utilizing Korea’s national flower, Mugunghwa. The second gallery celebrates the Korean alphabet Hangeul and its deep cultural significance through board games, name-writing activities, and self-guided cultural workshops allowing participants to appreciate Korean heritage firsthand. The third gallery explores the making of traditional folk crafts such as fans and lanterns, providing a deeper understanding of Korea's rich and practical crafting history.   In keeping with the Korean spirit of autumn, this exhibition will be held in concert with Language, Culture, & Society: A Close Reading of Cho Nam-ju's Novel, "Kim Ji-young, Born 1982" with Professor Immanuel Kim on Oct. 31 and Nov. 7 at the KCCDC. As the Korean saying going, 가을은 독서의 계절 – fall is the season for literature.   Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of Korean culture! Visitors can experience the galleries and self-guided workshops any time during regular KCCDC hours without an RSVP. Groups may also wish to schedule a presentation through the Befriend Korea Program which can coincide with Experiencing Autumn. Exhibition Activities All activities are free to participate in, and to take home in some cases, but supplies may be limited!  Charye Sang: Ancestral Rites Table Learn about and participate in the deep, rich history of Charye, the tradition of honoring family ancestors with an offering of traditional foods. The Charye table is especially important during traditional holidays in Korea, including Chuseok in the fall. National Museum of Korea Coloring Books: “Precious Things We Meet at the Museum” Utilize our vibrant brush pens and markers to bring to life the pages of this incredibly detailed advanced coloring book that richly blends the museum’s collections with playful twists in the style of Korean traditional folk art.  Hanbok: Korean Traditional Fashion Pick you hanbok, style yourself, and pose for an unforgettable, supremely instagrammable photo! Hanbok is traditional Korean clothing, for both men and women—they’re vibrant, iconic, and fabulous. Hangeul Bracelet Crafting Create your own customized bracelet with a rainbow of colored beads, emojis, or a special message in Hangeul, the Korean alphabet! Korean Heritage “Deung” Wish Lantern Paper Craft Kit Craft your very own Wish Lantern, known as deung in Korean, utilizing paper, glue, and your own crafting skills. This kit takes a bit more time but is worth the effort! Tray Inlaid with Mother-of-Pearl Craft Kit Create your very own replica of a classic Korean craft—a tray inlaid with mother-of-pearl that creates stunning iridescent folk culture imagery. Plus additional activities, with more being added! See below for some more things to see and do. 

The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) proudly presents Merging Realms: Art Across Boundaries, a new exhibition of sculpture, installation, fashion, and video works by artists Donghun Sung and Dabal Kim that blur the lines between traditional social constructs, on view June 7 – August 9, 2024.  The exhibition opening reception on Friday, June 7 at 6:30 p.m. (RSVP required) coincides with Art Walk Dupont’s local community art event First Friday and will feature a live performance by fellow artists Junghee Oh and Songhee Lee-Chung in collaboration with featured artist Dabal Kim in front of Kim’s new work, Twelve Doors. This central work in the show reinterprets Korean traditional attire from a contemporary perspective. After the performance, there will be an opportunity to engage in conversation with the artists and performers. Artists Donghun Sung and Dabal Kim have collaborated for decades. Their visually compelling works aim to blur the lines between different cultures, media, spaces, and times. By crossing the social and cultural boundaries between tradition and modernity, myth and history, and feminine and masculine, their collective artistic journey reflects their objective of creating a novel visual world—one that blends values and questions modern dichotomies of knowledge. Merging Realms: Art Across Boundaries will remain on view at the KCCDC June 7 through August 9, 2024 during regular visitor hours (M-F, 10 AM-noon & 1-5 PM) 2024 with an opening reception during extended evening hours on Friday, June 7 (6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.).  👉RSVP here👈 About the Artists  Donghun Sung explores cross-medium concepts in his sculpted works, often combining various materials that evoke a specific time, place, and set of values. For example, his pieces incorporate iron, representing industrial machinery, alongside wood and ceramics that are reminiscent of traditional Asian crafts. His subjects range from religious and mythical figures to animals, frequently portraying images of Buddha and of deer, symbolizing sacred icons and archetypes of myth across cultures. In this exhibition, Sung features small-scale works that capture this unique artistic essence. Video compilations of his extensive works and interviews provide further insight into his artistic world. Dabal Kim uses clothing as her primary artistic channel. She explores the cultural significance of traditional garments and ornaments, as clothes often represent socially and culturally defined identities such as customs and gender. By patching various elements into a single costume, she transcends these established values. Her works include large-scale costume installations, performances, photography, and video. A common subject in her work is the reinterpretation of traditional Korean clothing, hanbok. In this show Kim disassembles and redesigns sim-eui, a garment worn by the elites of Korea’s ancient Goryeo Dynasty who were heavily influenced by Confucianism, transforming its cultural meanings through a modern perspective. Also featured are some of Kim’s earlier video works. About the Opening Reception Performance Artists Songhee Lee-Chung is a dancer specializing in traditional Korean dance. In 1997, she had her first solo recital “Karma” which was featured in The New York Times. Since then, she has been actively performing around the world and the U.S. at such venues as Flushing Town Hall, Greek National Dance Theater, CID UNESCO World Congress on Dance, NEA Montana Folk Festival, and International Festival at Chihuahua, Mexico. She was also appointed as a member Artist teacher for K-12 public school for “Spotlight Korea” at The Korean Cultural Center New York from 2014. Currently, she is Artistic Director and Choreographer for the Songhee Lee Dance Company and serves as Teaching Artist in traditional Korean dance at Flushing Town Hall. She was QCA Grant Recipient in 2010 and 2014, and awarded QCA New Work Grant in 2022. Junghee Oh, leader of the group G-Hwaja, is a Korean traditional music artist specializing in Gayageum Byeongchang (singing with self-accompaniment on the 12-stringed Gayageum zither) as well as Pansori, the iconic traditional story-telling art performed by a solo vocalist and percussion accompaniment. Ms. Oh is officially recognized in Korea as a holder of intangible cultural property No. 23 in Gayageum Sanjo and Byeongchang. She has performed at major events as a featured performer in Korea and abroad. She had performances in numerous significant musical events and was featured as the main guest in many Korean Cultural events in prominent institutions. She received her master’s degree in Korean music from Chung-Ang University in Seoul Korea. She currently serves as the music director of the music band G-Hwaja and performing artist based in the NY & NJ metropolitan area.