Experiencing Autumn: Korean Traditional Culture (Oct. 10 - Nov. 30)
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.
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