The KCCDC invites you to discover Korea through contemporary literature with a new Fall 2026 session of our popular K-Literature Book Club: Stories of Korea!    Each session celebrates Korean fiction through a series of thoughtful reading and discussion events. This season, we explore three acclaimed Korean novels that reflect on what it means to be human in a rapidly changing world. From imaginative science fiction to heartwarming stories of everyday life, each book offers a unique perspective on empathy, resilience, community, and the connections that shape our lives.   Through guided discussions, participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, share personal perspectives, and discover how contemporary Korean literature speaks to universal human experiences while offering meaningful insights into modern Korea.   Participants who apply will receive a complimentary English-language copy of their chosen book (for pickup at the KCCDC). Each title will be discussed in a dedicated in-person book club session, where readers are encouraged to engage in open conversation and thoughtful dialogue. Those who already own a copy of the featured books are also welcome to register for the discussion sessions.   Whether you are new to Korean literature or a longtime reader, we invite you to join us in discovering and sharing Korea through its stories!    K-Literature Book Club: Stories of Korea (Fall 2026 Session) Meeting Location: Korean Cultural Center Washington, DC (in-person only) Meeting Dates: Various dates in September, October, & November Sign up Period: August 10 - 14 Book Pick-Up Dates: August 24 - 28 Questions? Email us at culturedc@mofa.or.kr for assistance regarding this program.    Please note: preference may be given to those not signed up for multiple sessions to allow greater overall participation. Selected participants will receive a final confirmation email after the sign-up period. If you would like to be sure to join a certain session, please complete the sign-up form for that book first, and then other sessions.  Featured Books & Meeting Dates:   If We Cannot Go at the Speed of Light by Cho-yeop Kim Tuesday, September 22, 6:00 PM A Thousand Blues by Seon-ran Cheon Tuesday, October 6, 6:00 PM The Second Chance Convenience Store by Ho-yeon Kim Tuesday, November 3, 6:00 PM   For more on each featured book, see below. All club meeting take place at the KCCDC in person (no virtual option) and will be conducted primarily in English in a casual sharing and guided conversation format. Light refreshments will be provided at each meeting. Please be sure that you can attend the in person book club session on the above date before signing up!  Sign-up Period: August 10 - 14 Please check back soon!   Please note that book/session options will be removed from the form as they become full, and the form will close entirely when all sessions are full.      If We Cannot Go at the Speed of Light  Cho-yeop Kim An award-winning collection of science fiction stories that explores love, loss, memory, and human connection through imaginative visions of the future. Kim Cho Yeop combines scientific imagination with emotional depth to ask timeless questions about what makes us human.     A Thousand Blues Seon-ran Cheon A moving novel about a racehorse, a humanoid robot, and a family brought together through compassion and care. Blending science fiction with heartfelt storytelling, the novel reflects on empathy, hope, and the true meaning of humanity.     The Second Chance Convenience Store Ho-yeon Kim Set in a neighborhood convenience store in Seoul, this bestselling novel follows the unexpected relationships that develop among ordinary people whose lives intersect in meaningful ways. Warm and uplifting, it offers a touching portrait of community, kindness, and second chances.    

    The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC), in partnership with JS Brewery in Columbia, Md., is pleased to present a two-part talk and hands-on workshop exploring the rich tradition of Korean alcoholic beverages – known broadly as sool – and the famous rice-based makgeolli!   Discover the history, culture, and science of fermentation behind Korea's traditional drinks while enjoying a guided tasting and unique opportunity to make your own batch of sool. Join us for an immersive experience that offers a deeper appreciation of Korea's centuries-old brewing heritage.   Beyond the beverages themselves, participants will discover how Korean traditional alcohol has long been intertwined with family gatherings, seasonal celebrations, regional traditions, and everyday meals.   This event will occur in two different sessions on separate dates, each requiring registration. A nominal participation fee will apply for each session; participants can register for either one or both sessions for the full experience. Session 1 introduces the history and diverse varieties of Korean traditional alcohol, along with the fundamentals of fermentation. Participants will also enjoy a guided tasting of selected traditional beverages and discover a unique skincare experience inspired by natural ingredients traditionally used in Korean traditional liquor. Session 2 is a makgeolli brewing workshop where participants will learn the traditional brewing process and make their own batch of Korea's beloved rice wine.   Session 1 | The Beauty of Korean Traditional Alcohol (K-Sool) & Fermentation Monday, August 3, 6:00–8:30 PM (Participation fee: $20) Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C.  Enjoy a lecture on Korean traditional alcohol culture, a guided tasting of five traditional beverages, and a unique skincare experience inspired by natural ingredients from Korean traditional liquor. Register for this event! (opens July 22 at 10:00 am)   Session 2 | Hands-on Makgeolli Brewing Workshop Monday, August 17, 6:00–8:30 PM (Participation fee: $25) Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C.  Learn about Korean traditional alcohol and fermentation culture and then create your own batch of makgeolli through a hands-on brewing activity. Participants will take home their makgeolli batch to finish fermenting. Register for this event! (opens July 22 at 10:00 am)   Please Note: due to the inclusion of alcoholic beverages, participation in this program is restricted to individuals aged 21 and older. Participants must present a valid government-issued photo ID upon request.   About JS Brewery   JS Brewery brews fresh, unpasteurized makgeolli (생막걸리), a traditional Korean rice wine with centuries of brewing history. The handcrafted makgeolli contains naturally occurring living microorganisms produced during fermentation, with no artificial flavors or preservatives. JS Brewery opened its doors in August 2025, but its story began years earlier. Founded by a husband-and-wife team with a shared passion for traditional Korean Sool (술), the journey began in 2020 when they met in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and found it difficult to find the kind of makgeolli they loved. This inspired years of homebrewing, experimentation, and learning how to navigate U.S. brewing regulations.   Through visits to makgeolli breweries across Korea and the completion of makgeolli brewing courses, they gained practical knowledge and experience before bringing the tradition of fresh, unpasteurized makgeolli to Maryland in the United States. For more information or to plan a visit, visit their website at jsbrewery.com.   Jung-Sun Cho (조정선)   Jung-Sun Cho is a scientist, fermentation educator, and co-founder of JS Brewery. She holds a Ph.D. and brings nearly three decades of research experience in the biological sciences. She approaches makgeolli as both a living cultural heritage and a biological process, combining scientific understanding with Korea's traditional brewing heritage. She is certified in makgeolli brewing.   Rajiv Aggarwal (라지브)   Rajiv Aggarwal is a software engineer and co-founder of JS Brewery. His years living in Korea introduced him to the rich culture surrounding traditional Korean alcohol—from rainy days shared over makgeolli and jeon to mountain hikes where hikers celebrate with makgeolli at the summit. Inspired by these experiences, he began brewing makgeolli after returning to the United States, eventually co-founding JS Brewery.    Featured Korean Traditional Alcohol (K-Sool, 술)   Sun (막걸리) Makgeolli Fresh, roughly filtered Korean rice wine crafted through single-stage fermentation, celebrated for its creamy texture and lively character.   Joy (약주) Yakju A refined, crystal-clear rice wine traditionally enjoyed on special occasions and favored by royalty.   Secret (흑미주) Black Rice An elegant two-stage fermented rice wine brewed with black rice, offering a deep purple hue and rich, layered aromas.   Soul (탁주) Takju A traditional cloudy rice wine with a full-bodied texture, gentle sweetness, and the authentic taste of natural fermentation.   Samchon (삼촌) Samyangju A premium three-stage fermented rice wine, prized for its remarkable depth, complexity, and smooth finish.

The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) invites you to an interactive talk, demonstration, and hands-on workshop exploring the art and craft of traditional hanji paper and joomchi blending technique, with interdisciplinary artist Esther Jihye Cho!   Cho will introduce hanji as a versatile and practical material with many craft applications, followed by a demonstration of basic techniques and a hands-on workshop session in which guests can create their own simple hanji craft. Participants will also learn about joomchi, a traditional technique to fuse together segments of hanji by hand into a durable, leather-like material that opens up further artistic and craft possibilities from fashion accessories to sculpture. Both hanji and joomchi have been iconic parts of Korean cultural and artistic heritage for centuries.   A selection of diverse hanji artwork created by Cho will also be on display to view after the workshop. Join us to appreciate these unique pieces and experience the beauty and charm of traditional Korean hanji crafts up close! K-Culture Talk & Workshop: Exploring Hanji and Joomchi Crafts Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (2370 Massachusetts Ave. NW) Two Sessions: Thursday, July 9 (6-8 PM) & Friday, July 10 (2-4 pm)   PLEASE NOTE: An RSVP is required for each session, and space is limited. Participants are kindly asked to register for only one session, as both sessions offer the same program.   RSVP FOR THIS EVENT!  (Opens June 29 at 10:00 AM EDT)   Session 1: Thursday, July 9 (6-8 PM) Session 2: Friday, July 10 (2-4 pm)   Hanji is Korea’s traditional handmade paper, made from the inner bark fibers of the paper mulberry tree through a traditional manual process. Thanks to its long and strong fiber structure, hanji exhibits excellent durability and flexibility, and has been used for centuries to produce high quality books, calligraphy, painting, traditional window panes, and various crafts.   Within Korean cultural heritage, hanji also embodies the skill of artisans and the wisdom of communities passed down for generations. It continues to be highly valued today in diverse new fields of art, design, and the conservation and restoration of archival materials.   Joomchi is a traditional Korean papermaking technique in which multiple sheets of hanji are soaked in water and repeatedly rubbed, kneaded, crumpled, and pounded together by hand. Through this process, the fibers become interlocked, forming physical and chemical bonds that fuse the sheets into a single, durable material without the use of adhesives.   This technique is possible because the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree yields exceptionally long and strong fibers. While ordinary paper would tear easily when wet, hanji retains its strength akin to a textile, and becomes even more cohesive as the fibers intertwine through repeated handling and friction.   Those who experience making joomchi discover how paper can be transformed into a flexible, fabric-like material and gain a profound appreciation for the remarkable strength, texture, and beauty of traditional Korean hanji.     Esther Jihye Cho is an interdisciplinary artist and designer working in wood, paper, and performance. Her practice focuses on preserving traditional Korean craft techniques while reinterpreting them through a contemporary lens. Central to her work are meticulous and labor-intensive processes such as joomchi (paper felting) and jiseung (paper weaving), which serve as both inspiration and a means of creative expression. The time and effort Cho invests in these techniques shape her ideas and reflect her commitment to merging tradition with contemporary artistic practices as she explores themes of identity, storytelling, and materiality.   Cho is the recipient of various awards and recognitions, including the Windgate-Lamar Fellowship from the Center for Craft, the ALL Prize from Art + Literature Laboratory, the Caxton Club Grant, and the Creative Arts Award from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She holds two MFAs from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Woodworking and Furniture Design as well as Design Studies, in addition to two BFAs in Interior Design and Craft/Material Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University.   In addition to her studio practice, Cho is an experienced educator, teaching courses in design and craft that help students develop their technical skills and creative voices. She has exhibited her work widely and conducted workshops on Korean papermaking techniques. For more, visit the artist's website at www.estherjihyecho.com.  self  2024  corded and twined hanji 6"w x 6"h x 2.5"d  Secrets from Room 2103  2024  corded and twined hanji 5"w x 10"h x 5"d 3 hours  2023  joomchi, handmade mulberry paper by Nicholas Cladis 30.5"w x 60"h

2026 K-Pop Academy – Apply to join the FREE two-week intensive class or try a special one-day class!  Calling all K-Pop fans! Ready to dance like your favorite idols? Join the 2026 K-Pop Academy and bring your stage dreams to life! This year, we are offering both a two-week intensive course and several one-day classes to make the program even more accessible to all. Please choose the option that best fits your interests. Please note: applicants may apply to only one program option! Duplicate applications may be disqualified.  There is no cost to apply or participate, but space is highly limited for all program options. The application process is competitive for the two-week intensive program, and participants will be selected based on their application; the one-day K-Pop dance programs are not competitive, but and participants will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Please see below for full details and application instructions. Inquiries: For more information, please visit the KCCDC website for updates or email us at soh24@mofa.or.kr. Two-Week Intensive Dance Class Applications Open June 10 at 10:00 AM!  Two-Week Intensive Dance Class Application Link  ●Dates/Schedule: July 20 – August 1, 2026 (6 two-hour sessions plus a final showcase on Saturday, August 1) ●Application Period: June 10 - June 17 ●Selection Results Announced: June 23 ●Location: Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (2370 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008) ●Participants: 20 participants will be selected each for the Beginner Class and Intermediate Class ●Eligibility: Open to K-Pop fans ages 15 and older. Participants must be able to attend all class sessions in person in Washington, D.C. ●Fee: Free to apply and participate!  ●Language: All classes will be conducted in English. Korean language ability is not required. Instructor & Class Format   A professional K-Pop dance choreographer from Korea with experience training well-known K-Pop idol groups will lead the program, providing high-quality instruction tailored to participants' levels across two groups. This year’s academy will focus on dance training without a separate vocal training group.   [Beginner] ●For those who are interested in K-Pop but have little or no dance experience ●Focuses on basic choreography, performance understanding, teamwork building [Intermediate] ●For those with prior experience in K-Pop dance at an intermediate level ●Focuses on choreography creation, effective practice techniques, role sharing, and leadership skills Not sure which level to choose? No worries! Just upload a 1-minute dance video in the application form, and our instructor will help determine the best level for you.   One-day K-Pop Dance Classes Applications Open June 10 at 10:00 AM! (first-come, first-served)  One-day Dance Class Application Link  July 21, 7PM July 28, 7 PM July 30, 7 PM ●Dates: July 21, July 28, July 30 (7 - 9 PM) Please choose just one date option! ●Location: Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (2370 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008) ●Participants: 20 participants for each class ●Eligibility: Open to K-Pop fans ages 15 and older. Participants must be able to attend all class sessions in person in Washington, D.C. ●Fee: Free to apply and participate! ●Language: All classes will be conducted in English. Korean language ability is not required. Participants can select only one class from the three options below. The choreography will be original choreography created by the instructor. ●July 21, 2026 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM Dance Song: Love, Maybe by MeloMance (멜로망스), Beginner Level ●July 28, 2026 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM Dance Song: Free from KPop Demon Hunters, Intemediate Level and up ●July 30, 2026 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM Dance Song: Heaven by Taemin (태민), Intermediate Level and up    

Click HERE to RSVP Overview: - K-Food Experience at Asia North: The Art of Kimbap - Date&Time: Friday, May 29, 6:30 - 8:00 PM - Location: Motor House (120 W North Ave, Baltimore, MD) Join us for an engaging evening exploring the art and culture of kimbap with special guest chef and restaurateur Des So. Participants will hear stories about Korean cuisine, Des So’s journey building Korean food businesses in the DC area, enjoy a live kimbap-making demonstration, and take part in a delicious kimbap tasting experience. Small Korean souvenir giveaways will also be available for attendees!   About Asia North: Asia North is an Asian arts and culture festival in Baltimore’s Station North Arts District that celebrates the Charles North–Station North neighborhood’s evolving identity as a Koreatown, arts district, and creative hub. The festival is co-produced by the Asian Arts & Culture Center and the Central Baltimore Partnership.   About the Instructor: Des So (서대석) - Born in Seoul, South Korea; immigrated to the U.S. in 1986 - Studied Film/Video at Rochester Institute of Technology (NY) - Has owned and operated more than 30 restaurants across DC, Maryland, and Virginia since 1992 - Currently operates four restaurants in Washington, DC, including Soho Cafe & Market, Met Cafe the Venue, and Met Cafe Lite @ DOI - Specializes in breakfast & lunch cafeterias, catering, venues, events, and modern Asian & American cuisine   About Kimbap: Kimbap is one of Korea’s most beloved comfort foods, known for its balance of flavors, vibrant presentation, and versatility. Often enjoyed for picnics, travel, and family gatherings, kimbap reflects the creativity and warmth of Korean home-style cooking. Through this program, participants will learn more about Korean food culture, traditional ingredients, and the enduring popularity of this iconic dish.