The K-Tourism Talk Show is back by popular demand with Episode 2! Join us for our second event where five more real Korea travelers will share new favorite destinations, experiences, tips, and suggestions to help make your next exciting visit to Korea a reality.   As with our first ever K-Tourism event in April, new guest presenters will explain what worked for them in Korea, practical advice on getting around and living there, and other useful tips. Each guest presenter will share their own travel pictures and video at the event, including experiencing KBO baseball games, hidden gems of travel, Seoul city architecture, hiking national parks, temple stay, and reconnecting with distant family as an adoptee.   Ask a question during the discussion to get even more valuable insights, or listen in to discover a new bucket-list destination. Either way, prepare to open a window on travel to Korea like never before! RSVP to attend in person!     K-Tourism Talk Show May 28, 6:30 PM (Season 1, Episode 2): RSVP at the link below! Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C.   RSVP FOR THIS EVENT!     About the Guest Presenters & Topics (May 28)   Meg got to experience destinations in Korea that are more off the beaten path while she was studying there for a year, including Sokcho, Gyeongju, and Incheon, as well as participating in a Temple Stay at Geumseon-sa and the Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul.   Evie discovered her own precious memories and hidden gems in Korea while meeting her partner’s family on the island of Jeju. She was able to appreciate Jeju’s unique foods, local dialect, the volcanic mountain of Halla-san, and ultra-fresh local tangerine juice—not to mention the intricacies of family dynamics!   Jack experienced the awesome fun of a KBO baseball game in person in Korea! He’ll share that memorable experience, as well as his time and photos hiking the beautiful Seoraksan National Park.   Mayra visited Korea in the fall, taking in the beautiful natural colors of nature and temples nestled in rural areas as well as the hustle and bustle of Seoul. She enjoyed the flavors of coastal Yeosu, trendy pop-up restaurants, live concerts, and other “healing” experiences at an overall slower pace of travel.   Catherine’s trip to Korea was deeply meaningful for her as an adoptee reconnecting with her heritage, but even more so because she was able to introduce her own daughter of Korean-Canadian heritage. Together Catherine and her daughter explored the unique architecture, city planning, and urban revitalization aspects of Seoul.

Join us for The Lives and Stories of Korean American Authors, a special children’s literature K-Culture Talk celebrating Korean-heritage author experiences for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, featuring Ginger Park and Frances Park, co-authors of Suka’s Farm! Ginger Park and Frances Park will share their experiences growing up Korean-American and how it informed their journey to becoming successful authors. They will also discuss the real-life story behind their enchanting new children's book, Suka's Farm. Families are encouraged to attend, and those with a child will receive a complimentary copy of Suka’s Farm to have signed and to take home, but quantities are limited. This event also celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, observed every May to honor the contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander immigrants to the United States. To mark the occasion, the authors’ will share insights into their personal journeys and perspectives, discuss their writing process and key themes of their new book, and read excerpts. Visitors can also have their books signed after the program (books will not be for sale at the event, so visitors may bring their own copy). The Lives and Stories of Korean-American Authors May 21, 2025 (Wednesday), 5:00 - 6:30 PM Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. RSVP FOR THIS EVENT! About the Authors Ginger Park was an energetic gymnast as a child. After her father's sudden passing two days before her seventeenth birthday, however, she realized how little she knew about her parents' lives and struggles in Korea. Determined to learn more, she spent months going through old photos with her mother and hearing stories of their homeland. This process of discovery led her to document her family's history, from Sinuiju to Seoul. It was through this journey that she began her writing career, uncovering both her family’s past and her own voice as a writer. For her award-winning work, Ginger has been interviewed on NPR's All Things Considered and Weekend Edition, featured in USA Today, the Washington Post, and Koream. Her work has been translated into five languages. Frances Park is a Korean American author of novels, memoirs and children’s books. At age 10, she typed a 200-page story on an Underwood typewriter—blue ink, onionskin paper, reading aloud to anyone who would listen. Since then, she’s spoken at The Kennedy Center, The Smithsonian, The New Executive Office Building, Wolf Trap, and the Korean Embassy. For her award-winning work, she’s been interviewed by NPR, Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, CNN, The Diane Rehm Show, and Good Morning America.   About Suka’s Farm Life in 1941 Korea is hard for Aoki and his family. Under colonial rule, many of the country’s resources are being exported to Japan. One night, as Aoki’s hunger keeps him awake, he hears his parents worrying about their dwindling rice supply. Though he’s only a child, Aoki is desperate to help—so desperate that he asks Mr. Suka, a Japanese farmer, for a job. Mr. Suka’s first instinct is to turn the boy away, but he is moved by Aoki’s plea. He teaches Aoki how to care for a herd of goats, and soon what began as an act of charity becomes a genuine friendship that brings them both joy.

Join us for our first ever K-Tourism Talk Show, where actual Korea travelers will share their favorite memories, tips, and suggestions to help inspire and plan your next visit! Discovering exciting destinations and experiences is the first step on a new travel journey—guest presenters at this event will also explain what worked for them, practical advice on getting around and living in Korea, and other tips to make your next trip an unforgettable success. Through their own travel pictures and videos, guest presenters will share their recent experiences travelling all across Korea, including K-Pop concerts and fan destinations, K-Drama group tours, unique food experiences, family trips, historical sites, having fun while studying abroad, and more—all while making lifelong friends along the way. Join the discussion to get even more valuable insights, pick up free Korea travel guides, or listen in to discover a new bucket-list destination. Either way, prepare to open a window on travel to Korea like never before! This first of two K-Tourism Talk Show events will take place in April (live in-person only), with the second event in May featuring new speakers and experiences. Light reception after the program. RSVP to attend!     K-Tourism Talk Show  April 23, 6:30 PM (Season 1, Episode 1): RSVP below! May 28, 6:30 PM (Season 1, Episode 2): Details & RSVP to be announced.  Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C.   RSVP FOR THIS EVENT! (APRIL 23)     About the Guest Presenters & Topics   Emma studied abroad in Korea for four months in 2024, and in her words, “did a lot of exploring, both in Seoul and beyond.” Spending time with local friends over a longer period of time gave her insight into the joys of daily life in Korea, including singing in noraebang (singing rooms), enjoying fried chicken by the Han River, experiencing a temple stay, and “so, so, so many cafes!”  Michael traveled to Korea in 2023 with his wife for a very special occasion—their honeymoon! They spent a significant amount of time exploring Jeju island off Korea’s southern coast and sampled exquisite regional cuisine, but also made time for Seoul’s iconic sites, including shopping in Myeongdong and a visit to the royal palace, Gyeongbokgung.   Dhania and her sister, both avid K-Pop fans, traveled to Korea in 2024 to “explore the culture, amazing food, and create the bond that we never expected.” With just 10 days to spend there, the pair learned to navigate public transportation using Korean map apps, explored Jeju island during an excursion, and visited many of the most travelled-to spots for BTS fans.   Soomin led a group eight people on a unique food tour of Korea. Having been born there before moving to the United States in 2012, it was an exciting and eye-opening experience. The group tasted everything from crave-worthy street food to two-star Michelin restaurants—this trip was all about the food!   Ronda traveled to Korea in 2024 to take part in a guided group tour designed to visit iconic sites from famous K-Dramas and describes the experience as “truly incredible.” Her tour visited cities across the country from Seoul to Busan and included special cultural experiences including cooking classes and fashion. Most importantly, she says the group experience “created a lasting community and lifelong friendships.” ______________________________________ The application period for this program has ended, but information on the process can be found below! To RSVP for an event, see the updated announcement above.  Calling all travelers to Korea! Have you been to Korea lately and have some awesome tips, destinations, or memories to share? We want to hear from you!   The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) is hosting a 2025 K-Tourism Talk Show this spring to help experienced Korea travelers share tips and insights with future visitors!   Whether you’re an urban explorer, K-food adventurer, backpacker, nature tourist, or K-Pop concert chaser, we want to hear about your experiences in Korea. Guest presenters will have a chance to share their valuable knowledge during our live show event, including travel planning tips, favorite destinations, getting around in Korea, and memorable moments. Sharing your insights will help inspire others to plan their own trips with confidence and excitement. The event will be open to the public for the benefit of everyone itching to travel to Korea.   Those interested in being a guest presenter can apply now, and a separate RSVP to attend the event and listen in will be announced later. For more on how to apply, see the details below.   Overview   Event Dates: April and May, 2025 (two dates will be determined based on applications) Deadline: Apply by March 24, 2025 for the best change to take part in the program! Announcement of Results: March 31 Guest Presenter Compensation: $200   Requirements   Those applying to be a guest presenter should: ●Have been to Korea within the past three years ●Share their Korea travel experiences at the event in a brief presentation and Q&A utilizing their personal pictures, video, social media or other content ●Attend the event in-person in Washington, D.C. in April or May, 2025 ●Submit sample multimedia as part of their application and presentation materials if selected How to Apply   To apply to be a guest presenter, please complete the online application form below. Be sure to either include links to samples of your multimedia content in the form or else send your sample multimedia files in a follow-up email to Dongkyu Kim at dongkyu.kim@mofa.or.kr after completing the form. Be sure to include your name and information in any follow-up email to match it with your application! Those who are selected to be featured at the event will be contacted directly by email and compensation will be provided after the event. The application period has ended.   Questions?   For assistance or any questions, please contact Dongkyu Kim at dongkyu.kim@mofa.or.kr.  

  Join us at the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) for a special culinary event celebrating Hansik, one of Korea's four traditional holidays, with renowned Chef Danny Lee of popular DC-based restaurants Mandu, Anju, and CHIKO!   This event will offer a unique opportunity to dig deeper into Korea’s rich culinary heritage and meet a chef and entrepreneur keeping those traditions alive. Explore the evolution of Korean cuisine and how it is enjoyed, perceptions of Korean food in the United States, and the ongoing globalization of Korean food, among other topics. Chef Lee will share his own Korean food journey through a talk, cooking demonstration of japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), and a tasting of other K-Food classics.   K-Food Taste and Talk: Discovering Korean Traditions with Chef Danny Lee Thursday, April 17, 2025 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. Inquiries: yeong0@mofa.or.kr RSVP FOR THIS EVENT!  Please Note: registration opens April 8 at 10:00 a.m. EDT (strict limit of 30 participants). Because space is very limited, please register only if you are certain you can attend. Thank you!     Highlights: ●Talk on Korean Cuisine and Culture: Chef Lee will share fascinating stories and expert knowledge about the history and development of Korean food, including its changing role in both traditional and modern dining. ●Exploring Korean Food in the United States and Beyond: Dive into a discussion on how Korean food is perceived in the United States and across the globe. Explore the rise of K-food trends and the factors contributing to the globalization of Korean cuisine. ●Cooking Demonstration: After the lecture, Chef Lee will guide guests through a live cooking demonstration showcasing the preparation of japchae (stir-fried glass noodles). Watch as Chef Lee crafts this classic dish using fresh ingredients, and learn tips and techniques to try at home! ●Tasting Session: Conclude with a delicious tasting session highlighting japchae, to experience how the balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors create an unforgettable dish. Chef Danny Lee, born and raised in Washington, D.C., is a renowned culinary figure known for his innovative take on Korean cuisine. After transitioning from genetic research to the restaurant industry, Danny, alongside his mother Yesoon, opened Mandu in 2006, DC’s first full-service Korean restaurant. He later co-founded The Fried Rice Collective with Chef Scott Drewno, opening the highly acclaimed CHIKO in 2017, which earned a James Beard nomination for Best New Restaurant. Danny's restaurant group has since expanded with locations in DC, Virginia, Maryland, and California.   In 2019, Lee launched Anju, a vibrant eatery celebrating both traditional and modern Korean flavors, which was named the No. 1 restaurant in the region by Washingtonian Magazine. Danny’s culinary excellence has earned him multiple James Beard Award nominations and recognition as Restaurateur of the Year at the 2022 RAMMY Awards. Beyond his culinary career, Danny is also dedicated to anti-racism initiatives and fundraising for the non-profit EmbraceRace as their Culinary Ambassador.