The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. invites Korean fiction fans and literature enthusiasts to join us for a special K-Literature conversation with Korean author Sang Young Park in person at the KCCDC on Wednesday, October 7! Guided by the theme "Stories of Love, People and Our Times," this will be an opportunity to explore the acclaimed author’s literary world and creative journey.   Sang Young Park is an acclaimed contemporary Korean author whose works, including Love in the Big City, explore love and relationships, loneliness and desire, and various aspects of contemporary society through a candid and nuanced perspective. In this conversation, we will look beyond the success of Love in the Big City to discuss Park’s broader body of work and creative activities, as well as the themes and stories that shape his writing.   As part of the program, Park will personally select a passage from one of his works to share with the audience. Together, guests will have the chance to read and reflect on the passage, with an opportunity for readers to share their thoughts and responses directly with the author. The conversation will also touch on Park's recent creative activities and future direction in his writing, including his new novel, The Woman Wearing a Straw Crown, published in July 2026.   Open to everyone, this special event offers an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of love, relationships, human life, and society, both universally and in a Korean context, through Korean contemporary literature.   Join us for an engaging conversation with Sang Young Park and discover the diverse stories and perspectives of contemporary Korean literature!  K-Literature Talk: A Conversation with Author Sang Young Park Live In-Person!  Wednesday, October 7, 6-8 PM Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. Have a question for Sang Young Park? Submit your question in advance for a chance to have it featured during the live conversation. As a small thank-you, gifts will be given to 10 participants selected from advance and live Q&A questions. Click HERE to submit your question. RSVP FOR THIS EVENT!   PLUS: Join the KCCDC again on Thursday, October 8 for a screening of Love in the Big City, adapted from Park's book, including a conversation with Park about the hit film. Details & RSVP here.  About Sang Young Park  Sang Young Park was born in 1988 and studied French at Sungkyunkwan University. He worked as a magazine editor, copywriter, and consultant for seven years before debuting as a novelist. The title story of his bestselling short story collection, The Tears of an Unknown Artist, or Zaytun Pasta, was one of Words Without Borders’ most read pieces ever. He lives in Seoul. Author’s Works*   The Tears of an Unknown Artist, or Zaytun Pasta (알려지지 않은 예술가의 눈물과 자이툰 파스타) Park’s first short story collection, featuring seven stories, includes “Looking for Paris Hilton,” “Busan International Film Festival,” and the title story, “The Tears of an Unknown Artist, or Zaytun Pasta.” Through his signature humor and rhythmic prose, Park explores the lives, relationships, and artistic struggles of a diverse range of characters. The title story follows an overlooked filmmaker who reflects on his past experience with South Korea’s Zaytun military contingent in Iraq, reconsidering the meaning of love and art.   Love in the Big City (대도시의 사랑법) A linked collection of four stories centered on Young, a writer in his twenties and thirties, exploring love, friendship, family, separation, and loneliness. Set in Seoul, the novel portrays a character learning about love and life through a variety of relationships, blending humor with emotional nuance and sensitivity.   Lie Like Lines (1차원이 되고 싶어) This novel is told through the perspective of a teenage boy, exploring first love, heartbreak, school life, friendship, and a crime involving school violence. Through the characters’ experiences of growing up, the novel sensitively portrays love, emotional wounds, unspoken secrets, and the struggle to break free from the past.   About Faith (믿음에 대하여) This is the final installment of Park’s “Love Trilogy,” following Love in the Big City and Lie Like Lines. Through four interconnected stories, the novel explores the struggles of young professionals and people in their thirties as they navigate work, love, relationships, and everyday life. Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing, the work also reflects on changing relationships and experiences of isolation. The stories of different characters come together to form a shared literary world.   The Woman Wearing a Straw Crown (지푸라기 왕관을 쓴 여자) In this mystery novel, a woman begins uncovering long-hidden truths from the past following her mother’s death and the revelation of her mother’s final wishes. The story unfolds through layers of secrets involving the desires and revenge of a powerful chaebol family, love, and the darker sides of modern Korean history. Published in July 2026, this latest novel marks a new direction in Park’s writing, exploring the mystery genre in a departure from his earlier works. *Note: some work titles in English may not be official translations for publication.

Join us this fall at the KCCDC for the Sejong Culture Academy 2026! This global cultural education program organized by the King Sejong Institute Foundation offers a diverse range of one-session workshops and hands-on experiences introducing Korean culture, traditions, and contemporary content to audiences around the world. In 2026, the Academy will operate in 217 locations across 80 countries, delivering 12 diverse Korean culture courses across multiple fields. This year’s program will feature a series of six cultural workshops at the KCCDC offered to the general public and the King Sejong Institute Washington, D.C. as well as additional private programs for students at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Participants will learn by experiencing three engaging aspects of Korean culture: Hanbok (traditional attire), K-Beauty, and traditional Korean games. The program aims to help learners deepen their appreciation of Korean cultural heritage by exploring traditional and contemporary aspects of Korean culture and their social contexts. To register, please first see the schedule below and then select the matching date and time through the eventbrite form (coming soon). Sejong Culture Academy 2026 September 7 - 18 KCCDC and local universities  Register for this Event! Program Overview Participants are asked to select and register for one session only, to maximize overall participation. Each activity includes two identical sessions at different times. Additional events at local universities will be announced separately to their respective communities.  Traditional Korean Games Instructor: Seo-yeong Park (Director, Urinnori Cooperative, a social enterprise) Experience traditional Korean games featured in the globally beloved Netflix series Squid Game! Through hands-on activities, participants will discover Korea’s unique play culture and the values of community and togetherness, while gaining a deeper interest in and understanding of Korean culture. Activities include Mu-gung-hwa kko-chi pi-eot-seum-ni-da (The mugunghwa flower has bloomed), Ddakji-chigi (Korean Paper Tile Flipping), Biseok-chigi (Stone-Hitting Game), Jegichagi (Korean Shuttlecock Kicking),  and Gonggi (Korean Jacks). ●Tuesday, September 8, 5:30–8:00 PM (NEW TIME!) ●Wednesday, September 9, 6:00–8:30 PM Hanbok: Traditional Korean Attire Instructor: Bo Ryong Jeon (Traditional Hanbok Instructor, Malssaem School) Discover the history and cultural significance of hanbok, Korea’s traditional attire. Through a hands-on traditional accessory-making activity, participants will experience the beauty and cultural values of hanbok while exploring Korean traditions and fostering cross-cultural exchange. Activities include an introduction to the history and symbolism of Hanbok, introduction to the traditional meaning and use of Daenggi (traditional hair accessory), hands-on Daenggi (traditional hair accessory) keychain-making activity using sewing and Geumbak (gold foil decoration), and decorating and completing the Daenggi keychain. ●Monday, September 14, 6:00–8:30 PM ●Tuesday, September 15, 2:00–4:30 PM K-Beauty Workshop Instructor: Jin-su Lee (Head of the Makeup Pro Team, Amorepacific) Discover the secrets of K-Beauty! Learn about Korean makeup trends, including signature base makeup techniques and point makeup styles. The class features professional demonstrations and hands-on practice, giving participants an engaging and accessible introduction to Korean beauty culture. Activities include an introduction to K-Beauty (Skincare-first philosophy and the glass-skin look), Base Makeup & Skin Prep (Tone correction, cushion application, and dewy base techniques), Eyes, Brows & Lips (Natural gradient eye makeup, soft brows, and gradient lips), and Wrap-Up (Product guide, daily routine tips, and Q&A).  ●Wednesday, September 16, 2:00–4:30 PM ●Wednesday, September 16, 6:00–8:30 PM

  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, first come first served, limited quantities!). 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: Ongoing 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 This event is currently full! Please consider another book club gathering. 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 for this event!  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