The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) proudly presents the second installment in The Kimchi Universe Series, featuring a kimchi-making workshop led by chef, restauranteur, and kimchi connoisseur Judy Joo as she guides everyday home chefs in preparing Korea’s iconic cabbage side dish. Part 2: Make Your Kimchi premieres March 16 via the KCCDC website and on social media.

The 12-minute lesson is designed to be easy to follow for anyone interested in Korean cuisine, using mostly everyday equipment and ingredients. In the video, four groups share their initial trips to the grocery store, preparation of their kimchi at home in a live video session with Joo, and finally a follow-up to taste the fermented, delicious results.

Judy Joo is a Korean-American executive chef, restaurateur, and TV Chef. She appears on the Cooking Channel and Food Network worldwide with her show Korean Food Made Simple as she explores authentic Korean dishes inspired by her travels showing just how easy it is to make Korean favorites using a few key store cupboard ingredients. Her love of Korean food began as a child at home in the U.S. She is the author of Korean Food Made Simple and Judy Joo's Korean Soul Food (text courtesy of www.judyjoo.com).

After initially working in finance in New York City, Joo transitioned to a career in food. She attended The French Culinary Institute and graduated at the top of her class before working at Saveur magazine and Slow Food USA. She went on to compete on Iron Chef UK in 2010 and to work in some of London’s most notable restaurants, eventually opening her own, Jinjuu in Soho. Today she is an in-demand TV personality and food commentator.

Part 2: Make Your Kimchi premieres on March 16 on the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. website and social media platforms (YouTube and Facebook: @Koreaculturedc). Part 1: Know Your Kimchi is available now, and Part 3: Beyond Kimchi will air in April 2021.

About the Series and Kimchi

The Kimchi Universe Series, which launched in February 2021 with Part 1, places kimchi firmly within the rich context of Korean culture while branching out to explore how non-Koreans are increasingly experiencing this unique fermented dish. Episodes include interviews with experts, tastings with everyday people, and workshops with kimchi creators in a short film, documentary style. Part 1 focuses on the theme of people trying various kimchi varieties and their authentic reactions, Part 2 dives into the age-old practice of making kimchi, and Part 3 explores the expanding world of kimchi beyond the traditional.

Kimchi has entered the global lexicon as an icon of Korean cuisine in recent years. Yet few people grasp the breadth and depth of kimchi culture, including its hundreds of variations, historical roots, and health benefits. But perhaps kimchi’s most notable contribution to Korean culture is its role in collective social culture and regional identity. The Kimchi Universe Series is designed to welcome international viewers inside this rich culinary tradition.