Join the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC), the DC Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA), and chef Ellen Lee of AJM Kimchi for Kimjang DC 2025, a hands-on celebration of Korea’s most beloved culinary tradition—kimjang, the communal making and sharing of kimchi!

Community members of all backgrounds are invited to experience the taste, culture, and community spirit that define the kimjang tradition and Korea’s most iconic food, kimchi. Enjoy a live kimchi demonstration with chef Lee, then try your hand at making your own kimchi to take home in a free communal workshop that brings people together.

Learn about the history, health benefits, and creativity behind this centuries-old culinary tradition, and celebrate the official Kimchi Day in Korea and the United States by connecting with others through the shared joy of food and culture!

📍 Event Details

When: Monday, November 17, 2025, 6:00 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (901 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Admission: Free with an RSVP!

RSVP FOP THIS EVENT!

Opens Nov. 3 at 9:00 AM

About Kimjang

A centuries-old tradition, kimjang (김장) often happens once or twice a year in Korea as a way for communities to stock up on essential preserved foods like kimchi (김치), especially before winter. This labor-intensive process is rooted in the tight-knit rural communities of the past, yet the culinary and social bonding benefits of kimjang remain a treasured aspect of Korean culture today.

This third annual kimjang partnership between the KCCDC and MOAPIA marks 12 years since the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed Kimjang on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013. Washington, D.C., Maryland, Viriginia, and several other states also already recognize Kimchi Day on November 22, as does Korea, and the U.S. Congress is considering a similar national designation.

About Chef Ellen Lee

Ellen Lee is a Washington, DC–based culinary creator and founder of AJM Kimchi, a small-batch kimchi and fermentation brand dedicated to sharing the richness of Korean food culture. Drawing from years of hands-on experience in professional kitchens and community food projects, Ellen focuses on preserving traditional techniques while presenting them in approachable, creative ways.

Founded in 2021, AJM Kimchi embodies the spirit of Korean hospitality and craftsmanship through education, collaboration, and sustainability. The name AJM playfully nods to the Korean word “ahjumma”—a term of respect for strong, nurturing women—blended with Ellen’s feline-inspired persona, “Ahjummeow.” The brand’s motto, “Made with Purrpose,” reflects its mission to bring people together through the joy of fermentation, community, and cultural appreciation.

For more, follow AJM Kimchi on Instagram. 

ℹ️ Important Event Information

• ●Space and supplies are limited. Up to two tickets can be reserved when you RSVP.

• ●If you follow a vegan diet, please select that specific option when you RSVP.

• ●RSVP tickets are required for all attendees, and each person must have their own reservation. Complete information for each person must be included for each person for a valid reservation ("guest of" is not sufficient).

• ●RSVP tickets do not guarantee a seat, and much of the event activity will be while standing. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis at the venue.

• ●Please note that entry may close early once all seats are occupied. Early arrival is recommended.

• ●Parking is not provided. Guests are kindly asked to use street parking at their convenience, or nearby public lots. A reminder with additional details will be sent before the events date.