Highlights:
●Exhibition: Hanji: Embracing Color (from August 20) ●K-Literature Book Club: Fall 2026 (Registration open!) ●K-Cinema: Anarchist from Colony (박열) (August 26) ●Special Exhibition: Haenyeo: The Breath of Jeju (On view) ●K-Cinema: Canola (계춘할망) (Sept 2) ●DC JazzFest: Pureum Jin & The Empress (September 5) ●Korean Language Classes: Fall 2026 (September) ●Sejong Culture Academy (September) ●More Local + Global events!
|
|
Hanji: Embracing Color
August 20 - November 20 Pre-Opening: August 19, 6 - 8 PM ArtWalk Dupont: September 4, 6 - 8 PM Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C.
Join us this autumn to experience Hanji: Embracing Color, a new exhibition reintroducing Korea’s traditional paper through a vast array of sculptural hanji works by artist Lee Seung-chul, including dramatic Buddhist sculptures, moon jars, and more, alongside other works featuring traditional natural dyes and bojagi patchwork textiles.
For centuries, hanji has been used in architecture, crafts, painting, and everyday objects, serving as one of Korea’s most enduring cultural materials. Renowned for its distinctive texture, durability, and expressive qualities, hanji continues to inspire contemporary artistic practices. Lee's imaginative hanji works explore the origins of Korea’s traditional culture and visual language through multidimensional installations throughout the KCCDC. Hanji: Embracing Color launches with a pre-opening reception on August 19 with the artist and remains on view during regular hours through November 20, including special evening hours for ArtWalk Dupont on September 4 (6-8 pm). |
|
K-Literature Book Club: Stories of Korea
Fall 2026 Session | Sign-up Now! Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C.
Join us to discover Korea through contemporary literature with a new Fall 2026 session of our popular K-Literature Book Club: Stories of Korea! 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 thoughtful, 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 can also receive a complimentary English-language copy of their chosen book (limited quantities, in-person pickup only)! Sign up before these popular sessions fill up. See the full session announcement for other key details.
If We Cannot Go at the Speed of Light by Cho-yeop Kim Tuesday, September 22, 6:00 PM Currently full!
A Thousand Blues by Seon-ran Cheon Tuesday, October 6, 6:00 PM Available!
The Second Chance Convenience Store by Ho-yeon Kim Tuesday, November 3, 6:00 PM Available!
|
|
Anarchist from Colony (박열)
Wednesday, August 26, 6:00 PM Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C.
In the aftermath of the Great Kantō earthquake of 1923, thousands of innocent people are massacred in occupied Korea following false rumors spread across Imperial Japan. To divert public attention and cover up the tragedy, independence activist Park Yeol (Lee Je-hoon) is framed as the mastermind behind a plot against the Imperial family. But Park and his comrade Kaneko Fumiko (Choi Hee-seo) boldly turn the trial into an act of resistance.
Directed by Lee Joon-ik, one of Korea's most acclaimed filmmakers, Anarchist from Colony (2017) is the second film in our August National Liberation Day of Korea commemorative series and another outstanding historical drama from the director behind acclaimed films such as The King and the Clown, Radio Star, and The Throne. Free with an RSVP! Complimentary snacks. In Korean with English subtitles. 129 Minutes. |
|
Haenyeo: The Breath of Jeju
Through November 20 Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. Experience Haenyeo: The Breath of Jeju at the KCCDC, a new special exhibition of authentic equipment, activities, informational panels, videos, and books presented in collaboration with the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province that explores the world of the island's famous women free divers known as Haenyeo (해녀)!
Discover the unique local culture of Korea's Haenyeo, which was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. Visitors can explore the lives of Jeju’s women divers, their unique diving practice known as muljil, sustainable ways of living in harmony with the sea, and the strong community tradition built on cooperation and sharing knowledge across generations. No RSVP needed. |
|
Performing Arts - Upcoming |
DC JazzFest: Pureum Jin & The Empress
Saturday, September 5, 6 - 7 PM Union Stage 740 Water Street SW Washington, DC 20024
Join the KCCDC and DC JazzFest as we co-present Pureum Jin & the Empress, featuring saxaphonist Pureum Jin! This performance is part of the DC JazzFest 2026 lineup, featuring an array of outstanding artists for this legendary five-day jazz festival.
South Korea-born multi-instrumentalist, composer-arranger, educator and bandleader Pureum Jin leads her saxophone quartet plus rhythm section band known as The Empress, whose 2025 album Square One (Cellar) she produced. The group redefines jazz with fresh takes on standards and originals, producing a bold statement on artistry and representation in jazz. Don’t miss this powerhouse ensemble as they bring swing, spontaneity, and extraordinary musicianship to DC JazzFest! |
|
Canola (계춘할망)
Wednesday, September 2, 6:00 PM Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C.
Set against the beautiful landscape of Jeju Island, Canola follows Hye-ji (Kim Go-eun), a teenage girl who returns home after being separated from her grandmother Gye-choon (Youn Yuh-jung) for 12 years. As they rebuild their relationship, the two gradually confront the painful memories and secrets surrounding their separation.
Directed by Chang, Canola (2016) is a heartfelt family drama that explores the enduring bond between a grandmother and granddaughter, presented in conjunction with our special exhibition on view at the KCCDC about the Haenyeo women freedivers of Jeju island. Free with an RSVP! Complimentary snacks. In Korean with English subtitles. 116 Minutes. |
|
Korean Language & Culture Classes: Fall 2026
Classes start in September King Sejong Institute Washington, D.C.
We should all be cooling off with some Korean language classes--that's rule number one. The King Sejong Institute Washington, D.C. will be announcing its Fall 2026 classes soon, including Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced, courses, plus in-person options at the KCCDC. Be sure to sign up for KSIDC emails to receive the details directly, or check our website for the upcoming announcement. For questions, email us at adam@ksiwashingtondc.org.
|
|
Sejong Culture Academy 2026
September 8 -18 King Sejong Institute Washington, D.C.
Details & full announcement coming soon!
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 courses 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 cultural classes offered to the general public at the KCCDC as well as events open specifically to students at American University, George Washington University, George Mason University, and the King Sejong Institute Washington, D.C. Participants will learn by experiencing three engaging aspects of Korean culture: Hanbok (traditional attire), K-Beauty, and traditional Korean games. Exploring traditional and contemporary aspects of Korean culture along with their social context will help learners deepen their appreciation of Korean cultural heritage. |
|
Above (left to right/top to bottom), the KCCDC's 2026 K-Pop Academy concludes with a showcase event, JS Brewery and the KCCDC co-present Korean makgeolli brewing and culture events at the KCCDC, and Maria Kim performs for OnStage Korea in Washington, DC. |
|
✨ Psst... Hey, K-Pop fans! 👀 Keep it to yourself, but this year we're giving away a NEW stash of actual albums at our in-person events. 🎁 You have to visit and ask to find out which ones, though! 🎤 |
|
King Sejong Institute Mobile Learning App Available Now
From the King Sejong Institute Foundation, a public institution under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism established to promote Korean language education, come three new mobile learning apps! Study Korean anytime and anywhere, including vocabulary, personalized content, and conversations, with the Mobile KSI All-in-One App, KSI AI Korean Teacher, and KSI Agri-Fisheries Korean for foreign workers in Korea's agriculture and fisheries industry. Details & downloads here. |
|
*Note: local+global events may be of interest to our audience, but are not necessarily partnerships with the KCCDC and do not imply any endorsement. Some events may require ticket purchase. |
|
Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. 2370 Massachusetts Ave. NW | Washington, D.C. 20008 culturedc@mofa.go.kr | (202) 939-5688 Visiting Hours: Monday - Friday | 10 am-noon & 1-5 pm Closed for US and certain Korean national holidays The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea is dedicated to strengthening Korea-US ties through a broad variety of public programs and outreach, including exhibitions, performances, educational engagement, institutional partnerships, and diverse cultural events. Walk in visitors are welcome (no appointments necessary). To learn more, visit our website or follow us on social media. |
|
|
|
Facebook
X
YouTube
Flickr
Instagram
