The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C., in partnership with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, presented the 2026 Chuseok Family Festival on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Thousands of visitors celebrated Korea’s beloved harvest holiday through traditional and K-Pop performances, hands-on cultural activities, food, and special programs highlighting Korean traditional masks (Tal) and Talchum mask dance. The festival brought the community together to celebrate, connect, and share the spirit of Chuseok.

From September 7–18, 2026, the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. successfully hosted Sejong Culture Academy 2026, a global cultural education program organized by the King Sejong Institute Foundation, featuring engaging workshops in traditional Korean games, Hanbok, and K-Beauty. Participants enjoyed hands-on experiences while exploring both traditional and contemporary aspects of Korean culture.

On September 5, the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C., in collaboration with the DC Jazz Festival, presented Pureum Jin & The Empress at Union Stage in Washington, D.C. Led by Korean-born saxophonist Pureum Jin, the seven-piece ensemble captivated audiences with dynamic performances of jazz standards and selections from their debut album, Square One. The performance celebrated the distinctive voices of Korean and Korean American jazz artists while fostering cultural exchange through jazz.

The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) proudly opened its latest exhibition, Hanji: Embracing Color, featuring works by artist Lee Seung-chul that explore the chromatic and sculptural possibilities of hanji, traditional Korean paper, while also tracing its deep cultural roots as a hand-made medium for both craft and communication. On view August 20 through November 20 at the KCCDC, the exhibition was preceded by a hanji-making workshop with the artist at the National Museum of Asian Art on August 16 supported and presented in cooperation with the KCCDC and Dongduk Women’s University. The exhibition formally launched with a public pre-opening reception and artist talk on Wednesday, August 19 and a second fully attended public hanji-making workshop with the artist at the KCCDC on August 21. 

The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC), in partnership with JS Brewery, successfully hosted Session 1 of the K-Culture Talk: Korean Traditional Alcohol (K-Sool) Workshop. The program introduced participants to the rich history and cultural significance of Korea’s traditional brewing heritage through an engaging lecture, followed by a guided tasting of five varieties of traditional Korean alcoholic beverages. Participants also enjoyed a hands-on cultural experience inspired by Korea’s traditional liquor, gaining a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and traditions behind Korean brewing culture.