The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) presents A Window into K-Culture: Focus on Korean Literature, a special two-day event organized in collaboration with the National Museum of Korean Literature (NMKL) as part of the global Touring K-Arts program supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE).

Researcher Young-in Seo of the National Museum of Korean Literature will speak in-person about how Korean literature offers the chance to go beyond simply enjoying K-Culture to gaining a deeper understanding of it. By connecting familiar Korean Wave content such as K-dramas and K-Pop with literary traditions, this program explores the cultural narratives and context embedded within contemporary Korean culture.

The first of two sessions focuses on Tradition and the Present in Korean Literature, while the second session examines Contemporary Korean Literature and the Diversity of the Korean Wave.

Each evening presents distinct themes and will introduce notable Korean literary works and authors for curious readers to discover. A curated on-site exhibition of works featured in the lectures will also be available for viewing in both Korean and English, and a special quiz will offer participants the chance to win copies of select books.

Newcomers and avid fans alike are invited to take a deep dive into Korean literature and culture through this special event.

[K-Culture: Explore More, Enjoy More] 

A Window into K-Culture: Focus on Korean Literature

Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C.

Session 1: Tradition and the Present in Korean Literature

Monday, May 18, 2026, 6:00–7:30 PM

Session 2: Contemporary Korean Literature and the Diversity of the Korean Wave

Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 6:30–8:00 PM

RSVPs coming soon! Please check back for the start of public registration on Wednesday, May 6. 

PLEASE NOTE: participants may attend either one or both sessions, but separate registration is required for each. Free with registration.

 Speaker Biography & Featured Exhibited Books 

Young-in Seo is a researcher at the National Museum of Korean Literature, where she is engaged in the collection, management, and research of Korean literary materials. She holds a Ph.D. in Korean Literature. Since her literary debut in 2000 through the publisher Changbi (창비), she has worked as a literary critic and has lectured on Korean literature at various universities in Korea. Seo’s published works include collections of literary criticism, essays, and academic research.