Kimjang Day 2026: Experience Kimjang & Korean Culture
Kimjang Day 2026 is an afternoon celebration of kimjang, Korea’s communal tradition of preparing and sharing kimchi. Presented by the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C., the DC Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, the DC Public Library, and chef Patrice Cunningham of Taegu Kimchi, the event combines Korean cultural performances, conversation, K-pop, and a hands-on kimchi-making workshop where participants can prepare and take home their own fresh kimchi.
The program marks the fourth year of the annual event and commemorates Washington, D.C.’s 2022 establishment of Kimchi Day. It also connects with the November 22 Kimchi Day observance recognized in Korea, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and other states.
When: Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Check-in opens 30 minutes before each event.
Venue: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, fifth floor, 901 G Street NW, Washington, DC.
Tickets: Free with registration.
Registration: Separate RSVP tickets are required for each part of the event, and every attendee must have an individual reservation with complete personal information. Up to two tickets may be reserved per RSVP. Reservations do not guarantee a seat, and entry may close early when seating capacity is reached.
Schedule: A complimentary pre-event offering begins at 1:00 p.m. with copies of the children’s book *Blue Sky Morning* by Kim Jihyun, provided by the DC Public Library for children ages 5 and older while supplies last.
Schedule: From 1:30 to 1:50 p.m. in the auditorium, the Open Door Korean Cultural Ministry Team presents Youngnam Samulnori, a performance of traditional Korean percussion music.
Schedule: From 1:50 to 2:50 p.m. in the auditorium, chef Danny Lee joins MOAPIA Director Ben DeGuzman for a fireside conversation.
Schedule: From 3:00 to 3:40 p.m. in the auditorium, N2 Studios presents a K-pop dance performance and workshop.
Schedule: From 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. in the fifth-floor event space, chef Patrice Cunningham leads a kimchi demonstration and hands-on Kimjang workshop. Participants can make and take home their own batch of kimchi.
Lineup: Featured participants include chef Patrice Cunningham of Taegu Kimchi, chef Danny Lee, MOAPIA Director Ben DeGuzman, N2 Studios, and the Open Door Korean Cultural Ministry Team.
Workshop: Guests should notify a staff member or the chef about any food allergies before taking part. Those following a vegan diet should identify themselves at check-in.
Seating: RSVP tickets do not ensure a seat. Seating is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis; participants may need to stand during portions of the program, including the Kimjang workshop. Early arrival is recommended.
Parking: Parking is not provided. Attendees are asked to use available street parking or nearby public lots.
About Kimjang: Kimjang is a centuries-old Korean practice traditionally held once or twice a year, often before winter, when communities work together to prepare and preserve foods such as kimchi. The tradition reflects both the practical importance of preserving food and the social bonds created through communal cooking. Kimjang was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013.