K-Literature Book Club: Stories of Korea (Fall 2026 Session!)
K-Literature Book Club: Stories of Korea is a Fall 2026 in-person discussion series from the Korean Cultural Center Washington. The program explores three contemporary Korean works that consider empathy, resilience, community, memory, compassion, and the human connections formed in a rapidly changing world. Each gathering centers on one featured book and combines guided conversation with informal sharing of participants’ perspectives.
The season includes an imaginative science-fiction story collection, a heartfelt novel about a racehorse and a humanoid robot, and a warm neighborhood story set in a Seoul convenience store. The discussions are conducted primarily in English, and newcomers to Korean literature as well as experienced readers are welcome.
When: September 22 through November 3, 2026
Showtimes: Tuesday, September 22 at 6:00 PM; Tuesday, October 6 at 6:00 PM; and Tuesday, November 3 at 6:00 PM
Venue: Korean Cultural Center Washington, DC
Format: In person only, with no virtual option. Each meeting uses a casual, guided-conversation format.
Lineup: September 22 features *If We Cannot Go at the Speed of Light* by Cho-yeop Kim. October 6 features *A Thousand Blues* by Seon-ran Cheon. November 3 features *The Second Chance Convenience Store* by Ho-yeon Kim.
Featured Books: *If We Cannot Go at the Speed of Light* is an award-winning science-fiction collection about love, loss, memory, and human connection, combining scientific ideas with emotionally grounded questions about humanity. *A Thousand Blues* brings together a racehorse, a humanoid robot, and a family through a story of compassion, care, hope, and empathy. *The Second Chance Convenience Store* follows the unexpected relationships formed among ordinary people whose lives meet at a neighborhood store in Seoul, offering a hopeful portrait of kindness, community, and new beginnings.
Books: Applicants may receive a complimentary English-language copy of their selected title for pickup at the Korean Cultural Center Washington. Quantities are limited, and copies are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants who already own a featured book may also register.
Book Pickup: August 24–28, 2026.
Registration: Sign-up is ongoing. Book and session choices will be removed as they fill, and registration will close once all sessions are full. Applicants should make sure they can attend the selected in-person meeting before registering.
Availability: The September 22 discussion of *If We Cannot Go at the Speed of Light* is currently full. The page advises interested readers to consider another book-club session.
Language: Discussions will be conducted primarily in English.
Refreshments: Light refreshments will be provided at each meeting.
Participation Note: Preference may be given to applicants who have not registered for multiple sessions, allowing more people to participate overall. Selected participants will receive a final confirmation email after the sign-up period.
Contact: Questions about the program may be directed to culturedc@mofa.or.kr.
Tickets: Price not available