Korean Cultural Center

How does this place not have five stars average, come on folks.
I started taking Korean here over the summer in preparation for moving to Korea (which is on hold right now). I love my classes! I’m about to start my fourth session this winter. I’ve had two different teachers over my course of three classes and both were amazing. I love my classmates, and get a little sad at the end of each session thinking I might not be in class with them again. The classes are interactive, fun, I learn a lot AND they are super affordable!
At the end of each session we have a catered Korean dinner and make your own kimbap. And you can take home leftovers. Such deliciousness. And my kimbap game is so strong now.
The staff is very friendly — shout out to Adam, who organizes the Korean Luangage Institute.
But wait, there’s more!
Twice monthly they show a movie (one movie a month). I’ve been to three. They’ve varied in awesomness but you know what hasn’t? The fact that they’re free, give you free food and soda, and the staff running it is awesome.
ALSO, they have art exhibits upstairs. The only bad part is they’re technically only open until 5 or 6pm (the technical hours of the KCC) BUT if you’re in a class or going to a movie you have access. So, I have no complaints. Seeing the Korean art exhibits is pretty fun.
AND, they send you emails to keep you up to date with what’s happening (koreawise). This is how I took a handful of friends to this sweet Korean dance performance at the Kennedy Center — FOR FREE. And it’s how I found out about the Korean Festival where my friend and I got to eat tasty Korean things and wander about.
Also, they provide tons of free educational information about Korea. If you have more time, you could read a book about something Korean too. They’re scattered throughout the main floor and the basement classroom.
I have no qualms with this place. Keep on keepin’ on KCC.

Korean art! Korean music! Korean movies! Korean culture! This place seems to have it all! From language classes to monthly movie nights… something to educate everyone!
There are art installations that change every once in a while. The décor is also educational yet very appealing. Also I think they have been renovating the building and some of the technology recently.
The best part are the korean movies they show twice a month. Its free with rsvp and they provide a little snack before the show. Most movies they show are awesome!
I have learned a lot about the culture from this place and hope you have a chance to also check it out!

The cultural center usually goes by KORUS house. It actually has a separate Unilocal listing saying it is located in Cleveland Park, but it’s not. It’s at this address. So I’m not sure what’s up with the other Unilocal listing, but if you search for KORUS in the Cleveland Park area you should find more reviews for this place. Anyway…
This place is great. It’s a part of the South Korean embassy, and I really admire how proactive they are about exposing Americans to Korean culture. They have free movie nights where they provide Korean food and show a popular Korean movie from the last few years with english subtitles. The food and movie are always good, but seating is tight. I recommend coming early and sitting upfront. If there’s even one slightly tall person in front of you, that ruins it, since you won’t be able to see the subtitles at the bottom of the screen.
Besides the movie nights, they hold a lot of other events, including art openings, language classes, etc. I’m currently taking the beginner language classes, and I’m learning a lot. All the staff are friendly and helpful.
Most of the events here are free. The only one I know of that’s not free is the language classes which are $ 250 per class, which is still much cheaper than a college course.
All of the events require you to rsvp on their website though. This takes like one minute where you just tell them your name and how many people you’re bringing. I think they do this because all the events provide Korean refreshments and they want to know how mucg to make, but that’s just a guess.

Not sure why other Unilocalers labeled this cultural center closed. Maybe they came by during a holiday? Got the hours mixed up? At any rate, this cultural center is located a short distance from the official Korean Embassy and sits in the middle of the hustle, bustle, and stately embassies on Mass Ave.
Opened in 2010 the center offers diverse programs that give people an opportunity
to experience Korea and Korean culture first hand, focusing on activities and events that contribute to understanding of Korea and Korean culture at a deeper level. If you sign up for their newsletter on the center’s website (
) you will become privy to any and all of their upcoming events which range from:
* Seminars
* Movies (K-​Cinema)
* K-​pop performances (usually not held at the center, but other venues throughout the city)
* Literature segments that feature korean authors
* Performing Arts
And other events that I’m forgetting at the moment… in short, a lot of things for free or a low cost!
The first floor includes a gallery hall where they feature many art exhibits, highlight various korean artists, or feature other smaller cultural events. There are two mini-​auditoriums that are used for forums, seminars and k-​cinema features. The upper levels feature other galleries, meeting rooms, and offices.
The cultural center can be reached by metro — about a 15 minute walk from the Dupont Circle station stop, by bus (there’s a stop nearby but I am not sure which one stop there, check
for times/​lines), and if you’re adventurous you can come by car and *maybe* score one of the few spots in their lot but you’ll have to get there EARLY. Otherwise, you’ll be hunting for side street parking which can be difficult depending on what time your event is.

Korean Cultural Center does a nice job of exposing the American public to Korean music, language, art, and culture. I’ve attended several movie nights there and it’s always a nice time.