KORUS House

As Mimi C mentioned in her review this is one of 3 buildings that belongs to the Embassy of Korea and hosts their community outreach, cultural exchange events and language classes. This review is for the year-​around events hosted at the Korean Cultural Center — I haven’t ventured into their language classes (yet…maybe).
At every event I’ve attended at the cultural center I’ve been greeted warmly by the courteous staff who will patiently answer any of your questions regarding the Korean culture or the event itself. Events range from movie screenings («K-​cinema), to poetry readings, art gallery exhibit openings, music events and special cultural events like the Chuseok celebration that comprised of music, literature, film and art. Events are usually free and open to the public but you must RSVP (usually through their website at koreaculturedc –dot– org.
The cultural center is easily reached by Metro via the dupont circle stop with a short (about 10 mins) walk up Mass Ave, or by bus (visit wmata to see the local bus routes). There is some nearby street parking but with this being embassy row it can be a big gamble.

Aniyonghaseyo!
I’m learning (trying to learn) Korean at the KORUS House right now during their Fall semester in the hopes that my fiancé won’t turn our future half Korean children into minions to do evil things to appa (her words not mine).
I believe the KORUS House has two semesters of Korean class. One in the Fall from September to December, and another one in the Spring from January to April.
I’m definitely learning a lot of words and helpful phrases. Ieven know the alphabet, yay! We meet once a week in the evening from 6:30 — 8 so it fits nicely around work. Also, they’re open to meeting with you an hour before class starts to go over anything you may have missed or still don’t get.
They offer beginner levels 1 & 2 and then after that there’s an advanced level class. For now I’ll stick with learning the difference between «b» and «p» sounds, etc.
I’m having a great time so far. Plus they have events for Korean holidays like Hangul Day with tons of great food.
«B”“P“eace!

The Korean Embassy consists of three buildings: the main building, the KORUS House, and the consulate building on Sheridan Circle. I attended a program at the KORUS House called «A Night of Poetry and Music with Poets from Korea, Japan, and the Washington Poets and Writers Association.» When I first arrived, Jamie Chung, one of the Embassy staff, seemed to remember me from my email and her greeting made me feel very welcome. I guess that’s why she works at the embassy!
They had a lot of interest and their main room was too small so overflow was sent to a separate room to watch from a suspended LCD screen. The poems were read in Korean, Japanese, and English and audience members could follow along in the booklet we received upon entering. They also had musical performers: soprano Kotnim Chung, pianist Eun-​shil Kim, and flutist Tae-​joh Kwak. I haven’t picked up a book of poetry in years, but the poems covered themes and moods ranging from depressing to uplifting. The soprano was resplendent in a hanbok and I confess I was a little greedy hoping for an encore but maybe the embassy staff could sense their audience was starving (maybe too busy to have a snack before leaving the office?). After the readings and musical performances, they had a reception catered by Woo Lae Oak. The two exhibition rooms were also open for our viewing featuring a paper artisan crafts, art, and fine clothing. A relaxing, fun evening and Jamie hugged us promising to be in touch before we left.
I missed the two-​day Korean Festival sponsored by the embassy the last weekend of September which was a bummer. When I told my friend about it, she said that she had seen the Nanta show in Seoul and described it as a cool kitchen version of Broadway’s Stomp. She also said the Rivers break dancing crew were «international bboy champs» — how can you go wrong with world champions? The two of us will not make the same omission when the next Korean Festival is here.

I’m taking the Korean language class, and the people here could not be nicer or more happy to help you. And, they feed me, which is pretty good in my book!
And, as an update my dears, alas, the Korean class is not free… its about $ 250 for 6 weeks, twice a week. But that does include the text and the food… so if you want to learn, and you have a hankering for some tasty Korean snacks/​food, this is the way to go!

Mostly a good group of people and the Consulate staff definately work hard to get passports and visas taken care of as quickly as they can. If you have reason to deal with the Embassy, be patient and remember that you are probably dealing with a Korean who may have just landed in the US for the first time two days before or who has never worked in an English speaking country. If you ever get an invitation to a reception– go! Korean food and open bar are the standard.
I’d give it 5 stars if it weren’t for the occasional person who seemed to have issues with females and/​or Americans. Well, and any government bureaucracy has its issues…