Korean Center, Inc.

Cooking with Crayons
2023-09-12 - 2023-12-09 | Korean Center, Inc, 1362 Post Street, San Francisco
Stop by the Korean Center and see our newest exhibit, Cooking with Crayons by artist Hana Jeong. Hana grew up in a rural Southwestern island in South Korea. As she moved to the US, facing language barriers, culture shock and loneliness, she found comfort by cooking Korean food for her friends. Cooking with Crayons, Hana’s inaugural collection uses crayons to express the profound love and connection she feels towards food. It is a testament to its unifying power, transcending language barriers and fostering warmth. Learn more about the collection HERE.
The exhibit is free and open to the public. You can see this exhibit on display at the Korean Center during our open hours (Mon-Fri from 10AM – 4PM).

Teen Summit
2023-08-26 09:30 - 17:30 (America/Denver)
The Teen Summit Program, hosted by the Korean Center and sponsored by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea, is designed to empower and develop young leaders in the Korean community. This one day program aims to provide students from grades 8-12 with opportunities to enhance their leadership skills and foster personal growth. Through a combination of hands-on workshops, engaging lectures, and discussions, the program equips students with the knowledge and tools needed to be an effective leader. This program also covers Korean American history and culture. Once the program is completed, participants will receive a certificate from KCI and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea.

K-Food Cooking Series
2023-07-08 - 2023-07-22
We’re bringing back our Korean cooking workshops in the month of July with the talented chef Ashley Hwang. Last year, Ashey visited KCI all the way from Korea to teach us how to make kimchi. This year, she’ll be back again to show us how to create other mouthwatering Korean dishes.
There will be six total workshops in this series, each priced at $90. Each day will follow a different theme, showcasing various dishes. Participants who attend the workshops for all three days will receive a certificate upon completion. Note: Participants only need to attend one session each day, for all three days, to receive the certificate. Participants will also have the chance to sign up for a FREE tasting event to wrap up the series.

WORKSHOP DATES:
*Each day has two time slots available. The morning workshop will run from 10AM-1PM while the afternoon workshop will run from 4PM-7PM.
7/8: K-Drama Dishes – Kimbap & Tteokbokki: Learn how to make dishes commonly featured in your favorite K-dramas! Discover the art of making delicious Kimbap (Korean rice rolls) filled with a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, meat, and seafood and learn how to prepare Tteokbokki, a popular Korean street food dish made with rice cakes cooked in a spicy sauce.
7/15: Explore Korea – Jeonju Bibimbap & Busan Seafood Pancake: These workshops will focus on a dish that’s unique to a region of Korea. Explore the flavors of Jeonju with the signature dish, Bibimbap, featuring an assortment of vegetables, meat, and a savory sauce served over rice. Dive into the cuisine of Busan with this seafood pancake, packed with fresh seafood and crispy vegetables.
7/22: Special Dishes for Hot Summer Days – Samgyetang & Cucumber Sobagi: In Korea, there are a few special days (특별한날) that is celebrated by eating certain dishes. On the hottest day of the year, you would eat hot foods like samgyetang. Learn this traditional Korean chicken soup, Samgyetang, believed to restore vitality and provide nourishment and discover the refreshing flavors of Cucumber Sobagi, or cucumber kimchi, a popular side dish in Korean cuisine.
Each workshop will provide hands-on instruction from chef Ashley Hwang, allowing participants to learn the techniques of Korean cooking. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to expand your culinary skills and explore the flavors of Korea!

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
Ashley Jeong-a Hwang (Cooking Instructor / Director of Tasty K)
• Director / Cooking Instructor of Tasty K : 2018 Prospective Tourism Business Ventures (KTO)
• M.A. in Korea traditional culinary culture, Sookmyung women’s Univ.
• Licensed tourist guide (English), Tour conductor, Temple food instructor
• Master Thesis: Survey and examination of culinary tourism attributes in foreigners according to activity type (2013)
From browsing her local market to roaming the world to eat at old, historical restaurants, she is a true ‘foodie’ at heart. A Seoul native and mother of two, she is passionate about sharing her extensive academic and professional experience in the Korean culinary arts with her students.

San Francisco Beginnings of Korean Immigration 1902-1920 Exhibit
2023-07-05 - 2023-09-05
Korean immigrants have made significant contributions to American life, bringing their unique food and culture and talents and melding them into the mainstream. And Korean Americans have grown to be the fifth largest Asian American group in the US. When and how did Korean immigration begin?
This exhibit explores the lesser-known history of the first Korean community that started here in the Bay Area. In the early 1900s, as Japan rose to power and occupied Korea, about 3,000 Koreans left their motherland and arrived in San Francisco. Each of them came to the US for different reasons. All of them were fleeing from life under the Japanese. San Francisco Beginnings offers a rare glimpse into the lives of these Korean pioneers, the community they formed and their lasting contributions.
The exhibit is free and open to the public. You can see this exhibit on display at the Korean Center during our open hours (Mon-Fri from 10AM – 4PM).

A.Kim Short Film Screening and Q&A with Director Yulia Khvan
2023-06-24 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Denver)
The Korean Center, Inc presents the screening of “A. KIM“. The screening is followed by a Q&A with the director, Yulia Khvan.
Tickets are $10 if purchased in advanced and $15 at the door. Snacks and beverages will be provided.

‘Koryo-saram’ is the name given to the Korean diaspora that lived (and still live) in the former Soviet Union. ‘Koryo’ is the name the historical dynasty that ruled over the Korean peninsula, and ‘Saram’ means ‘people’. Hence, ‘Koryo-Saram’ literally translates to ‘Korean people’.
This short film sheds light on the little known history of koryo-saram, who have faced political persecution and endured significant hardships. Inspired by Khvan’s own experiences as a koryo-saram, this film also explores the inter-generational journey of self-discovery within the koryo-saram community while addressing the tension between family responsibility and self-fulfillment.
SYNOPSIS:
A.Kim is a koryo-saram, who lives in Tashkent (former Soviet Union). All seems well: he is modest, introspective, and excels at doing chores. Most would describe A.Kim as a good citizen. One day, a friend gifts A.Kim with an unexpected souvenir. It changes unspoken things. Among those, a perspective of what he is to himself. The life that surrounds takes on a new meaning.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR:
Yulia Khvan is a member of a koryo-saram community in Uzbekistan and part of the LGBTQ+ community. She was born in Tashkent and studied international law in Sweden prior to becoming a filmmaker. Her works include: ‘Vito’ 2021 (short film, official selection at 16th Manuel Trujillo Durán International Short Film Festival, Yale Hollywood Festival 2021), production work in Argentine documentary ‘Terminal Norte’ 2021 (by Lucrecia Martel), and Emmy-nominated mockumentary series ‘Polypeople’ 2020 USA (by Thales Correa).

2023 King Sejong Institute Korean Speaking/Writing Contest
2023-06-16 18:00 (America/Denver)
Test your Korean skills with this year’s speaking/writing contest!
Participants will have the chance to demonstrate their abilities in both written and spoken Korean. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, this contest is a great way to test your language skills and learn from your peers. The winner will have a chance to win a trip to Korea, all expense paid! All participants will also have the chance to win a $50 gift card to Dokkaebier!
Join us and take part in this exciting competition!

Children's Minhwa Exhibit
2023-05-02 08:00 - 2023-06-16 17:00 (America/Denver)
KCI is holding an exhibition this month at our center to showcase the talent and creativity of the students who participated in the International Children’s Minhwa Contest and won an award. The gallery is opened by appointment only. Please email info@koreancentersf.org to schedule an appointment.

Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year) Celebration
2023-02-11 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Denver)
Join us in celebrating Seollal, or Korean Lunar New Year, with our new year celebration event! You’ll be able to participate in traditional Seollal activities and learn more about traditional customs of this important holiday.

Event:
1. Tteokguk (Rice Cake Soup) Workshop with Sarah Kim-Lee
On Seollal, it is customary to eat tteokguk to celebrate as it represents a clean, fresh start to the new year. We will have a cooking workshop of tteokguk with local K-food chef and ambassador Sarah Kim-Lee. Participants will be given a demonstration of how tteokguk is made. Participants will also learn how to plate the dish and be able to enjoy the dish afterwards!
2. Experience Seollal Customs
Experience traditional Seollal customs by trying on hanboks, the traditional Korean clothing, playing traditional Korean games, and more!
Please note: If you are interested in trying on the hanboks and participating in the workshop with the hanbok on, please arrive at 10:30AM.

Come and experience a traditional Korean New Year with us!

Makgeolli Making Workshop
2023-01-28 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Denver)
Learn the art of making “makgeolli,” the traditional Korean rice wine that’s been making a huge comeback in Korea and gaining popularity in the U.S. Not only will you learn how to make your own makgeolli, but you’ll also get to enjoy snacking on a variety of anju (dishes consumed while drinking Korean alcohol) prepared by popular local K-food chef and ambassador, Sarah Kim-Lee (check out her Instagram @sarahkim_lee).
About the Instructor
Matthew Hable started making makgeolli when he moved to South Korea in 2018. After briefly learning the basics, he took an advanced makgeolli brewing course in Seoul for six months. When he completed the course in 2019, Matthew continued brewing and spent the next three years traveling around Korea, observing the art of making makgeolli from a diverse group of brewers. Today he is currently based in San Francisco. Matthew will teach you the basics of making makgeolli, and participants will get to bring their brews home after the workshop.

Minhwa Family Workshop
2022-07-23 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Denver)
This event is held in partnership with the Oakland Asian Cultural Center.
Korean Traditional Folk Art, Minhwa, is a type of painting that became popular during the Joseon era. It was painted by unknown artisans, who used symbolism to express their feelings of happiness, anger, and love in everyday life. They are typically used to decorate palaces and homes and to celebrate joyful family occasions. Minhwa artist and KCI’s Executive Director Kate Nam will lead the workshop. Participants will learn how to paint the peony, typically a symbol of wealth. Once finished, participants will have their own Minhwa work to decorate their homes with!

다과 Making Workshop
2020-02-21 18:00 - 20:00 UTC
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and make some delicious Korean traditional snacks/refreshments, known as 다과 (da-gwa). In this two-hour long workshop, we will learn about 다과 making and have time to taste them!
FREE and Open to Public. Pre-Registration through Eventbrite is required.

Kids Holiday Party
2019-12-07 10:00 - 13:00 UTC
Come join us on the first Saturday of December and celebrate the beginning of winter Holiday seasons with us. Some of the activities we’ll be hosting includes: arts-and-crafts, mini-cooking session, storytime, and of course, gingerbread house making! All the activities are Korean culture inspired.

General Admission (1 kids + 1 adult) : $35 Additional Adult : $10
