In commemoration of the grand opening, KCCNY will present a series of events featuring the best of Korean performing and visual arts, cinema, cuisine and more throughout the year, and for its inaugural event in the new space, the Center celebrates its first family weekend program, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the KCCNY. The two-day event features a dynamic mix of events that blend both educational and cultural programming to celebrate Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, as well as the first reveal of artist Hyesu Lee's mural at the Center.
On Saturday, February 24th, in partnership with Woori Show, the Seollal is Korean New Year musical extravaganza with live musical performances headlines the day as families are invited to learn about the beautiful customs and tradition of Korean new year festivities and creating an inclusive future for all children. Hosted by Nari Kye and Julia Riew with performers Natalie Choo, Claire Kwon, and Odessa Deng, children and families are welcome to join in on the singing and dancing!
Also on Saturday, author and illustrator Aram Kim joins KCCNY for a special edition of Seollal Storytime in the Library (pre-registration required) for a reading of her beloved "Tomorrow is New Year's Day" along with a live drawing demonstration. Attending children will get a signed copy of her book.
Sunday, February 25th, KCCNY features two free screenings of Pororo the Movie: Popstar Adventure (2023) the newest of Pororo films featuring the most beloved of Korean animated characters, the little penguin Pororo and his group of friends on yet another fun journey. The film is recommended for ages 3 and up, and free with pre-registration.
On both Saturday and Sunday, we invite all visitors to the Center to join us for an activity from our "K-Culture Kit: Seollal" in the Library on the 3rd floor. The do-it-yourself kit is fully downloadable from our website and filled with coloring pages and cut-out-templates that spark creativity, with educational components about the Korean language centered around key phrases that we share in the new year. On both days, limited edition K-Culture Kit stickers will be specially available to visitors.
Also on both days, on the 2nd floor Gallery, we invite families to experience hands-on Korean tteok (rice cake) making with Jennifer Ban of Rice Blossoms. Rice cakes are traditionally eaten on Seollal and other holidays to mark the occasion; additionally, it is a tradition for families moving into a new home to distribute tteok to their new neighbors as a sign of bringing in good luck and friendship. This program invites children to make their own Baram Tteok in the shape of their choosing.
"As we joyfully celebrate Seollal, the Korean Cultural Center New York is thrilled to mark this auspicious occasion with our inaugural family event. This celebration not only embraces the rich traditions of the Korean Lunar New Year, but also signifies the beginning of a new chapter for our Center in our new building. Through art, culture, and the warmth of family, we invite everyone to join us in creating cherished memories and strengthening the bonds that enrich the cultural diversity of New York," said Michael Cheonsoo Kim, Executive Director of the Korean Cultural Center New York. "We are excited to open our doors, first, to welcome the youngest members of our community."
Additional KCCNY Opening Celebration programs will continue through May 2024. The full lineup of events are to be announced.
Tickets are free, but are required for entry to the space for this event. Please visit our website for additional information and ticket links.
Safety Note: Guests without prior registration may not be allowed entry due to safety or capacity purposes
Program of Events
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24th, 2024
Saturday February 24th, 2024, 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Korean Traditional Games available in the Lobby all day
Saturday February 24th, 2024, 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
K-Culture Kit: Seollal
Explore our new Library and receive limited edition stickers centered around Seollal (limited number available per day).
Saturday, February 24th, 2024, 11:00 am and 2:00 pm
Seollal is Korean New Year
Recommended for ages 4 and up
Woori Show debuts their live, musical performance of their educational series for a special in-person celebration teaching the next generation of children about one of Korea's most important and treasured holidays: Seollal. Using video with live music performances, the dynamic, interactive stage presentation will help families preserve and share Korean Lunar New Year and its unique, beautiful customs and traditions. *Program is conducted in English; no prior knowledge of Korean is required.
Saturday, February 24th, 2024, 10:00 am and 1:00 pm
Seollal Storytime with Aram Kim
Open to all ages; program is conducted in English
Aram Kim joins us at the KCCNY Library for a very special edition of Korean Storytime: "Seollal Storytime." Aram Kim will read her beloved "Tomorrow is New Year's Day" book, along with a live drawing demonstration. Attending children will receive a free signed copy of her book.
Saturday, February 24th, 2024
Morning Sessions: 10:00 am and 12:00 pm
Afternoon Sessions: 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm
Baram Tteok making with Rice Blossoms
Recommended for ages 5 and up
Celebrate Seollal with us with a special hands-on tteok (rice cake) making experience with Rice Blossoms. Traditionally, Koreans celebrate this kind of special day by sharing rice cakes with family, friends and neighbors. Adults and guardians are welcome to join. Each session is approx. 30 minutes.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25th, 2024
Sunday, February 25th, 2024, 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Korean Traditional Games are available in the Lobby all day
