The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC), in partnership with the DC Mayor's Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA) and chef Ellen Lee of AJM Kimchi, will host Kimjang DC 2025 on Monday, November 17, 2025. The hands-on cultural celebration focuses on Korea's most beloved culinary tradition—kimjang, the communal making and sharing of kimchi. The free event will take place at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, located at 901 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, beginning at 6:00 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.
Community members from all backgrounds are invited to experience the taste, culture, and community spirit that define the kimjang tradition and Korea's most iconic food, kimchi. The event will feature a live kimchi demonstration led by chef Ellen Lee, followed by a communal workshop where participants can try their hand at making their own kimchi to take home. Attendees will learn about the history, health benefits, and creativity behind this centuries-old culinary tradition while celebrating the official Kimchi Day recognized in Korea and the United States.
Kimjang is a centuries-old Korean tradition that typically occurs once or twice a year as communities prepare essential preserved foods like kimchi, especially before winter. This labor-intensive process has its roots in the tight-knit rural communities of Korea's past, yet the culinary and social bonding benefits of kimjang remain a treasured aspect of Korean culture today. The tradition emphasizes bringing people together through the shared joy of food and cultural exchange.
This marks the third annual kimjang partnership between the KCCDC and MOAPIA, occurring twelve years after the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed Kimjang on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013. Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and several other states already recognize Kimchi Day on November 22, following Korea's lead, and the U.S. Congress is currently considering a similar national designation.
Chef Ellen Lee, a Washington, D.C.-based culinary creator and founder of AJM Kimchi, will lead the demonstration and workshop. Her small-batch kimchi and fermentation brand is dedicated to sharing the richness of Korean food culture through traditional techniques presented in approachable, creative ways. Drawing from years of hands-on experience in professional kitchens and community food projects, Ellen focuses on preserving authentic methods while making them accessible to diverse audiences.
Founded in 2021, AJM Kimchi embodies the spirit of Korean hospitality and craftsmanship through education, collaboration, and sustainability. The brand name AJM playfully references the Korean word "ahjumma"—a term of respect for strong, nurturing women—blended with Ellen's feline-inspired persona, "Ahjummeow." The company's motto, "Made with Purrpose," reflects its mission to bring people together through the joy of fermentation, community building, and cultural appreciation.
Attendance requires advance registration, with RSVPs opening on November 3 at 9:00 a.m. Space and supplies are limited, and up to two tickets can be reserved per person during the RSVP process. Organizers emphasize that complete information must be provided for each attendee, as "guest of" entries are not sufficient for valid reservations. Participants following vegan diets should select the specific vegan option when registering.
Event organizers note that RSVP tickets do not guarantee seating, as much of the activity will occur while standing. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the venue, and entry may close early once all seats are occupied, making early arrival highly recommended. Parking is not provided by the venue, so guests are encouraged to use street parking or nearby public lots. A reminder with additional event details will be sent to registered participants before the event date.
