K-Culture Book Talk & Exhibition: "Seonbi Country Korea: Seeking Sagehood"

Join us for an immersive journey into the heart of Korean culture at a special K-Culture Talk & Exhibition featuring two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Hyungwon Kang, whose stunning work reveals deep cultural insights into Korea. This unique event explores the Korean concept of sagehood — a form of enlightened wisdom, also known as seonbi, to which many have aspired — through the lens of Kang’s award-winning photography.

Kang will share stories and personal insights from his book Seonbi Country Korea: Seeking Sagehood and discuss the enduring Korean ideal of seonbi, which he describes as the timeless spirit of integrity, learning, and inner discipline.

The K-Culture Talk with Kang on Feb. 9 will be accompanied by Experience the Spirit of Korea, a special digital display of Kang’s photography in the KCCDC’s Experience Room, on view Feb. 9 – 23.

Striking images from Kang’s acclaimed book reveal how traditional values and aspirations like seonbi have shaped even modern Korean arts, culture, and society. The exhibition space will also feature a curated display of ten English-language books on Korean culture for visitors to peruse, exploring related themes such as beauty, fashion, food, philosophy, beliefs, and performing arts, collectively offering a rich and multifaceted view of Korea’s cultural heritage.

Book Signing

Book enthusiasts welcome! Bring a copy of Kang’s book on Feb. 9 to have it autographed. The book is currently available for purchase on Amazon, and a limited number of attendees will also have the chance to receive a complimentary copy through a special on-site event.

For more information,

K-Culture Talk with Hyungwon Kang
Monday, February 9, 2026, 5:00-7:00 PM
Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C.
RSVP here on Eventbrite for this event!

Experience the Spirit of Korea: Digital Photo Exhibition & Book Display
February 9-23, 2026
Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (Experience Room, 1st Floor)
No appointment necessary; on view during regular visiting hours, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

About the Presenter: Hyungwon Kang

Hyungwon Kang was born in Korea in 1963 and immigrated to the United States in 1975. He studied Political Science and International Relations at UCLA before embarking on a career as a photojournalist with major U.S. news organizations, including the Los Angeles Times, AP, the White House Photo Office, and Reuters, covering international news with speed and insight. He is a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, receiving the award in 1993 and 1999 for his outstanding work in photojournalism.

Today, he focuses on documenting Korean cultural heritage, writing columns in both Korean and English for The Korea Times and The Korea Herald, while continuing his work as a photojournalist and columnist. Through his lectures and public talks, he is dedicated to sharing the value and spirit of Korea’s cultural heritage with a global audience.

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