K MARKET INTERNATIONAL
Lee shops here for specialized Korean-style cuts of meat, like oxtail and pork jowl, along with a variety of seaweeds, jeotgal( salted and fermented seafood used for making kimchi), and produce such as Korean radishes, baechu( napa cabbage), and perilla. 4239 John Marr Dr, Annandale, VA 22003,( 703) 712-7089
NEW TOSOKJIB
For years, Lee has been coming here for its fish dishes, stews, and the exceptional bo ssäm platter, which he believes is possibly the best in the area. 7123 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003,( 703) 256-2162
KORUS FESTIVAL
Every autumn, this joyful festival showcases K-pop performances, Taekwondo demonstrations, samulnori percussion, craft vendors, cultural exhibits, Korean street food, and Hanbok showcases highlighting traditional fashion.
WASHINGTON, D. C.
The capital offers some of the best Korean dining in the region, along with other ways to experience the country’ s rich culture.
ANJU
Founded by Lee and his partner, Scott Drewno, the contemporary Korean restaurant in Dupont Circle is helmed by James Beard Awardnominated executive chef Angel Barreto. The menu is constantly evolving, but longtime favorites include double-fried chicken sticky with gochujang glaze, oversized yache wang mandu packed with spicy Impossible meat, and an epic, choose-your-own-adventure ssam board. 1805 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009,( 202) 845-8935
ONGGI
At this elegant Dupont Circle restaurant, you can treat yourself to a traditional hanjeongsik experience, a succession of four or six courses inspired by noble dining traditions from Korea’ s Imperial dynasty. Meals begin with little servings of banchan— such as soy sauce braised burdock root, kimchi, and tiny stir-fried anchovies— before moving into larger courses, like grilled galbi beef, spicy seafood stew, and a finishing array of fresh fruits with black sesame ice cream. 2100 P St NW, Washington, DC 20037,( 202) 450-1085
CHIKO
This casual spot from Lee and Drewno gracefully blends Chinese and Korean traditions with a helping of American fast-food culture. Think orange-ish chicken punctuated with candied mandarins, cumin-lamb stir fried with toothsome noodles and earthy mushrooms, furikake butter-crowned soy-glazed brisket, and tots topped with kimchiinfused cheese whiz and spicy bulgogi. 423 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003,( 202) 558-9934
SHIA
James Beard Award-winning chef Edward Lee’ s modern Korean tasting menu restaurant in the Union Market District is an experiment in sustainability. The sleek 22-seater, which takes its name from the Korean word for“ seed,” aims to eliminate plastic use, run on zero gas, and focus on reducing waste. The mission never gets in the way of the fivestar food, which often features imported ingredients from the Korean peninsula, almost impossible to otherwise enjoy in the United States. 1252 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002,( 202) 802-5166
KOREAN CULTURAL CENTER
As a branch of the Korean embassy, this is the epicenter of Korean life in the city, hosting traditional music and dance performances, art exhibitions, film screenings, language classes, K-beauty and craft workshops, author talks, and events celebrating beloved holidays, such as Chuseok and Seollal. 2370 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008,( 202) 939-5688
ECHO BOX
Just north of Dupont Circle and down an alleyway, this underground noraebang( Korean karaoke bar) is the buzziest place in the city to belt out K-pop tunes( and Western favorites) with friends. 1633 Q St NW, Washington, DC 20009,( 202) 516-4798
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ASIAN ART
The Smithsonian museum occasionally programs Korean films, events, and exhibitions, so check their listings. 1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20004,( 202) 633-1000
ELLICOTT CITY, MARYLAND
In between D. C. and Baltimore, the five-mile stretch of Route 40 in Ellicott City, Maryland, is a Koreatown Corridor, thanks to the wealth of supermarkets, restaurants, and K-pop shops. Here are three spots worth the drive.
KIM BOB NA RA
Though there’ s plenty of noodle soups and Korean rice cake dishes on offer, focus on the kimbap, which comes off like a burrito-sized sushi roll. Bite through the delicately crispy nori wrapping to find yellow ribbons of egg omelet, crunchy carrots and pickled radish, and pink slips of imitation crab, plus optional fillings like bulgogi, tuna, and spicy anchovies. 9339 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042,( 410) 465-9166
HANG ARI
Come here for comfort galore: bibimbap( rice topped with vegetables, meat, a fried egg, and a dollop of gochujang), kalguksu( noodle soup), soondubu( soft tofu soup), and handmade dumplings. 9380 Baltimore National Pike # 105, Ellicott City, MD 21042,( 410) 988-8102
TOUS LES JOURS
Classic French techniques are the foundation of these pretty pastries infused with Korean flavors and traditions. Think yuzu hand pies, green tea cloud cakes, taro cream bread, milk bread blushing purple with ube, and plump buns concealing red bean paste. 9380 Baltimore National Pike # 111, Ellicott City, MD 21042,( 410) 461-6301
SPRING & SUMMER 2026 43
FLYWASHINGTON. COM