Korean Storytime: The Lucky Pouch Fairy + Baram Tteok Activity
Presented by Korean Cultural Center New York and Rice Blossoms
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 2:00–3:00 PM
Korean Cultural Center New York Library
(122 E. 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016)
Designed for ages 4–6
Free and open to children and families.
No Korean language background required.
Spots are limited and may fill up quickly. Early registration is recommended.
Join us for February’s Korean Storytime featuring The Lucky Pouch Fairy (복주머니 요정) by Eunyoung An, a beautifully illustrated Seollal (Korean New Year) picture book that explores the tradition of the bokjumeoni, a lucky pouch given to children as a wish for health, happiness, and good fortune.
In this warm and imaginative story, a tiny fairy lives inside a child’s bokjumeoni. As Seollal approaches, the fairy embarks on a brave journey to collect the Five Blessings for the new year—courage, wisdom, friendship, kindness, and health. Along the way, the fairy helps a constipated tiger, rescues a giant octopus tangled in a net, and assists lions who cannot see because of their messy manes. Each act of kindness and bravery earns a new blessing for the child.
Filled with humor, adventure, and Korean folklore, this book introduces young readers to Seollal traditions and the heartfelt wishes adults carry for children.
After the story, children will enjoy a hands-on cultural activity: creating their own lucky pouch baram tteok. This activity session will be led by Rice Blossoms.
⚠️ Allergy Information: This activity may involve ingredients such as white bean paste, lemon zest, cinnamon, red bean paste, sesame oil, and avocado oil, which may trigger allergies.
Photo © Rice Blossoms
About Korean Storytime
Korean Storytime at the Korean Cultural Center New York Library invites children and families to explore Korean language and culture through storytelling and creative activities. Each session features an engaging picture book and a hands-on project designed to spark imagination and encourage cultural curiosity.
About the Instructors
Heuiju Kim earned her B.A. in Korean Language and Literature from Yonsei University, and a certificate in Korean Language Education from Seoul National University’s School of Education. Since 2008, she has worked as a teacher and program director at a weekend Korean school in Manhattan, educating children and youth on Korean culture and language.
Jennifer Lee Ban began her journey into Korean dessert-making after becoming a new mom and struggling to find healthy snacks for her daughters. After stepping away from her career as a professional interior designer, she searched for a new creative outlet—one that was both meaningful and hands-on. That journey led her to traditional Korean desserts, where she discovered treats that were wholesome, delicious, and beautifully crafted. She went on to found Rice Blossoms, a brand devoted to reimagining Korean desserts with a modern sensibility, with each piece steamed with love.
Website: riceblossoms.com, Instagram: @rice_blossoms / @riceblossoms_ny