Korean Storytime: 이파라파냐무냐무 Iparapanyamunyamu
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 4:00–5:00 PM
Korean Cultural Center New York Library
(122 E. 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016)
Recommended 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.
About the Story
Something mysterious is happening in the peaceful Marshmellong Village, where soft marshmallow creatures live in comfort among rolling green hills and cozy mushroom houses. One day, a strange thunder-like sound echoes through the valley: “Iparapanyamunyamu... Iparapanyamunyamu...”
Curious yet frightened, the marshmellongs follow the sound—only to find a giant, shaggy creature hiding behind the hill! Could this big furry monster be saying “yum yum” and planning to eat them? Or could it mean something else entirely?
Through gentle humor and heartwarming illustrations, author Ji-eun Lee invites readers to explore how misunderstandings and preconceptions can turn into friendship and understanding. With every turn of the page, the vibrant details of this enchanting world reveal new layers of kindness and imagination.
Iparapanyamunyamu, 2021 Bologna Ragazzi Award — Comics: Children's Picture Book Grand Prize
Hands-on Activity: Create Your Own Marshmellong Village!
After the story, children will make adorable Marshmellong cupcakes inspired by the book’s characters. Decorate cupcakes with marshmallow faces, add a Kisses chocolate hat, and finish with a Korean topper to bring your Marshmellong to life!
⚠️ Allergy Information: The cupcake may contain wheat, egg, milk, soy, and corn that could trigger allergies.
About Korean Storytime at KCCNY Library
Korean Storytime at the Korean Cultural Center New York Library invites children and families to experience Korean language and culture through storytelling and creative activities. Each session introduces an engaging picture book and a hands-on project designed to spark imagination and 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.
Youjin Noh earned her Master’s degree in Design from Ewha Womans University and worked as a broadcast graphic designer. Since 2009, she has lived in countries including France and the United States, where she began her culinary journey. She studied pastry at Le Cordon Bleu, assisted in pastry classes, and worked as a Korean–French interpreter. She went on to study plant-based cuisine at Auguste Escoffier and completed a wellness and nutrition program at Harvard Medical School. She is currently based in New York, supporting event catering at the Korean Cultural Center and developing Korean-inspired diet meal plans. She is also the author of Alphabet Recipe for Little Economists, a children’s cookbook that connects food and basic economics.