Happy National Korean American Day! On January 13, this day commemorates the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States in 1903. The day also honors the Korean American’s immense contributions to every aspect of society.
In 1882, the United States and Korea signed a treaty establishing a peaceful relationship, friendship, and commerce. While this led to Korean diplomats, students, politicians, and businessmen visiting the United States, few felt compelled to stay.
It wasn’t until December of 1902 on the SS Gaelic that 102 Korean immigrants set sail for Honolulu, Hawaii. These families initiated the first wave of Korean immigration, resulting in over 7,500 immigrants over the next two years.
They served their communities and their country during World Wars I and II and the Korean War. During these times, more Koreans decided to emigrate from their homeland; some, as wives to U.S. servicemen, others were adopted as children.
Honoring a Few
North Korean independence activist Ahn Changho (sometimes An Chang-ho and also referred to as his pen name Dosan), one of the earlier immigrants, is credited with establishing the Willows Korean Aviation Corps in the United States, which later helped establish the Korean Airforce.
Sammy Lee – American physician,diver and two-time Olympic gold medalist (1948 – London, England, United Kingdom) and (1952 – Helsinki, Finland).
Wendy Gramm – American economist who formerly served as the U.S Commodity Futures Trading Commission chair under 40th U.S. President Ronald Reagan and 41st U.S. President George. H. W. Bush.
Judge Herbert Y.C. Choy – First Asian American appointed to U.S. Federal Court as well as the first federal judge. He was also the first person of Korean ancestry to be admitted to the bar in the United States (Court of Appeals Ninth District) in 1974.
David Hyun –Korean-American second-generation architect, charged with revitalizing Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles, California.
Sang Hyun Lee – First tenured Korean-American Kyung-Chik Han Professor of Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. He was also the director of the institution’s Program for Asian American Theology and Ministry.
Hines Ward, Jr. – American-South Korean former professional American football wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers for fourteen seasons. He had previously played college football at the University of Georgia.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Learn more about Korean Americans then and now. Read books about their experiences or watch documentaries. National Day Calendar® has provided three books:
- • Korean-Americans: Past, Present, and Future by Ilpyong J. Kim (2004)
- • Korean American Pioneer Aviators: The Willows Airmen by Edward T. Chang and Woo Sung Han (2015)
- • Memoir of a Cashier: Korean Americans, Racism, and Riots by Carol Park (2017)
You can also visit Korean American Story to hear their stories or document your own. Find out more or share your experience by using #KoreanAmericanDay on social media.
HISTORY
In 2003, 43rd U.S. President George W. Bush proclaimed a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first Korean immigrants.
In 2005, the U.S. House and Senate passed simple resolutions in support of Korean American Day. Since then, states across the country have passed bills declaring January 13th as an annual celebration of Korean American Day.
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