Korean American Day

American and Korean flags overlapping.

Koreans first immigrated to the United States, originally settling in Honolulu, Hawaii, on January 13, 1903 – and within a few years the number of Korean Americans increased to more than 7,500. Korean American Day is observed on January 13th to honor and celebrate the impact that people of Korean descent have had on American society and culture.

In 2005, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives passed a resolution that established Korean American Day. It came 13 years after Jay Kim became the first Korean American congressman when he was elected to the House of Representatives for California’s 41st District. Other notable Korean Americans include:

  • Ahn Chang Ho. He is credited with establishing the Willows Korean Aviation Corps in the U.S., which later led to the establishment of the Korean Airforce.
  • Wendy Gramm. She served as U.S Commodity Futures Trading Commission chair under presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.
  • Judge Herbert Y.C. Choy. He was the first Asian American appointed to the U.S. Federal Court (Court of Appeals Ninth District in 1974).
  • David Hyun. An architect who helped revitalize Little Tokyo in Los Angeles. 
  • Sammy Lee. A two-time Olympic gold medalist in diving.

There are many ways that you can observe Korean American Day. You can support local Korean-owned businesses. Or you can attend events such as restaurant nights or concerts that can help you learn more about and celebrate Korean culture.

There are also some excellent books and movies that highlight the lives and experiences of Korean Americans. Here are several recommendations:

  • Korean American Pioneer Aviators: The Willows Airmen by Edward T. Chang and Woo Sung Han
  • Korean-Americans: Past, Present, and Future by Ilpyong J. Kim
  • Gook (film)
  • Soul Searching (film)

We want to wish all our members and employees of Korean descent a wonderful Korean American Day.