What is Korean American Day?

Korean American day is a holiday that aims to celebrate the Koreans who have been living in the United States since 1903. Korean American Day has been formally recognized by the US Congress and many states, including Washington State.

Korean American History

On January 13, 1903, 102 Korean immigrants arrived in Hawaii.  Koreans first immigrated to the US to escape political instability and famine, caused by the incoming Japanese occupation (1905-1945). The second ‘wave’ came around 1950, when the Korean War broke out. The third ‘wave’ started after the 1965 Immigration Act, when professionals from Korea started being recruited to work in the US, bringing their families with them. Since then, the Korean American population in the US has grown to over 1 million. They make up about 11% of the Asian American population, which makes up 3.6% of the total US population.

When is Korean American Day?

Korean American day is on January 13.  This year will mark the 120th anniversary of the first wave of Korean immigrants. The Washington State Korean American Day Celebration Foundation was created to host annual events that both celebrate the holiday and educate people about Korean history. This year, a local event will take place at Edmonds Center For the Arts. It will include music and dance performances, interactive activities, and an educational segment on picture brides.