121st anniversary of Korean immigration to US
Choe Chong-dae
It has been about a century and a half since the Treaty of Peace, Amity, Commerce and Navigation was signed between the Joseon Kingdom of Korea and the United States on May 22, 1882. Accordingly, Korea dispatched its first ambassador, Park Jeong-yang, to the United States as part of the Korean Legation in Washington in 1887.
Subsequent to this, the inaugural wave of significant Korean immigration began on Jan. 13, 1903, with the arrival of a shipload of immigrants in Hawaii. These individuals, seeking opportunities, ventured to the United States to work on pineapple and sugar plantations, setting in motion a transformative journey that marked the genesis of a remarkable chapter within the history of Korean immigrants.
The courageous spirit of these Korean immigrants resonates through time, 121 years after this historic day. They embarked on a journey that harmoniously integrated their rich culture and vibrant heritage into the very fabric of the United States. Through their tenacious efforts, they have made lasting contributions that have remarkably influenced various aspects of American society.
Reflecting on this pivotal moment, it is essential to recognize the enduring legacy of those who took part in this historic immigration wave. Our ancestors’ tenacity and determination not only shaped their own destinies but also played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of the United States. Currently, the United States proudly stands as the home to one of the largest populations of Korean immigrants globally. The enduring devotion of these individuals to family, community and a collective purpose has played an instrumental role in advancing the U.S. toward a brighter and more inclusive future.
It is encouraging that Korean Americans have continued to contribute remarkably to diverse aspects of U.S. society, assuming a wide range of roles such as entrepreneurs, legal professionals, public servants, service members and politicians, among others. Their unwavering dedication to community and country exemplifies the best of the U.S. national character.
We honor the resilience of these Korean pioneers and celebrate the harmonious blending of cultures that has made the United States stronger and great. The integration of Korean culture into the American story stands as a testament to the shared pursuit of opportunities and the strength that arises from diversity.
In commemoration of the 19th celebration of Korean American Day, a significant milestone event, festivities unfolded on Jan. 13 at the Howard County Council within the George Howard Building in Ellicott City, Maryland, alongside various other locations. Notably, Howard County, home to one of the largest Korean emigrant populations, designates the entire week as Korean American Weekend.
Korean American Day, officially declared by the U.S. government in 2023, holds profound significance in recognizing the contributions and heritage of the Korean American community.
Thanks to the outstanding efforts of Park Sang-won, the first event of 2023 and the second event in 2024 were successfully held in Seoul.
The 2nd Republic of Korea (ROK) Korean American Day Celebration Convention convened on Jan. 24 at the Westin Josun Hotel in Seoul. Presided over by Park Sang-won, chairman of the World Korean Foundation and the Korean American Association of Brooklyn, New York, the convention featured representation from the Korea-America Association, led by Choi Joong-kyung. The event attracted numerous distinguished guests from the United States and Korea, including diplomats, government officials and officers from the U.S. Forces Korea, among them Major General Brian N. Wolford, commander of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea, serving as the assistant chief of staff for the USFK.
I fervently hope that these courageous Korean immigrants in the U.S. persist in contributing to the rich composition of heritage that has been intricately crafted into American contemporary history for over a century.
Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co., and director of the Korean-Swedish Association.