Korean American Day
The unique fusion of Korean and American cultures creates a rich tapestry of art, music, food, and language that's not to be missed!
Celebrate Korean American heritage and drive foot traffic to Korean American-owned restaurants, shops, and cultural events during January.
- Spotlight Korean American entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses in your community
- Host a Korean American food festival or tasting event featuring BBQ, kimchi, and bibimbap
- Share customer stories from Korean American business owners and their journey in the U.S.
- Educational content on Korean American history and the 1903 immigration milestone
On January 13, 1903, a group of 102 immigrants, mostly young men, arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii on the RMS Gaelic.
They were the first Korean immigrants to arrive in the United States, and sought a better life, hoping to find work in the sugarcane plantations.
Korean American Day was first celebrated in 2003 for the 100th anniversary of this arrival event in Hawaii.
The day is recognized by the United States government, typically through an annual presidential proclamation, but is not considered a federal holiday.
Attend a Korean American Day festival or event
Many Korean American communities and organizations host festivals or events to celebrate Korean American Day. These events often include cultural performances, food, and other activities that allow attendees to learn more about Korean American culture.
Learn about Korean history
A great way to celebrate Korean American Day is to learn about the history of Korean Americans in the United States. This can be done by reading books, watching documentaries, or visiting museums or historical sites. The Korean Heritage Library at University of Southern California might be a great place to start.
Try Korean American food
Korean American cuisine is a unique blend of Korean and American flavors, and is a great way to celebrate. Some popular dishes to try include Korean BBQ, kimchi, and bibimbap.
Support Korean American businesses
Korean American businesses contribute greatly to the economy and culture of the United States. Consider supporting a Korean American-owned business by shopping there or spreading the word about their products or services.