Korean American Day is observed on January 13 each year. It commemorates the arrival of the first group of Korean immigrants to the United States, who landed in Honolulu, Hawaii, on January 13, 1903. Today, about 2 million Korean Americans live in the United States, and they have made major contributions to business, science, the arts, sports, public service and community life.
History of Korean American Day
On January 13, 1903, 102 Korean immigrants arrived in Honolulu aboard the SS Gaelic. Most came to work on Hawaii's sugar plantations. Over the next few years, about 7,000 Koreans moved to Hawaii, and many later moved to the U.S. mainland, especially California. Early Korean Americans built churches, newspapers and community organizations, and many supported Korea's independence movement during Japanese colonial rule.
Immigration from Korea was limited for decades by U.S. laws. After the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 removed national-origin quotas, Korean immigration grew significantly, and communities flourished in cities such as Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta.
In 2005, the U.S. House and Senate passed resolutions recognizing January 13 as Korean American Day. Notable Korean Americans include Sammy Lee, who in 1948 became the first Asian American man to win an Olympic gold medal, in diving.
Why Korean American Day Matters
Korean American Day honors the courage of immigrants who built new lives far from home, often facing discrimination and hardship.
It celebrates the many contributions Korean Americans have made to American life, from entrepreneurship to medicine, music and film.
The day also offers a chance to learn about Korean culture, from food and language to holidays such as Seollal, the Lunar New Year.
How to Celebrate Korean American Day
- Learn the history: read about the 1903 arrival in Honolulu.
- Try Korean food: enjoy bibimbap, bulgogi or kimchi stew.
- Visit a museum: explore Korean American exhibits and archives.
- Support businesses: shop at Korean American-owned stores.
- Learn phrases: practice 'annyeonghaseyo' (hello).
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, share stories of Korean American pioneers or organize a lunch at a Korean restaurant. In classrooms, students can learn about the 1903 voyage, map the journey from Korea to Hawaii or explore Hangul, the Korean alphabet. At home, families can cook a Korean dish together, watch a documentary about Korean American history or visit a Koreatown. Approach the day with respect for the experiences of Korean American communities.
Fun Facts About Korean American Day
- 102 Korean immigrants arrived in Honolulu on January 13, 1903.
- Congress passed Korean American Day resolutions in 2005.
- Sammy Lee won Olympic diving gold in 1948.
Korean American Day FAQs
When is Korean American Day?
Korean American Day is observed on January 13 each year.
Why is Korean American Day on January 13?
It marks the arrival of the first Korean immigrants in Honolulu on January 13, 1903.
How many Korean immigrants arrived in 1903?
102 Korean immigrants arrived aboard the SS Gaelic.
When was Korean American Day recognized?
The U.S. House and Senate passed resolutions recognizing it in 2005.
How many Korean Americans live in the U.S.?
About 2 million people of Korean descent live in the United States.
Where did early Korean immigrants work?
Most worked on sugar plantations in Hawaii.