Washington state first in the nation to add Korean American Day in state law

OLYMPIA – With the stroke of a pen, Washington became the first state in the nation to recognize Korean Americans in an honorary state holiday. State Sen. Paull Shin, D-Edmonds stood proudly alongside Gov. Chris Gregoire as Senate Bill 5166, designating Jan. 13 as Korean American Day, was signed into law yesterday.

“This great honor recognizes the contributions made by generations of native Koreans and American-born Koreans,” said Shin, a native of Korea and Washington’s only Korean-American state senator. “The holiday allows us to connect more deeply with our roots and to one another. We proudly share our rich culture.”

The bill’s successful passage marks a significant legislative achievement for Shin. Although other states have recognized Korean American Day through a resolution, honorary language or a formal statement adopted by a legislative body, Washington becomes the first state in the nation to recognize the holiday in state law. Jan. 13 would be observed as a non-legal holiday with schools, banks and post offices open for business.

Koreans are the third largest Asian demographic group in Washington. More than 46,000 Koreans live in Washington, according to the state’s Office of Financial Management’s 2000 census report.

After the passage of SB 5166 in February, Shin traveled to his native country and presented the bill to the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, which also adopted the measure.

In 2005, the 109th Congress passed a resolution designating Jan. 13 as Korean American Day, marking the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1903.

Ellen Abellera, executive director of the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA) thanked Shin for sponsoring the bill.

“This is a great day to honor our Korean American constituents of Washington, for contributions to our state in business, social services and government,” Abellera said. “I congratulate all the Korean organizations, businesses, private citizens and especially Sen. Shin for pushing this forward.”

CAPAA would help coordinate Korean American Day events with public and private organizations.

Return to Sen. Shin's home page