Washington state celebrates Korean American Day on Jan. 12th.

OLYMPIA – Sunday, January 13th marks Korean American day, but Washington state will celebrate on January 12th. Senate Bill 5166, passed last Legislative session, made Washington the first state in the nation to recognize Korean Americans in an honorary state holiday. The day is significant; on January 13, 1903, the first Korean immigrants arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii. Now, native Koreans and Korean Americans compose Washington’s third largest ethnic population.

“This day recognizes the many generations of Korean Americans who have enriched our communities through their hard work and commitment to the public good,” said Senator Paull Shin, a native of Korea and Washington’s only Korean-American state senator. “It also encourages the younger generations to follow in the footsteps of their parents and grandparents.”

This year’s celebration will not only celebrate the contributions made by Korean Americans, but it will also honor Korean War Veterans.
“Almost four decades have passed since the Korean War, but for the men and women who served it will never be forgotten,” Shin said. “I thank these men and women, and all veterans, for serving our nation and sacrificing so much.”

The festivities will take place on January 12th at 11:30 at Washington’s capitol campus Korean War Memorial, and will move to the rotunda at noon. Sen. Paull Shin and Lieutenant Governor Brad Owens will officiate. The celebration is being convened in collaboration with the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs.

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