A Legacy of Dreams
The First Koreans in Hawaii
From grandfather to father, and mother to daughter,
we embark on a journey to rediscover the traces of their love.
(Please type in 1902 for password)
Lesson Objective
In 1903, Korean immigrants left Korea for Hawaii, and their lives have been shaped by various challenges and achievements. Their sacrifices are honored through the performance of Korean-American violinist Ignace Jang. By reflecting on the legacy of love left by past generations, think about the future we want to build, using their contributions as a foundation.
Summary
The musical drama film 'Songs of Love from Hawai'i', set against the breathtaking landscapes of Hawaii, unveils the sweat and sacrifice of our ancestors. The first story "Their Footsteps" vividly showcases 120 years of immigration history through a mix of locally shot footage, computer graphics, and live-action, providing an engaging portrayal of the invaluable moments in the history of Korean immigrants in Hawaii.
About Ignace Jang
Violinist & Music Consultant
Renowned violinist Ignace “Iggy” Jang, Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra’s concertmaster, captivates audiences worldwide with his extraordinary style, impeccable musicianship, and exquisite timbre.
Born to Korean parents in France, Jang’s artistry graces prestigious stages from Paris’ Théatre des Champs-Elysées to Seoul Arts Center. A graduate of the Paris Conservatory, he earned an Artist Diploma degree from Indiana University and went on to serve as a visiting scholar.
About the Korean immigrants
Korean migration can be categorized into three main phases: the first from 1903 to 1949, the second from 1950 to 1964, and the third as the contemporary period. During the first phase of Korean migration, 121 Koreans, full of hope, gathered at Jemulpo Port in Incheon and set out on a long voyage. After 22 days, only 102 of them arrived in Hawaii, marking the beginning of the Korean American diaspora. Korean immigration began in 1903 when workers arrived in Hawaii. They lived on plantations alongside workers from other countries. Starting in 1910, approximately 700 Korean ‘picture brides’ traveled to Hawaii for marriages arranged through photographs. By the time Korea was liberated from Japan in 1945, about 7,000 Koreans lived in isolation in Hawaii.
Historical Information
1. How did Korean immigrants in Hawaii continue their lives after their plantation labor contracts expired?
About 50% of Korean laborers moved to the mainland U.S., primarily to California, where they worked on farms or started their own businesses such as laundries and nail salons. Meanwhile, some chose to stay in Hawaii, while others returned to Korea for various reasons, including family issues and difficulties adapting to the new culture.
Many people chose to move to the mainland because agricultural labor in California's grain-based farming was less physically demanding than working on sugarcane plantations, yet it offered higher wages.
Subsequently, the first Koreatown was later established in the Riverside area.
2. How did Korean immigration progress after Korea was liberated from Japan in 1945, during the second phase of Korean migration?
After the liberation in 1945, immigration mainly took place through international marriages, adoption, and studying abroad. Then, in 1965, with the amendment of the U.S. Immigration Act, more than 30,000 Koreans immigrated to the United States in search of the American Dream.
3. How many Korean immigrants are currently living in the United States?
Today, there are 2.6 million Koreans living in the United States, forming a harmonious community alongside other immigrant groups. Although the first generation of Korean immigrants faced challenges integrating into mainstream society due to language and cultural differences, their sacrifices and perseverance allowed their children to grow into prominent leaders in society. Currently, the political influence of Koreans is expanding and Korean culture is gaining global popularity.
Discussions Points
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How might Koreans have felt upon establishing Koreatown for the first time, and how did this impact the development of the Korean community later on?
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What factors might have influenced immigrants to make the difficult decision to leave their homeland, despite the emotional burden of leaving behind the resting place of their ancestors?
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How might they have felt upon realizing they could not integrate into the mainstream society in a foreign country? And how might this have impacted their sense of self-worth?
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What might have been the primary sources of hope and motivation for the first immigrants in enduring the hardships of their new lives?
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What were the reasons behind the first Korean immigrants singing Korean songs during the challenging period of the Japanese colonial era?
Film · book recommendation
Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet (2016)
by Lee Joon-ik
A story depicting the lives of poet Yun Dong-ju and his lifelong friend and cousin, independence activist Song Mong-gyu. The story is structured with interwoven scenes of Yun Dong-ju recalling his past while imprisoned.