Honoring the Journey
121 Years of Korean Immigration
2024 - Marks the 121st anniversary of Koreans'
official immigration to the U.S.
Summary
The history of Korean immigrants is a story of courage and love. Let us unite our hearts in tribute to our ancestors' lives, accompanied by the music of world-renowned soprano Sumi Jo.
About the Remarkable Accomplishments
In 1902, as Korea was devastated by imperialist invasions from Russia and Japan, the government initiated its first official immigration program. Since then, Koreans have overcome hardships and discrimination. Today, Korean culture has emerged as a global phenomenon.
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Ronald Moon, first and only Korean-American Chief Justice
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Florence Ahn, first Asian admitted to Juilliard School
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Harry Kim, first Korean mayor
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Sammy Lee, first Asian to win Olympic gold in platform diving
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Karen S.S. Ahn, first Korean female State Judge
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Sylvia Luke, first Korean American Lt. Governor
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Elizabeth Ahn Toupin, first Asian-American Dean at Tufts University
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Nodie Kim, first woman principal in Hawaii
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Michelle Wie, first youngest player in history to make the cut at an LPGA Tour
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University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Center for Korea Studies, oldest and largest Korean studies institution outside of Korea
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Keeaumoku St., Koreatown in Honolulu receives official recognition from the State of Hawaii
Discussions Points
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What challenges do you think the children of the first Korean immigrants have faced as they grew up?
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What does it mean to be a pioneer in a certain field, and what challenges can be expected?
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What factors might have motivated the children of the first Korean immigrants to achieve success?
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What role does the Center for Korean Studies play in advancing the understanding and scholarship of Korean history, culture, and society?
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Today, Korean American immigrants have reached the third, fourth, and even fifth generations. If they have never visited Korea, can they still inherit Korean values?
Film · book recommendation
Content Rating: Age 15+
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022), directed by Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan
A Chinese immigrant gets unwillingly embroiled in an epic adventure where she must connect different versions of herself in the parallel universe to stop someone who intends to harm the multiverse.
As we wrap up our 10 lessons, we’ve selected books and films to further explore the immigrant experience. These resources offer insights into resilience, cultural identity, and the pursuit of a better life, deepening your understanding
and sparking meaningful discussions on immigration history.
Books
Crying in H Mart
by Michelle Zauner
This book is a memoir about the author’s journey as a Korean American woman coping with the loss of her mother. Through the lens of food and cultural identity, Zauner reflects on grief, family, and the immigrant experience. The book offers a personal perspective on resilience and maintaining cultural ties, making it a valuable addition to understanding the Korean-American diaspora.
The Joy Luck Club
by Amy Tan
This multi-generational family saga traces the lives of Chinese-American women and their immigrant mothers, exploring the cultural clash, generational divides, and the challenges of the immigrant experience in the U.S.
Content Rating: Age 15+
Americanah
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Through the story of a Nigerian woman who moves to America for education, this novel explores the complexities of race, immigration, and identity, while navigating the nuances of belonging in a foreign culture.
Between the World and Me
by Ta-Nehisi Coates
A deeply human portrait of various immigrant experiences, this novel follows a Panamanian family’s quest for a better life in America, shedding light on the struggles and hopes that define the immigrant journey..
The Book of Unknown Americans
by Cristina Henríquez
Though primarily focused on the Black experience, this powerful letter from a father to his son offers profound reflections on identity, migration, and the ongoing struggles of marginalized communities in America.
Films
Content Rating: Age 15+
The Immigrant (2013)
Directed by James Gray
Set in the 1920s, this film tells the gripping story of a Polish immigrant’s struggle to survive and build a better life in New York City, against the backdrop of a harsh and unforgiving world.
Content Rating: Age 15+
In America (2002)
Directed by Jim Sheridan
Following an Irish family’s journey to find a new life in New York, this film captures the heartache, resilience, and dreams of immigrants as they navigate their new reality in a foreign land.
Content Rating: Age 15+
The Kite Runner (2007)
Directed by Marc Forster
Adapted from Khaled Hosseini’s bestselling novel, this film tells the story of an Afghan boy’s life amidst the turmoil of war and immigration, offering a poignant look at the immigrant experience and the impact of history on personal identity.
A Better Life (2011)
Directed by Chris Weitz
This moving film about a Mexican-American gardener striving to give his son a better future encapsulates the immigrant struggle through the lens of sacrifice, hope, and dreams for a brighter tomorrow.
Content Rating: Age 15+
Parasite (2019)
Directed by Bong Joon-ho
This film explores class disparity and social barriers, offering insight into the struggles faced by marginalized communities, including immigrants.
