About KAFGW

Establishment

The Korean American Foundation‒Greater Washington was formed on October 30, 2001 as a Virginia non-profit organization to provide programs relating to the history and future of Korean immigration to the United States, and to engage in other educational and cultural activities. The foundation is actively supporting and organizing special events on January 13, designated by Congress as Korean American Day.

On October 20, 2005, the Senate of the United States passed Senate Resolution 283 of the 109th Congress. It states that the Senate –

(1) supports the goals and ideals of a ‘Korean American Day’;

(2) commemorates the 103rd anniversary of the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States; and

(3) encourages the people of the United States to –

(A) share in such commemoration in order to greater appreciate the valuable contributions Korean Americans have made to the United States; and

(B) to observe ‘Korean American Day’ with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

On December 13, 2005, the House of Representatives of the United States passed House Resolution 487 of the 109th Congress. It states that the House of Representatives –

(1) supports the goals and ideals of a Korean American Day;

(2) urges all Americans to observe Korean American Day so as to have a greater appreciation of the invaluable contributions Korean Americans have made to the United States; and

(3) honors and recognizes the 103rd anniversary of the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States.

Our Mission

• We strive to honor and increase awareness of the accomplishments and contributions of the Korean American community since January 13, 1903, when Korean immigrants first arrived in the United States.

• We aspire to cultivate an appreciation among present and future generations of Korean Americans for the efforts of our pioneering predecessors in establishing our roots within the American homeland and its culture.

• We endeavor to build and strengthen relationships between the Korean American community and the diverse communities of the United States while maintaining strong bonds with the people and the rich and ancient traditions of Korea.

• A major part of our effort to realize these goals shall include organizing a public event on Korean American Day, January 13, in Washington, D.C., that invites distinguished Korean Americans and friends of the community to gather together in celebration of this day.