Korean American Day honors the contributions of the Korean American community to the United States and commemorates the arrival of the first Korean immigrants on January 13, 1903. In 2005, the U.S. Senate and House passed resolutions by unanimous consent expressing support for the goals and aspirations of Korean American Day, which is also celebrated by numerous states and municipalities.

In the photo, Rose Paik (center) with her mother (left) and elder sister (right) at the Angel Island Immigration Station, 1914. This is the only known photo of Korean immigrants on Angel Island. Courtesy of Irvin Paik.

The Korean American Community Foundation of San Francisco (KACF-SF) was founded in 2014 by thirteen women who recognized the critical needs in the greater Bay Area and realized the potential of philanthropic giving among Korean Americans.

The year 2025 corresponds to the 42nd year in the sexagenary cycle, the Year of Eulsa, the Year of the Blue Snake. Historically, the snake has been regarded as a cautious and agile animal before facing challenges, known to be the wisest and most adept at responding to its environment among the twelve zodiac animals.

The National Liberation Day of Korea is a public holiday celebrated annually on 15 August in both South and North Korea. It commemorates the day when Korea was liberated from 35 years of Japanese colonial rule by the Allies in 1945. The day also coincides with the anniversary of the founding of South Korea in 1945.

In South Korea, it is known as Gwangbokjeol (Korean: 광복절; lit. The Day the Light Returned). The name Gwangbokjeol uses the term “restoration” (복; bog) instead of “independence” (독립; dongnip) to emphasize that Korea had been independent for years prior to Japanese rule.