NYC Considers Recognizing Korean American Day

The City Council's discussing a resolution today that would commemorate January 13 as the anniversary of the first Korean immigration into the U.S.

 

The Committee on Cultural Affairs says there are nearly 24,000 Korean-owned businesses in New York State.   Kyung Yoon with the Korean American Community Foundation says Koreans have long played a crucial role in driving New York's economy.

 

"All the Green Groceries that were on every street corner, the fish markets, our dry cleaners, our nail salon owners..." she said.

 

But Yoon adds over time Korean Americans have made significant contributions to all sectors of society.

 

"A lot of those children are not returning to run those grocery stores," she said.  "They are investment bankers, doctors, lawyers, non-profit professionals, social workers, teachers...".

 

The City Council says there are approximately 96,741 residents of Korean decent in New York City.