ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today proclaimed Jan. 13, 2022 as Korean American Day in Maryland. The governor was joined by First Lady Yumi Hogan to commemorate 119 years since the first Korean immigrants came to the United States in 1903.
In October, Governor Hogan officially opened the State of Maryland’s Koreatown in Ellicott City—one of few in the United States. In November, the governor announced a series of statewide actions to combat the rise in anti-Asian hate and bias crimes.
Maryland is home to more than 50,000 Korean Americans.
(Watch)
Transcript:
“While I wish we could all be together to commemorate Korean American Day and the 119-year anniversary of Korean immigration to the United States, I'm pleased to join you virtually to recognize and celebrate the more than 1.7 million Korean Americans who call this great nation their home.
“We also celebrate the incredible contributions of our Korean American community here in the State of Maryland, and we celebrate the courage of first generation Korean immigrants who have worked so hard to ensure a brighter future for their children.
“Maryland has always been immensely proud of the special relationship we share with the Republic of Korea, and through productive trade missions, new sister state relationships, and opening one of the very few official Koreatowns in the United States, we have worked hard to make that bond even stronger.
“I can proudly say that our Korean American community is truly changing Maryland for the better. From our family to yours, we wish you a safe, healthy, and Happy New Year and Korean American Day.
Kamsahamnida!”
