January 13 – Korean-American Day

Korean-American Day is Today!

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HOW TO CELEBRATE KOREAN-AMERICAN DAY STEP-BY-STEP

•  Try some new Korean recipes by BeyondKimchee.
•  Explore Korean culture.
•  Listen to some K-Pop.
•  Purchase the well-known super food, Kimchi!
•  If you love the article image, purchase it on these fun products on Zazzle

FEATURED ITEM FOR KOREAN-AMERICAN DAY

Korean-American Day is an amazing occasion that celebrates the many contributions of Korean Americans to our great nation. On this special day, individuals gather in homes and community centers all across the country to share a celebration of their heritage with family, friends, and all those they hold near and dear.

It’s the perfect opportunity to reminisce on the rich history of the Korean American population: their journey to pursue an American dream, their traditions passed down through generations, and their accomplishments shared over years of hard work. Join us in welcoming Korean American Day with joyous enthusiasm and gratitude!

A BRIEF HISTORY OF KOREAN-AMERICAN DAY

On January 13th of 1983, the United States President at the time, Ronald Reagan, made a proclamation officially proclaiming January 13th as Korean American Day. This day was created to recognize the vast contributions of Korean Americans throughout history and still today in politics, economy, culture and much more.

This day celebrates their bravery, courage and resilience to constantly strive to succeed in any environment or situation they find themselves in. Since it’s inception in 1983, Korean American Day has been marked by festivals across the country that celebrate everything from music and traditional shared customs to food -all showcasing the unique diversity within Korean American Communities. It’s also a time for family gatherings with friends often hosting potlucks that reflect their mutual cultural heritage!

100 WAYS TO CELEBRATE KOREAN-AMERICAN DAY

1. Learn a Korean traditional dance: Participate in a class or watch performances of dances like the Buchaechum (fan dance).
2. Visit a Korean temple: Explore the architecture and serene atmosphere of a Korean Buddhist temple.
3. Attend a taekwondo demonstration: Watch or take part in a demonstration of Korea’s popular martial art.
4. Join a Korean cooking competition: Compete in or judge a friendly contest making Korean dishes.
5. Listen to Korean folk music: Enjoy traditional Korean instruments like the gayageum or samulnori.
6. Study Korean art history: Delve into the evolution of Korean art from ancient to modern times.
7. Visit a Korean museum: Check out exhibits on Korean culture, history, and artifacts.
8. Participate in a kimchi-making workshop: Learn the process of making Korea’s famous fermented dish.
9. Host a Korean language exchange: Pair up with Korean speakers to practice each other’s languages.
10. Try Korean street food: Sample popular street foods such as tteokbokki, hotteok, and odeng.
11. Read about Korean-American history: Discover the contributions and experiences of Korean-Americans.
12. Create Korean-inspired artwork: Use Korean themes and techniques in your own artistic creations.
13. Watch a Nanta performance: Enjoy a non-verbal performance that combines comedy, cooking, and percussion.
14. Participate in a traditional Korean tea ceremony: Experience the elegance and rituals of Korean tea culture.
15. Visit a Korean book store: Browse and purchase books by Korean and Korean-American authors.
16. Attend a Korean fashion show: See the latest trends and traditional attire from Korean designers.
17. Explore Korean fusion cuisine: Try dishes that blend Korean flavors with other culinary traditions.
18. Join a Korean cultural club: Meet regularly with others who share an interest in Korean culture.
19. Make hanji crafts: Create items using traditional Korean paper.
20. Host a Korean language karaoke night: Sing along to Korean songs and practice pronunciation.
21. Watch a documentary on Korean-American experiences: Gain insights into the lives and stories of Korean-Americans.
22. Participate in a Hangul calligraphy class: Learn the art of Korean script writing.
23. Enjoy Korean poetry readings: Listen to or read aloud poems by Korean poets.
24. Try Korean healing practices: Explore traditional Korean medicine techniques like acupuncture or moxibustion.
25. Organize a Korean photo exhibition: Display photos showcasing Korean culture and landscapes.
26. Yut Nori: A traditional board game played with four wooden sticks and a board, often enjoyed during Korean holidays.
27. Go-Stop: A popular Korean card game played with hwatu cards, known for its fast pace and strategic gameplay.
28. Ddakji: A traditional Korean game where players try to flip each other’s folded paper tiles by hitting them with their own tiles.
29. Jegichagi: A game similar to hacky sack where players kick a jegi, a small paper shuttlecock, to keep it in the air as long as possible.
30. Tuho: A game where players throw arrows into a narrow-necked wooden jar from a set distance, traditionally played during festive occasions.
31. Hitting the Tombstone: Players try to knock down a stone placed on top of a mound of earth with a thrown stone, reminiscent of childhood outdoor play.
32. Ssireum: Korean traditional wrestling where two opponents try to force each other to the ground using a belt around their waists and thighs.
33. Biseokchigi: A game where players take turns trying to hit an opponent’s stone with their own stone, aiming to knock it out of a designated area.
34. Gonu: A simple board game similar to checkers, played with small pieces on a grid.
35. Hongsalmun: A game where players use pebbles to aim and hit targets, inspired by traditional Korean folk games.
36. Kite flying: Fly traditional Korean kites, known as yeon, which are often decorated with bright colors and intricate designs.
37. Spinning tops (Paeng-i Chigi): Spin traditional wooden tops and try to knock over opponents’ tops or keep your top spinning the longest.
38. Seokjeon: A traditional game where teams throw stones at each other while protecting their territory, resembling a safe, strategic battle.
39. Gonggi: Similar to jacks, played with small stones or pebbles, where players toss and catch them in various patterns.
40. Ssangnyuk: A Korean board game similar to backgammon, involving strategy and luck with dice rolls.
41. Ttakji Chigi: Players take turns trying to flip each other’s folded paper squares by throwing their own squares at them.
42. Neolttwigi: A traditional Korean seesawing game where players stand on either end of a long plank and jump, trying to propel the other into the air.
43. Chegi: A traditional shuttlecock kicking game, similar to jegichagi, often played in groups.
44. Baduk: Known as Go in Japan, this strategic board game involves capturing territory and opponents’ stones on a grid.
45. Juldarigi: Traditional Korean tug-of-war, often played during festivals and community events.
46. Sokdam: A guessing game involving Korean riddles and proverbs, where players try to solve or guess the meaning.
47. Hwa-tu: Another card game played with hwatu cards, often involving betting and strategy similar to poker.
48. Tug of War: A classic game where two teams pull on opposite ends of a rope, with roots in traditional Korean festival games.
49. Mugunghwa kkot-i pieotseumnida: Similar to “Red Light, Green Light,” this game involves one player calling out and the others moving only when it’s safe.
50. Janggi: Also known as Korean chess, this strategic board game involves moving pieces to capture the opponent’s king.
51. Hanbok Paper Dolls: Create traditional Korean clothing for paper dolls using colorful paper and intricate designs.
52. Hanji Paper Lanterns: Make lanterns using hanji, traditional Korean paper, decorated with beautiful patterns.
53. Traditional Korean Masks: Craft masks inspired by Korean talchum (mask dance) using papier-mâché and paint.
54. Korean Knot Bracelets: Weave bracelets using traditional Korean maedeup knotting techniques.
55. Buchae Fans: Decorate folding fans with Korean designs and motifs.
56. Korean Calligraphy Scrolls: Write Korean characters or phrases on rice paper and mount them as scrolls.
57. Miniature Kimchi Jars: Create tiny clay jars and fill them with model kimchi made from clay or other materials.
58. Paper Lotus Flowers: Fold and assemble paper to create lotus flowers, significant in Korean culture.
59. Saejagi Coasters: Sew coasters inspired by traditional Korean patchwork quilting.
60. Dong Ho Folk Art Prints: Make prints inspired by traditional Korean folk paintings known as Minhwa.
61. Janggu Drums: Construct miniature versions of the traditional Korean hourglass-shaped drums using recycled materials.
62. Silk Embroidery Pouches: Craft small pouches with silk embroidery designs, often used in Korean tradition.
63. Korean Zodiac Animals: Sculpt animals from the Korean zodiac using clay or paper-mâché.
64. Hanji Paper Flowers: Create intricate flowers from hanji, emulating traditional Korean floral designs.
65. Korean Flag Banners: Design and paint banners featuring the Taegeukgi, the national flag of Korea.
66. Traditional Korean Roof Tiles: Mold clay or use paper to mimic the shape and design of Korean roof tiles.
67. Paeng-i Spinning Tops: Carve and decorate traditional wooden spinning tops.
68. Gyeonggi Province Masks: Craft masks representing various characters from Gyeonggi Province’s traditional mask dance dramas.
69. Korean Screen Dividers: Paint miniature versions of Korean folding screens with nature scenes.
70. Traditional Korean Jewelry: Create jewelry pieces inspired by historical Korean designs, using beads and metalwork.
71. Korean Patchwork Quilts (Jogakbo): Sew small patchwork pieces inspired by the traditional Korean art of Jogakbo.
72. Decorative Chopsticks: Paint and embellish wooden chopsticks with traditional Korean patterns.
73. Korean Fan Dance Props: Make props like hand fans and ribbons used in traditional Korean fan dances.
74. Samulnori Instruments: Construct small versions of traditional Korean percussion instruments like the janggu and buk.
75. Kimchi Fridge Magnets: Sculpt tiny kimchi cabbage pieces and attach them to magnets for a fun kitchen decoration.
76. Bibimbap: A colorful and nutritious rice dish topped with assorted vegetables, beef, a fried egg, and gochujang sauce.
77. Kimchi: Fermented vegetables, usually napa cabbage and radishes, seasoned with chili pepper, garlic, ginger, and other spices.
78. Bulgogi: Marinated beef slices grilled or stir-fried, often served with rice and vegetables.
79. Japchae: Sweet potato starch noodles stir-fried with vegetables, beef, and a sweet-savory sauce.
80. Tteokbokki: Spicy and chewy rice cakes cooked in a sauce made from gochujang, fish cakes, and vegetables.
81. Kimbap: Korean sushi rolls filled with rice, vegetables, and proteins like beef, ham, or crab sticks.
82. Samgyeopsal: Grilled pork belly slices often served with ssamjang, garlic, and wrapped in lettuce leaves.
83. Sundubu-jjigae: A hot and spicy stew made with soft tofu, vegetables, sometimes meat, and seafood.
84. Haemul Pajeon: A savory pancake made with green onions and a variety of seafood.
85. Galbi: Marinated beef short ribs, grilled to perfection and usually enjoyed with rice and side dishes.
86. Kimchi Jjigae: A hearty stew made with kimchi, pork, tofu, and vegetables.
87. Banchan: An assortment of small side dishes like seasoned spinach, bean sprouts, and pickled radishes.
88. Hotteok: Sweet Korean pancakes filled with brown sugar, honey, chopped peanuts, and cinnamon.
89. Dakgangjeong: Crispy, sweet, and spicy Korean fried chicken coated with a sticky sauce.
90. Naengmyeon: Chewy cold buckwheat noodles served in a tangy iced broth, perfect for a refreshing meal.
91. Doenjang Jjigae: A rich stew made with fermented soybean paste, tofu, vegetables, and sometimes meat or seafood.
92. Kimchi Fried Rice: Fried rice stir-fried with kimchi, vegetables, and often topped with a fried egg.
93. Hoddeok: Warm, sweet pancakes filled with a mixture of brown sugar, honey, and nuts.
94. Patbingsu: A shaved ice dessert topped with sweet red beans, fruit, condensed milk, and other delicious toppings.
95. Jjajangmyeon: Noodles topped with a thick, savory black bean sauce, often with diced pork and vegetables.
96. Gyeranjjim: A fluffy steamed egg casserole, often served as a side dish.
97. Korean Corn Dogs: Hot dogs coated in a thick batter, deep-fried, and often rolled in sugar or topped with various sauces.
98. Mandu: Korean dumplings filled with a mixture of meat, vegetables, and tofu, either steamed, boiled, or fried.
99. Ssam: Various ingredients like meat, rice, and banchan wrapped in leafy greens, typically served with dipping sauces.
100. Yaksik: A traditional Korean sweet rice dish made with glutinous rice, honey, nuts, and dried fruits.

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Do you have any ideas about how to celebrate Korean-American Day?  Please share them!