CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM A majestic monument in tribute to anonymous Korean patriots graces the garden courtyard of the Korean Cultural Center, which plans to eventually host cultural activities and house exchange students.

Center celebrates
Koreans’ isle life

Experiencing Korean culture
Museum's 'Tiger' exhibit lacks claws

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By Nancy Arcayna
narcayna@starbulletin.com

History was made on Jan. 13, 1903, when the first group of 102 Korean immigrants aboard the SS Gaelic set foot in Honolulu.

A hundred years later, Koreans in Hawaii are celebrating the centennial of immigration to Hawaii, and the establishment of the Korean Cultural Center at 2756 Rooke Ave. offers even more reason to celebrate.

Although the center is not fully operational, it will stand as an institution promoting national pride and historical awareness for those of Korean ancestry.

NEARLY 7,000 Koreans came to Hawaii in the early 1900s to work on the plantations. Even as they adjusted to their life in an alien country, they never forgot their homeland. Central to their flight was their battle against Japanese colonial rule.

The center's primary exhibit in Independence Hall is a pictorial account of Korea's fight for freedom and Independence Movement Day, the anniversary of the March 1, 1919, movement against the Japanese. Even though freedom was not achieved, the rebellion created strong bonds of national identity and patriotism among Koreans.

Flags, military badges, uniforms, proclamations and even telephone and telegraph equipment are included in the collage of pictures that will allow future generations to learn more about Korea's history.

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM Displays in Independence Hall chronicles the movement for Korea's liberation from Japanese rule.

One photograph shows a group of people mourning the Korean emperor Kwangmu. Alongside that photo is the suicide note of a patriot announcing the assassination of the emperor. Graphic pictures show victims of torture and weary Koreans released from Japanese prison during World War II, and victims of torture and medical experiments.

HAWAII WAS ONE of several places that served as an overseas base for Korea. Hong Woo-Joon, of the Korean Community Association (Kuk Min Hur), said he purchased the center site because of its ties to the Korean independence movement.

In 1909 several Korean associations in America combined forces as the Korean National Association to carry out its mission, according to association member Kea Sung Chung, who is also the founder of the Korean TV station KBFD.

The building has been used as a headquarters for the Korean National Association since 1947, and also provided inexpensive housing for students over the years.

The Mediterranean-style stucco residence was designed by renowned architect Hart Wood and built in 1927 for the son of the consul general of Portugal and became known as the "Canavarro Castle." The building was included in the State and National Registers of Historical Places in 1980 but fell into disrepair before Hong Woo-Joon purchased it for the KCA.

Plans for the center include hosting five cultural activities a year and eventually housing exchange students, according to Chung. "It's all still in the planning stages, though," he said.

Independence Hall is open for viewing by appointment. Call 595-7023.

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