The first wave of Korean immigrants arrived on U.S. soil on January 13th, 1903.  The annual Korean flag raising ceremony at Philadelphia City Hall coincides with this date and recognizes the 102 people who originally came to work in the sugar plantations in Hawaii as “true pioneers.”  Today, approximately 50,000 Korean Americans reside in Pennsylvania of which 7,000 call Philadelphia home.

City Representative Sheila Hess praised the South Korean flag’s unique design which represents unity with spiritual and physical balance.

“This day is so important not just because it celebrates the City’s Korean community which is one of the many ethnic populations that contribute to our significant diversity,” Hess said. “It is also a day to celebrate and honor the contributions of immigrants to our City.”

Take a look at the 2017 Korean Flag Raising Photos.