The Koreans in Hawai'i: A Pictorial History, 1903-2003, brings together hundreds of photographs to tell the powerful story of the people who have shaped the Korean immigrant experience in America over the past one hundred years. Although Koreans faced the same hardships and barriers as other East Asian immigrants in the New World, the story of their migration, settlement, and assimilation into American society has received relatively little attention. This volume not only commemorates the centennial of Koreans in Hawai'i, but also offers readers an unprecedented look at the rich history of a community that continues to develop and change to this day. More than one million Koreans reside in all fifty states, and they are considered the fastest growing population among Asian Americans.
The photographs, which illuminate and complement writings and oral histories found elsewhere, provide insight into Hawai'i's Korean immigrant community, politics and everyday life. They reveal the struggles and successes of the first and subsequent generations, allowing the viewers to connect with the past. Together with chapter introductions, the wide range of photographs (many only recently discovered in archives and family albums) provide an engaging record that uncovers the deep roots of Korean Americans in Hawai'i.
