Wanted Cards Extra: Korean American Day – January 13

Wanted Cards Extra: Korean American Day – January 13

January 13 marks Korean American Day, a day of remembrance, resilience, and celebration. It commemorates January 13, 1903, when the first group of more than 100 Korean immigrants arrived in Hawaii, marking the beginning of Korean immigration to the United States.

These early immigrants came seeking safety and opportunity, fleeing hardship and Japan’s colonial rule over Korea. Their journey laid the foundation for a vibrant Korean American community that has contributed enormously to American culture, business, science, art, cuisine, and civic life.

Korean American Day is observed annually to honor:

• The courage of early Korean immigrants
• The generations who followed and built new lives
• Korean American heritage, culture, and identity
• The enduring ties between Korean and American history

Why Korean American Day Cards Matter

Unlike major holidays, Korean American Day often goes unmarked in everyday life. That makes greeting cards especially meaningful. A card can say, “Your story matters. Your heritage is seen.”

These cards are appropriate for:

• Cultural recognition and pride
• Educational or community acknowledgements
• Schools, libraries, and cultural organizations
• Friends, family members, or colleagues honoring Korean American heritage

Designs can range from traditional and symbolic to modern and celebratory, as long as they remain respectful and thoughtful.

Design Tips for GCU Artists

Keeping Greeting Card Universe’s format in mind:

• Focus on strong, clear imagery that works on a folded card
• Avoid metallic or glitter effects since they won’t print
• Use clean typography for names, dates, or short messages
• Consider both minimalist and illustrative styles

Thoughtful visual ideas include:

• Subtle Korean patterns or motifs
• Landscapes that suggest journey or home
• Floral symbolism (such as mugunghwa–inspired themes)
• Abstract or modern heritage-inspired color palettes
• Intergenerational imagery representing past, present, and future

Cards may be photo-illustrative, hand-drawn, typographic, or painterly. Simplicity and sincerity go a long way here.

Korean American Day Card Text Suggestions

Front-of-Card Sentiments

• Honoring Korean American Heritage
• Korean American Day • January 13
• Celebrating Korean American History
• A Day to Honor Korean American Contributions
• Proud of Korean American Roots
• Remembering the Journey • Honoring the Legacy

Inside Message Ideas

• Today we honor the courage, resilience, and contributions of Korean Americans past and present.
• Korean American Day recognizes a journey that began in 1903 and continues to shape our shared future.
• Celebrating Korean American heritage and the generations who helped build a stronger America.
• A day to reflect on history, honor perseverance, and celebrate culture.
• With respect for the past and hope for the future, we honor Korean American Day.
• May this day be a reminder of the strength found in heritage, family, and community.

Short & Simple Options

• Honoring Korean American history and heritage.
• Celebrating culture, courage, and community.
• In recognition of Korean American Day.
• Remembering the journey. Celebrating the legacy.

Educational / Institutional Tone

• January 13 marks the beginning of Korean immigration to the United States in 1903.
• Korean American Day honors the contributions and history of Korean Americans.
• A meaningful day of remembrance, recognition, and respect.

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Category Placement Reminder

Please submit new designs here:
Holidays >> National & International Days >> Korean American Day / January 13
cid#39618

This is a wonderful opportunity for artists to create cards that are culturally meaningful, historically grounded, and quietly powerful. Thoughtful recognition never goes out of style.

Happy Designing!

Corrie