Los Angeles, CA – A grand reception is set to take place on January 13th at the Los Angeles Convention Center, hosted by Mayor Karen Bass, to commemorate the 122nd anniversary of Korean American Day. This annual event celebrates the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States in 1903 and honors the significant contributions Korean Americans have made to American society.

Since its establishment in 2005 by the U.S. Congress, Korean American Day has been officially recognized on January 13th in California and many other states. This year's reception holds special significance as it will feature the unveiling of a newly restored replica of the historic Korean turtle ship, a gift from the city of Busan.

Originally presented to the city of Los Angeles by Busan in 1982, the turtle ship has stood as a symbol of the enduring friendship and cultural exchange between the two cities. However, to accommodate the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, the ship was moved to the Los Angeles Convention Center last July. The decision to relocate the artifact without prior consultation with the Korean American community sparked some controversy. In response, Mayor Bass's office assured the community that the turtle ship's significance was fully recognized and that it would undergo a complete restoration and preservation process before being displayed in a new, dedicated exhibit space.

The upcoming reception will provide an opportunity for the Korean American community and city officials to celebrate the restoration of the turtle ship and reaffirm the strong ties between Los Angeles and Busan. The event will begin at 9:45 AM on January 13th, with the program scheduled from 10:15 AM to 11:15 AM. Light refreshments will be served to all attendees.