About Us
Our Mission
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To provide knowledge, pride and understanding of Korea's culture and people;
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To teach Korean language with the basis that being multilingual is desirable in our global society;
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To provide a resource center for people with links to Korea, their families, friends, educators and the community at large.
Our History
The Korean Institute of Minnesota (KIM) has been in existence since 1975. It is one of the oldest Korean educational organizations in the nation. The origins of KIM emerged from the needs of 1st generation Korean American immigrants. In the early 1970's an influx of Korean immigrants settled in Minnesota. Many came for educational and professional development. The overall population of Asian communities in Minnesota was small at this time, and the Korean community established KIM to preserve and encourage Korean culture and language for future generations.
Simultaneously, as the Korean immigrant population grew, many non-Korean Minnesota families embraced Korean adoptions. These families were actively seeking resources to give their ethnically Korean children a place to learn about their Korean heritage and sought out the Korean community to help bridge this gap.
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The estimated figures for the number of Korean immigrants and their children in Minnesota is presently around 14,982 according to the 2010 U.S. Census. The estimated figures for the number of Korean adopted children in Minnesota is presently around 15,000-20,000 (1,2).
Today the Korean Institute of Minnesota rents a physical space from the Korean Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn Center. We are a non sectarian organization. Our students range in age from preschool children all the way to adult learners. In its history KIM has served the needs of thousands of students, with average annual attendance of around 150 families and 300 students.
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KIM welcomes all who are interested in learning the Korean language and culture to participate in our community!
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References
1. Goetz, K. For Minn. Adoptees, search for Korean roots an emotional journey. Sept. 30, 2016. MPR News. Available from: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2016/09/30/mn-korean-adoptees-family-search-emotional-quest
2. Koo, H. Negotiating ethnic identities: A study of Korean Americans and adoptees in Minnesota. (Doctoral dissertation, University of Minnesota). Available from: https://conservancy.umn.edu/bitstream/handle/11299/47108/Koo_umn_0130E_10140.pdf?sequence=1&i sAllowed=y