Where is your hometown?

My hometown is Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea. I lived in Korea for 33 years and attended Susung High School.

When did you immigrate to America, and was there any specific reason as to why?

I came to America in December 1975 for my children’s education.

What experiences did you have when you immigrated to America?

I suffered through many difficult times when I first came. In 1975, I had brought my three kids, who were 2, 4, and 7 years old at the time, and there weren’t many apartments that would accept me. Since there wasn’t a lot of work, I gained some experience working at a needle production factory. Then I ran my own factory and started a clothing business in downtown Los Angeles.

Where did you first immigrate to in America?

When I first came to America, I had a relative who lived in Kansas, so I went there, but I couldn’t find any work. I considered going back to Korea, but the only way there was to take a flight from L.A. So I came to L.A. and met a friend while I was here [in Los Angeles], who then helped me find an apartment and taught me a bit about American culture.

When you first immigrated to America, was it hard to adapt to the American culture and language?

Since I came to America with my family, I didn’t have much time to learn English. I had to focus on working to provide for myself and my family.

Could you tell me a bit more about your clothing business?

I didn’t have any experience in the clothing business in Korea, but I needed work here, so I started at the factories. I hardly knew any English, but my business operated well, and my limited English did not add difficulties to my day-to-day life.

What type of work did you do in Korea?

I sold neckties at the Namdaemun Market.

Did you face any other hardships or racism when you immigrated to America?

I didn’t feel much racism. My English was poor, and it was a new environment for me, so I expected to have a harder time than others. However, I started from the bottom and climbed up, enduring a lot.

Do you currently live in Koreatown?

Yes, I currently live in Hancock Park.

How have you seen Koreatown change over the years?

I first came to Koreatown in 1976. At that time, there weren’t many stores on 4th Street and Olympic Boulevard, and the rent was very cheap. Now, the city is much more developed, rent is more expensive, and everything is livelier.

Koreatown is now full of diversity, but was it always like that?

There were many more non-Koreans back then. Now, I believe almost 60% of the population is Korean.

Are you still running your business?

No, I retired at age 65, about 15 years ago.

Did you have any fun or challenging experiences while working?

I couldn’t catch my breath when I was working, but I’ve gotten into community service since I retired. I was the president of the Korean Senior Citizens Association and the Samiljeol (삼일절 — Independence Movement Day) Memorial Project. I worked for many different organizations but was still curious [to learn more]. I also created the Hanmi Silver Club, where we travel, do community service, and eat with other Korean Americans who have similar histories as mine. We are currently focusing on giving these members chances to travel.

How long have you been working with these organizations?

I’ve been working with these groups for about 10 to 11 years. 

Did you face any hardships or have any enjoyable moments while working with these groups?

My son is a missionary, so I originally wanted to help him after retiring, but he said I was too old. The work would have been uncomfortable and too difficult for me. I saw that many Korean elders were gathering only to drink, gamble, or wander the streets. I wanted to enlighten and become a role model for them, so I joined the Korean Senior Citizens Association and worked my way up, all the way to becoming president. We clean up Olympic Boulevard and 8th Street about four times a year, provide social services, and choose about two to four people to volunteer for a couple of years. After my two-year term was over, I gave the position to someone younger who was more fluent in English and had the potential to help the organization grow. I was then appointed to be the president of the Samiljeol (March First Movement) Memorial Project, but I now volunteer at the Hanmi Silver Club.

What is your religious belief?

I believe in Christianity.

How do you live your religious life?

I go to church every Sunday, and there are many different types of people there. It has been difficult to attend church because of COVID-19, but I have recently been able to go back.

What difficulties did you face during COVID-19?

Staying inside my home all day has been difficult. I was afraid of being infected, but I now travel about once a month with the Hanmi Silver Club, and it has gotten a lot better.

What were some of the advantages or disadvantages of COVID-19 for you?

COVID-19 has allowed me to reflect on all the years that have passed. The bad thing is that it has been stifling to stay indoors. But the government has helped to pay rent, so nothing has been too difficult.

Do you have any hobbies or things you did in your free time during the pandemic?

While I was home, I read the newspaper a lot and watched TV. I used my smartphone a lot because it was so much fun.

What do you think about eldercare in America?

Almost everyone has insurance, and in Koreatown, even if you don’t speak English fluently, there are many Korean workers, so visiting the hospital is easy, and the service is good. When I lived in Korea, there wasn’t anything like that, but I’ve heard that Korea has improved in this aspect as well. During the 50 years I have lived here, I have been thankful and satisfied with the medical services.

Can you talk about some of the pros and cons of eldercare in America?

I think there are more pros than cons, but since my English is not good, medical paperwork can be complicated.

What was your relationship like with your parents?

I came to America quite a while ago, and both my parents have passed away since then. They both opposed my immigrating to America, but I came anyway. They said it would be difficult for me to start a new life with three kids, but I had already submitted all my documents.

How are today’s elder healthcare policies different from the past?

A few years ago, I switched my healthcare insurance plan to an HMO. Different Korean organizations and other youngsters helped me, so the switch was fine. There are many benefits to the program, but many Korean Americans are still confused about the policies and aren’t taking advantage of any benefits.

What has changed as you have gotten older?

My memory isn’t as good as it used to be. I can’t be as physically active, and the effects of aging are taking their toll, but I am still grateful.

Do you have any concerns or wishes for Koreatown?

Bus wait times and public transportation need to be improved. But since I drive my own car, I haven’t faced too many difficulties.

What is your favorite restaurant or food in Koreatown?

When I first came to Koreatown, there weren’t many restaurants. Now there are restaurants on every street, and the food culture has evolved. Of all the places I’ve traveled to, L.A. has been the best. I’ve been to New York and Chicago, but the weather and food in L.A. are the best. The food in Korea is good, too, but the portions are so small.

Where have you traveled?

Last month, 56 of us went to Zion Canyon for two nights and three days with one tour bus. On December 20, we will gather and go to Death Valley and the Saline Hot Springs. Everyone pays for their costs, sleeps at the hotel, eats at the hotel buffet, and enjoys the hot springs.