Hey! We're the Korean Heritage Foundation Student Society.
The Korean Heritage Foundation Student Society (KHFSS) is the student branch of the Korean Heritage Foundation. We're based in Falls Church, Virginia.
So, what is the Korean Heritage Foundation?
Korean Heritage Foundation (KHF) was founded by Sam-Kyun Yoon in 1985 to promote cultural exchange between the Korean communities and the American public. KHF’s mission is to preserve and to promote Korean heritage and culture. KHF accomplishes its goals by organizing and supporting cultural activities, such as Korean folk dance performances, contemporary art exhibitions, community workshops, nationwide art competitions, and Korean food events.
They organized small events in the Washington D.C. area by gathering support from local organizations, business owners, and artists. Having been successful with small events, it expanded beyond the Washington metropolitan area and started collaborating with other organizations with similar goals.
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What is the Korean Heritage Foundation Student Society?
The student branch of this foundation established under KHF in 2017. Korean American High School Society is an organization for high school students dedicated to preserving and promoting Korean culture in American society. Participating in several activities such as traditional arts (games, art, customs) and museum visits, it educates students of Korean heritage, sparking a greater appreciation.
The student members of this organization plan, research, and execute projects and events on our own. Even this website was created by our members! We not only learn more about our own culture but also build a stronger connection with our peers, bringing knowledge of Korean culture to the American public.
Branching off of the Korean Heritage Foundation, it’s dedicated to organizing exhibits and events to promote awareness and appreciation of Korean culture in the American public.
Here is a statement from one of the founding members of KHFSS:
"I was born at a small orchard in a remote region in Korea. After moving to America, I founded the Korean Heritage Foundation Student Society. We were founded under the Korean Heritage foundation, which has 34 years of history. For many years, the adults of this organization worked with reputable people and groups, in hopes to expose the beauty of the proud Korean heritage. Our members are dedicated to preserving and promoting Korean culture, specifically in the American society.
By participating in several traditions (including games, art, customs) and organizing events, the students of KHFSS broaden their knowledge of Korean heritage while also facilitating their identity as a Korean-American.
For the past two years, we have spent every Saturday planning and carrying out events. In 2018, we became the first Korean organization to host a cultural event at the US Botanical Gardens in DC. We regularly visited the US National Arboretum to maintain the Korean Garden. Recently, we co-hosted an event at Howard University, where we introduced Korean customs to Korean adoptees.
Through extensive efforts to plant the beauty of one’s own culture into others, my members have developed an enriched cultural identity as Korean Americans. They built a stronger connection with their peers, learning the essentials of teamwork and leadership."
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-Sam Choi
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If you are interested in joining our organization, send an email to kahssva@gmail.com! We look forward to hearing from you.
