For the past six years, the Korean Association sought funds and reconstructed the former Neo-Fashion garment factory into a community center that the Koreans could call their own.
“This community center is our long project, and today our dream came true. From now on, we will make good use of this center to achieve more dreams,” Saipan Korean Association president Rhee Gyong Gu said.
He said through the Korean Language School, locals and other people in the CNMI will learn their language and culture.
He said many activities are planned in the center including a teenage history class, a music class for housewives, a culture class, a health class and other useful classes.
Rhee said after its inauguration in September last year, nine construction committees have joined their efforts to work toward the completion of the community center.
In his message on behalf of the governor, Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos said the historical ties of Korea and the CNMI extended even before the World War II.
“The NMI has embraced Korean culture for several decades. Korean restaurants, churches, establishments and even Korean newspapers have emerged over the years,” Inos said.
Local attorney Janet King, a member of the Korean Association of Saipan said the partnership between the CNMI and Korea is one that’s grounded in mutual interest and mutual respect.
“There are deep economic and political ties between CNMI and Korea in immigration, trade and education, and CNMI is proud to have many men and women of Korean blood who have made our local community a more dynamic and successful place,” King said.
Korean Consul General to Guam Lee Jong Il said he did not expect to see the community center’s completion so soon because of the limited time and budget.
“I believe that the Saipan Korean Association is very exemplary than other Korean groups in the world. We have worked hard to enhance our national prestige by working amicably with the CNMI government,” he said.
Lee said the Korean Association, established 32 years ago, has overcome many difficulties through reconciliation and unity.
In addition to the Korean Language School, the community center has an auditorium, a library, an office, storage units, a cafeteria and kitchen, basketball court, and a spacious parking space.
Among the guests on Saturday were project director Keum Byung Mok, project manager Oh Hyun Young, Korean association of Guam president Jeon Sang Dae, Peaceful and Democratic Unification advisor Shin Hyun Gook, Korean language of Guam president Min Tae Hong, Korean Amateur Sports Association in Guam Jo Jin Young, and Education Commissioner Rita Sablan.
