About Korean National Association

Korean National Association was founded on February 1, 1909 in San Francisco as the first Korean-American unification organization integrating National Association (evolved from Korean Kong Lip Association) and Hawaii Collaborative Association. Korean National Association Central Congress was formed in 1911 to strengthen the independence movement worldwide, establishing branches in Hawaii, Manchuria, Russia, Mexico, and Cuba.

Following the Japanese annexation of Korea in 1910, Korean National Association (KNA) represented the Korean independence movement until the Shanghai Provisional Government, which was established in 1919. KNA was officially registered as a California organization in April 1914. Recognized by the U.S. government as the official representative of Koreans, it carried out quasi-governmental functions such as protecting the rights of the Koreans.

KNA moved from San Francisco to 36th Street in Los Angeles in 1936. It continued to publish Shin-Han Minbo (New Korea), relayed news on independence movements throughout the world outside of Korea, and inspired the spirit of independence and nationalism. In 1938, the new Hall was built to house the Association at 1368 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, California, where it remains today.

During WWII, the U.S. government instituted the internment of Japanese Americans. Korean Americans faced a danger of being grouped as Japanese subjects. KNA issued the certificate of Korean national origin to Koreans, providing protection for them. By the 70's, Korean United Presbyterian Church purchased the general assembly hall when the Korean National Association dissolved. In 1991, the City of Los Angeles designated the KNA Building as a historical site.

Accordingly, the Korean American community of Los Angeles formed a "Korean National Association Heritage Preservation Committee" on November 12, 2002 and began restoring the site as the "Korean National Association Memorial Hall" in commemoration of the independence movement and Korean American immigration. Dedicated on December 9, 2003, the Hall stands tall to remind us of the KNA's historical significance and to instill pride in our Korean American roots for future generations to come.