한국어
Korean American Society of Greater Kansas City Purchases House for Korean Association Office and Activities
The Korean American Society of Greater Kansas City (KASGKC) made the final decision to purchase a house for their Korean association office and activities and put it into action during an emergency board meeting held on April 29th, led by President Mun Kyung-hwan and Board Chairman Kim Sung-bae. This decision to utilize the $470,000 Korean association fund that had been tied up in the bank is being evaluated as an important milestone for long-term financial stability and establishing a central hub for the Korean American community.
A Decision for Practical Financial Management
The Korean American Society of Greater Kansas City had been paying approximately $1,500 per month in office rent. President Moon Kyung-hwan explained, "In a situation where about $18,000 in rent is being spent annually, we determined that utilizing the $470,000 fund tied up in the bank would be a more practical approach."
Board Chairman Kim Sung-bae added, "Under the principle that the Korean association fund should ultimately be used for the Korean American community, securing our own space while reducing the rental burden was the best choice. This decision was made with unanimous consent from all board members."
Investment for Present and Future
The newly purchased building will not only be used immediately as the Korean association office but will also be provided as a space that local Korean Americans can use for various purposes. The Korean association plans to strengthen the solidarity of the local Korean American community through this building and support various community activities.
President Moon Kyung-hwan emphasized, "This building purchase is not a short-term goal but the first step of a long-term vision. Our ultimate goal is to use this building as seed money to build a larger and more complete Korean association building in the future."
Efficient Building Operation Plan
The Korean association plans to attract tenants for efficient operation of the new building. Through this, they plan to reduce building management and maintenance costs while securing a stable source of revenue.
Board Chairman Kim Sung-bae stated, "We will not simply use the building only as the Korean association office, but will secure financial stability through strategic rental operations. Based on the resources secured this way, we will focus on more effectively delivering information and services needed by the Korean American community."
Establishing Foundation for Future Korean Association Building Construction
The Korean association views this building purchase as the first step toward building a large Korean association building in the future. Through the appreciation of the current building's value, they aim to secure larger assets and, along with additional fundraising, ultimately build a comprehensive Korean association building that can become a landmark of the Kansas City Korean American community.
President Moon Kyung-hwan expressed his aspirations, saying, "We made the best decision under realistic circumstances. The Korean association building will not be just a building, but a space that symbolizes the strength and unity of our Korean American community."
Meanwhile, the Korean association plans to hold an opening ceremony at the new building in mid-June, with a Korean festival also being planned to commemorate this occasion. More detailed information about the new building purchase and future schedules can be found on the Korean association's website.