WASHINGTON – This week, the Korean American Institute (Institute) will begin a national survey designed to generate the most insightful, comprehensive, and up to date set of data about Korean Americans, their demographic backgrounds, lived experiences, societal needs, and viewpoints on issues of importance in American society today.

This project is entitled, “Commemorating the 125th Anniversary of Korean America: Current State, Future Directions.” The timing of this groundbreaking project could not be more important. In July, our nation will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence. In 2028, the history of Korean immigration to America, which began in 1903, will reach 125 years.

Today, there are a record number of over two million Americans spanning multiple generations who trace their ancestry to Korea. These ethnic Koreans are the largest diasporic population outside the Korean peninsula, and rank the fifth largest Asian subgroup in the United States.

Yet, there remains a lack of meaningful research and useful data for policymakers and others whose decisions impact the quality of lives of this dynamic and diverse group of people.

By seeking responses from approximately1,500 individuals through phone calls and online outreach, the Institute and a group of academic experts are determined to address this knowledge gap and to ascertain the current state of Korean America.

“Korean Americans remain underrepresented in many aspects of American life, despite their deep historical roots in the United States and their standing as the fifth-largest Asian American group,” said Sociology Professor Angie Chung of University at Albany, who is co-leading this survey project. Chung continued: “As Korea and Korean culture gain greater public recognition, gaps in national data on Korean America make clear the urgent need for updated information to ensure that rising visibility leads to more responsive and equitable policies and institutions.”

This will be the largest representative oversample of Korean Americans ever undertaken by a research project.

Participants will be recruited through reputable survey panel vendors using demographic quotas designed to ensure diversity and representation, including region, gender, age group, education, employment, language, generation, family composition, and migration history.

Selected participants must be 18 years or older and have at least one biological Korean parent and may be contacted by email or phone. Participation is voluntary and they can participate anonymously. All survey responses, including phone numbers, will be detached from any identifiable name or contact information.

Following strict academic standards, only members of the research team will have access to the data, which will be reported in aggregate with no identifying or traceable information for future conference papers, journal or book publications, or public and media presentations.

The questionnaire process will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete, and includes questions on key areas of interest to decision makers, including:

• Health and wellbeing: to assess disparities in physical and mental healthcare access, with an emphasis on aging populations and youth mental health.
• Economic and social mobility: to evaluate poverty levels, educational and professional advancement opportunities, and trends in transnational movement between the Republic of Korea and the United States.
• Identity formation, discrimination, racial attitudes, and civic engagement: to understand how Korean Americans navigate their social and political integration in mainstream American society.

To read the entire press release: https://ka.institute/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/KAI-Press-Release-Announcing-Survey-Project-February-9-2026.pdf

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