Korean-Americans push for pavilion in NYC

Korean-Americans are pushing to build a traditional Korean octagonal pavilion in New York to promote the nation’s culture.

The Korean American Association of Greater New York said it has recently proposed to the local authorities its plan to establish the pavilion, called “Palgakjeong,” in South Pointe Park, Roosevelt Island, opposite of the U.N. Headquarters.

The proposal will be reviewed by the board of the organization that runs the island, it added. Roosevelt Island has been a hot spot for cultural promotion. For the past three years it has been hosting an annual cherry blossom festival sponsored by Japanese companies.

“When the Palgakjeong is constructed, this area will be the center of Korean arts and culture festivals, and will provide a sense of national pride to the second and third generations of ethnic Koreans,” Han Chang-yeon, the president of KAAGNY was quoted as saying.

Under the plan it will be assembled in New York with materials imported from Korea. The construction, estimated to cost $150,000 to $200,000, will be sponsored by Korean companies, a local governmental patronage and contributions from Korean-American communities.

(jungho1991@gmail.com)