Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Kim.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The Korean American Association of San Antonio traces its roots back to 1975, when Korean residents in the area came together to support one another, help newcomers find their footing, and build a lasting bridge between Korean culture and the broader San Antonio community. In the early years, the work was practical and people-centered—neighbors helping neighbors with the everyday challenges of settling into a new city and navigating a new system. Over time, as the community grew and became more established, the Association evolved into a broader civic and cultural platform, bringing people together across generations while strengthening relationships with local partners.
Today, the Association continues that same core mission: supporting Korean Americans locally, creating meaningful opportunities for community connection, and sharing Korean culture with San Antonio through public-facing events and collaborative initiatives. We strive to be both a home base for our community and a trusted partner within the larger city.
This year, our major goal is to advance the designation of “Korean Day.” We formally proclaimed this effort last year, and we are actively preparing the next steps with encouragement and support from the City of San Antonio and Bexar County. Through this process, we hope to celebrate Korean heritage in a way that is inclusive, community-driven, and lasting—honoring the contributions of Korean Americans while building even stronger ties with the people and institutions of our region.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not always. Another major challenge has been funding—especially for community events. Even when people genuinely want to help, there are limits. Our community often steps up in a “everyone gives a little” way, but when the economy slows down, it becomes much harder. Donations that might have come easily in stronger years don’t always happen, not because people don’t care, but because families and small businesses are under real financial pressure.
We felt this very clearly last year during our Korean–American Cultural Night. Planning and execution required the same level of effort and professionalism as always, but fundraising was significantly more difficult. Sponsors were cautious, and many individuals who normally donate simply couldn’t contribute at the same level as before. It was stressful at times, but it also reminded us how much resilience and teamwork exists in the community—people still helped where they could, and we learned to be more strategic, transparent, and creative in how we plan and fund events going forward.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Korean American Association of San Antonio is a volunteer-led nonprofit that exists to make people feel connected—both to each other and to the city we call home. We specialize in community-building and cultural bridgework: creating events and programs that strengthen Korean American identity while inviting the wider San Antonio community into meaningful cultural exchange.
What makes us different is how personal the work is. We’re a relatively small community, and nothing happens automatically—so every program is built through relationships, trust, and hands-on volunteer effort. I’m most proud of our resilience and the way people come together when it matters most. We want readers to know that our “brand” is service: we’re here to connect, represent, and build lasting goodwill. Right now, our major focus is advancing a recognized “Korean Day,” continuing the initiative we proclaimed last year and preparing next steps with encouragement from the City of San Antonio and Bexar County.
What matters most to you?
What matters most is people—community unity and dignity. We want Korean Americans in San Antonio to feel connected, supported, and proud of their heritage, while also building respectful relationships with the broader city. That’s why we prioritize programs that bring generations together and create opportunities for cultural exchange. When we’re unified, we can do bigger things—like advancing long-term goals such as establishing an officially recognized “Korean Day.”
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