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MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO EXPLORE
THE DEVELOPMENT OF A KOREAN-AMERICAN
CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER IN RIVERSIDE
CELEBRATING DOSAN AHN CHANG HO
City Council
April 11, 2023
Office of the Mayor
RiversideCA.gov
2 BACKGROUND
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3 DOSAN AHN CHANG HO DAY
1. Dosan Ahn Chang Ho is regarded as one of
the most significant patriotic figures by
Koreans home and abroad.
2. Dosan Ahn Chang Ho spearheaded the
Korean independence movement. His goal
was for Koreans to promote and adopt
democracy.
3. Dosan's influence and actions helped
Koreans understand the importance of a free
nation and today, democracy is firmly rooted
in South Korea.
4. His pioneering and patriotic spirit still lives on
in the minds of Korean immigrants.
RiversideCA.gov
4 1. Pachappa Camp founded in 1905
Recognized by City Council in 2016 as a
City Point of Cultural Interest
2. "Pachappa Camp was one of the first in
the region for the democratic origins in
Korea.”
- Dr. Edward Chang, UCR Professor of
Ethnic Studies
3. Gangnam, South Korea Sister City
Relationship started in 1999
4. Dosan Statue erected on Riverside Main
Street Pedestrian Mall in 2001
BACKGROUND
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5 1. Korean visitors already visit the Dosan statue but have nowhere to go after that.
2. 75% of California’s Korean Americans live in
Southern California.
3. Growing global interest in Korean media,
history, and language
4. The Cultural Heritage Center aligns with the
City’s value of celebrating diverse stories.
EVIDENCE FOR SUPPORT
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6 1. Dosan Citrus Heritage Park
2. Visit by Korean President
3. Economic and Cultural Impact
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
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7 MAP
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8 GOOGLE EARTH
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9 1. Community Trust – The proposed MOU will pave the way to celebrate an often-overlooked part of Riverside history in commemorating the distinct Asian-American experience in our region.
2. Equity – Riverside has taken significant steps in creating space for the Chicano heritage through creation and partnership with Cheech Marin at the Cheech. This project has brought millions of dollars in revenue to our region. A similar project for the Korean community will put Riverside on the map for Korean tourists and potentially bringing significant revenue to our region.
3. Fiscal Responsibility – The MOU states an intention to collaborate and does not create a financial obligation for the city.
4. Innovation – The MOU represents an innovative international partnership to advance a shared heritage of Korean history.
5. Sustainability & Resiliency – South Korea is a global leader in Clean and Green technology. The Mayor’s office would like to see this project include innovation already in use our South Korean Sister City.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
RiversideCA.gov
10 That the City Council:
1. Approve a Memorandum of Understanding between the
City of Riverside and the Dosan Ahn Chang Ho Memorial
Foundation of the Americas to explore the development
of a Korean-American Cultural Center;
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Memorandum of Understanding, including making minor
and non-substantive changes.
RECOMMENDATIONS
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