Mission Statement
Sahngnoksoo is a Seattle-based organization of Koreans and Korean-Americans creating social change. We work to build political power for the self-determination and liberation of Koreans of all identities including those who are adopted, immigrants, queer, and multiracial. We do this through collective learning, collaboration, solidarity, and organizing. Sahngnoksoo translates to “evergreen” and is a symbol of strength and commitment in Korean movement history.
Mission Statement
Sahngnoksoo is a Seattle-based organization of Koreans and Korean-Americans creating social change. We work to build political power for the self-determination and liberation of Koreans of all identities including those who are adopted, immigrants, queer, and multiracial. We do this through collective learning, collaboration, solidarity, and organizing. Sahngnoksoo translates to “evergreen” and is a symbol of strength and commitment in Korean movement history.

Sahngnoksoo is a Seattle-based organization working to build political power for the self-determination and liberation of Koreans of all identities. Our members include Koreans who are adopted, immigrants, queer, transgender, and multiracial, many who have been active parts of broader LGBT, immigrant rights, and racial justice struggles. We formed Sahngnoksoo in 2007 out of a desire to unite progressive Koreans for social change, and to create an organized progressive voice in the Korean American community.


Sahngnoksoo is a transliteration of the Korean word for evergreen, a symbol of strength, endurance, and determination. We began meeting in January 2007, four months after a week of action took place in Seattle to protest the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KorUS FTA) talks. Our founding members were involved in the planning for the week of action, and quickly recognized the need for an organized progressive voice in the local Korean community. In April 2007 we held our inaugural retreat and developed our mission, goals, and structure. In addition to our ongoing study groups, pungmul troupe, and SPAM video project, our achievements to date include:
  • Continued public education and advocacy against neoliberal policies like the KorUS FTA, the privatization of water and healthcare in South Korea, and US military base expansion in Pyeongtaek. This work has involved organizing local delegations of members and allies (from Jobs with Justice and local labor unions) to Montana, Washington DC, and South Korea, and a joint visit with the ILWU Local 19 to US Rep. Adam Smith (D-Tacoma).
  • Collaboration with local organizations on social justice issues, including joint work with Pinay sa Seattle, a local Filipina organization, to raise awareness about "comfort women," annual participation in the May 1st immigrant rights march and rally organized by the Comite Pro-Amnistia General y Justicia Social, and speaking at the MLK Day Rally.
  • Membership development through internal skills-building workshops and relationship building. We have participated in conferences and trainings like the US Social Forum and the Western States Center's Community and Strategic Training Initiative and Women & Trans People of Color Capacity Building Institute.
Sahngnoksoo is a Seattle-based organization of Koreans and Korean-Americans creating social change. We work to build political power for the self-determination and liberation of Koreans of all identities including those who are adopted, immigrants, queer, and multiracial. We do this through collective learning, collaboration, solidarity, and organizing. Sahngnoksoo translates to “evergreen” and is a symbol of strength and commitment in Korean movement history.
Mission Statement