The Korean Deputy Consular General visited Bethel this week to build relationships with Bethel’s Korean community and Bethel city authorities.
The Consular office estimates 150 Korean Americans and immigrants live in Bethel and most are naturalized citizens.
Kwon Ohkeum traveled to the Yukon Kuskokwim hub from her Anchorage office.
“The purpose of my visit to Bethel is two-fold," Ohkeum said. "First to look for opportunities for enhanced cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the State of Alaska as it relates to the city of Bethel. Second to look after the safety and well-being of Korean nationals and Korean Americans who reside in Bethel and the surrounding areas.”
The Consular General met with members of Bethel’s Korean community to learn about their daily lives and how the Consular Office can help them.
Ohkeum also met with Bethel City Council and law enforcement to let them know the Consular Office acts as a liaison between Alaska’s Korean population and local officials. She encouraged city authorities to support and assist the Korean population and view them as integral to the Bethel community.
Ohkeum says her annual visit is unconnected to the recent FBI raid investigating a local cab company employing many Korean drivers.
