Every March 17, cities across the U.S. turn into a sea of green, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday honoring the patron saint of Ireland. But this day isn’t just about shamrocks and parades—it’s a testament to the resilience and cultural influence of Irish immigrants in America.
Interestingly, the story of Irish immigration has striking parallels with Korean immigration to the U.S. While our journeys began at different times, both communities sought new opportunities, navigated hardships, and ultimately enriched American culture.
Parallel Journeys: Irish and Korean Immigration
Irish immigrants began arriving in large numbers during the Great Famine (1845-1852) when a devastating potato blight led to starvation and economic collapse in Ireland. Many fled to America in search of work and survival, often taking on dangerous, low-wage jobs in cities like Boston and New York. Over time, they built strong communities centered around Catholic churches, labor unions, and local pubs, creating a deep-rooted Irish-American identity. St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City opened in 1879 still stands strong and shows the spirits of the strong minds of the people from Ireland.
Korean immigration to the U.S. started much later, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Koreans, facing extreme poverty and political oppression under foreign rule, were recruited as laborers on Hawaiian sugar plantations then later entering the continent through San Francisco. A second major wave occurred in the 1960s and 70s, following the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which lifted restrictions on Asian immigration. Many Korean immigrants, like the Irish before them, pursued economic opportunities, worked tirelessly, and established thriving communities—often centered around churches and small businesses.
Today, both the Irish and Korean diasporas are woven into the fabric of American life, their influences seen in everything from food to politics.
Beyond Green Beer: What Ireland and Korea Have in Common
While St. Patrick’s Day is best known for green beer and lively parades, the connection between Korea and Ireland runs deeper than one might expect. Both cultures share a love for fermented beverages—Ireland’s famous for its stouts and ales, while Korea boasts makgeolli, the beloved cloudy rice wine.
The fermentation process behind beer and makgeolli is surprisingly similar. Both rely on microorganisms transforming starches into alcohol, with makgeolli using a special fermentation starter called nuruk, much like the malting process in brewing beer. And just like Guinness is more than a drink—it’s a symbol of Irish heritage—makgeolli represents Korea’s agricultural roots and communal spirit.
The Color Green: A Symbol of Celebration in Both Cultures
It wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day without green, but did you know this color holds deep cultural significance in Korea, too?
In Korea, green represents life, renewal, and prosperity. It’s associated with freshness in food (think green tea, perilla leaves, and seaweed), and in traditional Korean color theory (obangsaek), green is linked to wood and the East, symbolizing growth and vitality.
To celebrate both traditions, Kim’C Market is highlighting our greenest, freshest products—from nutrient-rich gamtae (wild seaweed) to vibrant green rice noodles—because great food and great culture deserve to be celebrated together.
Two Histories, One American Story
Just as Irish immigrants helped shape the U.S. through their labor, politics, and culture, Korean Americans continue to do the same. Both communities came seeking a better future, and both brought with them traditions, flavors, and a fierce sense of identity that made America richer.
So this St. Patrick’s Day, whether you’re raising a pint of Guinness or sipping a glass of makgeolli, let’s toast to the stories of resilience, reinvention, and the enduring power of heritage.
View the full Kim'C Market St. Patrick's Day collection here.