House of Korea Inc.

Schedule O:

“Supplemental Information to Form 990-EZ, Part I and III Form 990-EZ, Part I - Line 10: Grants and Similar Amounts Paid During the tax year, the organization made the following support payments to individuals and internal programs as part of its cultural and leadership development initiatives: 1. HPR Korea Queen & Princess Support Fund - $700 - Provided to assist participation costs associated with representing Korea in the House of Pacific Relations Queen & Princess Program at Balboa Park. 2. HOK Youth Ambassador Support Fund - $3,450 - Provided to cover expenses for youth training, cultural materials, and participation in outreach programs. Funds supported the organizations Youth Cultural Ambassadors Program, which develops leadership and cultural education skills in Korean-American youth. These payments were made in direct alignment with the organizations mission to promote Korean culture and invest in youth leadership development. They were not made to outside organizations or as part of any formal grant making program. Program 1: Korea-ful Night - Annual Cultural Fundraiser and Outreach Event The organization held Korea-ful Night, its largest annual fundraising and cultural engagement event, designed to promote Korean heritage and foster community connections. Approximately 300 attendees participated in an evening of cultural education and entertainment. The event featured three guest speakers who shared insights about the Korean diaspora, along with K-pop dance, traditional dance, and TaeKwonDo performances. Guests enjoyed a Korean cultural experience booth and authentic Korean cuisine provided by a local caterer. The event raised $34,035 and incurred $19,804.34 in expenses, with net proceeds supporting the organizations mission. Program 2: Balboa Park Cultural Events and Cottage Open Houses As part of our membership in the House of Pacific Relations (HPR) in Balboa Park, the organization maintained regular programming at the Korean cottage throughout the year. Weekly open houses welcomed visitors to experience Korean culture through traditional displays, music, costumes, and volunteer-led conversations. Volunteers also provided educational materials and answered questions about Korean history and modern society. In addition to weekly open houses, the organization hosted two major annual events at the cottage: the Korean Lawn Program and December Nights (International Christmas Festival). The Korean Lawn Program featured traditional and modern Korean performances, including dance, music, TaeKwonDo demonstrations, and a Korean food tasting tent. December Nights offered visitors the opportunity to experience Korean winter traditions, sample holiday treats, and participate in hands-on cultural activities, drawing thousands of visitors from the broader San Diego community. Program 3: Youth Cultural Leadership Programs In 2024, the organization continued and expanded its youth engagement efforts through two key initiatives: the Youth Cultural Ambassadors Program and the House of Pacific Relations (HPR) Queen & Princess Program. The Youth Cultural Ambassadors Program involved local Korean-American youth in community leadership, public speaking, and cultural education. Participants received training and led cultural presentations, hosted guests at the Korean cottage, and assisted with special events such as the Korean Lawn Program and December Nights. The program aims to instill pride in cultural heritage and build leadership skills through service and education. In addition, the organization participated in the HPR Queen & Princess Program, a longstanding tradition at Balboa Park that provides a platform for young women representing each member nation to serve as goodwill ambassadors. Our selected Queen and Princess represented Korea at cultural events and official HPR functions throughout the year, including ceremonies, parades, and public speaking engagements. This program promotes cultural diplomacy, youth leadership, and cr”