Fate of Korea House still uncertain -
Community Center or YMCA?

The old Korea House (left), which has been sitting idly since it was ravaged by fire several years ago, has been assessed as plans to turn the old building into something that can be of use to the community are underway.

Governor Togiola Tulafono (right) is not certain whether the old Korea House located at Gagamoe Park in Pago Pago will be converted into a Community Center or a YMCA.

Governor Togiola Tulafono says that the run down Korea House located at Gagamoe Park in Pago Pago will either be converted into a Community Center or a YMCA.

According to the Governor, the Korea House building belongs to the American Samoa Government, despite claims that a local Oriental businessman owns the building which was consumed by a fire a few years ago.

“We have assessed the building and it is structurally okay,” the Governor said. “I am looking for funds to convert it into a Community Center.” He added, “Since I have been here in Honolulu, I am also pursuing an idea to convert this into a YMCA.”

Employees from the Department of Works have already cleaned up the area, mowing the grass and clearing up the surrounding debris. The lot looks cleaner, as the old taxi stand that was located there has been relocated.

The Korea House sits directly to the east of the newly revamped FIFA soccer field which officially opened a few weeks ago with a price tag of over $1 million.