The South Korean government has donated $1 million — the single largest contribution — toward the establishment of a Korean Cultural Center in Hawai'i.

"It's good news for the Korean community," said Kwan Jay Cho, co-chairman of the nonprofit Korean Cultural Center.

The $1 million grant to the Korean Consulate General in Honolulu is to help build or purchase property for the cultural center, according to the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea.

"The Korean Consulate General in Honolulu hopes that the Korean government's generosity is translated into a good momentum to draw more active participation from the local community in Hawai'i for the establishment of the Korean Cultural Center that will bring both the Korean and local community in Hawai'i together more tightly, thereby contributing to the better understanding between Korea and the United States," the consulate general said in a statement.

The fundraising effort began in January 2006 and has raised $250,000, Cho said. The current goal is to raise $20 million.

Organizers hope to use the center to teach Korean language, culture and history and showcase Korean products, as well as a gathering place for senior citizens of Korean ancestry, Cho said.