As vice president of the Southeast U.S. Korean Chamber of Commerce, Chunghee “Abbie” Park works with Korean companies entering the United States to help them connect and network within the community. Her outgoing personality makes her a perfect fit for this role. She collaborates with the Korean Center, helps organize the Korean Festival and introduces Korean businesses to the area. Chunghee also assists with translation and connects Koreans from Norcross and Gateway85 to each other and to local leaders.
Growing up in South Korea, Chunghee never imagined she would one day be a vital networking presence in Gwinnett County and throughout the Southeast. She now holds a direct connection with the Korean Consulate’s office and many other organizations, and she enjoys her role as a “Chief Networker” at events like Veterans Association Independence Day on March 1 and Korean War Memorial Day on June 25. Often seen in beautiful traditional attire, Chunghee—known as Abbie in English—embodies the immigrant spirit that enriches our country by boosting the economy, adding to cultural diversity and introducing new dimensions to society.
Born and raised in South Korea, Chunghee is the eldest child of a Navy father with traditional morals and values and a mother who encouraged her children to see beyond traditional roles. Her mother filled their home with music and always reminded Chunghee that curiosity and education open doors to endless possibilities.
Inspired by this mindset, Chunghee’s mother moved the family to Seoul, where Chunghee attended a prestigious private school. She lived in the dorms, received an excellent education and expanded her piano skills, performing beyond the family home and church.
In her late teens, Chunghee transitioned to a school in London, dreaming of furthering her education in the United States. She studied English and immersed herself in popular culture. At 19, she took a 13-hour flight to Georgia to pursue a degree in music performance at Georgia State University. Adapting to American life was challenging, especially due to the large, open campus, but with the support of the Korean American church community and her classmates, she gradually adjusted. “I had a bit of a language problem, so it was hard to communicate, but playing music helped me relax,” she recalls.
With a bachelor’s and master’s degree and a passion for learning, Chunghee set her sights on New York City, where she earned her doctorate at New York University. Years later, she returned to Georgia, settling in Gwinnett County and building a new life with her daughters after a difficult divorce.
As she began her business career, Chunghee adopted the American name “Abbie,” which rhymed with the name her sister had chosen, symbolizing a fresh start. Deeply committed to her community, she eventually became vice president of the Southeast U.S. Korean Chamber of Commerce, an organization focused on strengthening economic ties between the U.S. and South Korea. In this role, which she has held for four years, she helps Korean companies find locations in the Norcross area. “Many Koreans are shy and afraid to negotiate because they feel like their English is poor, so they call on me to negotiate for them,” she explains. The Chamber is dedicated to promoting investment and building business relationships. Because of her extensive connections in Gwinnett, Chunghee also facilitates cultural events, including the Korean Lunar New Year Festival.
Most recently, Chunghee founded her own nonprofit, Georgia Community Aid, which offers music lessons to people of all ages. Drawing on her personal experience adjusting to life in America, she also helps other Koreans navigate the complexities of living in a new country, guiding them through setting up bank accounts, obtaining driver’s licenses and securing health insurance.
In many ways, Chunghee’s journey reflects the essence of the American Dream. Her success isn’t solely personal but is rooted in her dedication to uplifting others along the way. From her early days of navigating new cultures to her current leadership in the Korean business community, Chunghee demonstrates that the American Dream isn’t defined by where you come from but by how you move forward. Through her nonprofit and her work, she continues to pay it forward. With persistence, heart and a little music, she proves that the doors to opportunity are always open.
