Won Pal Chung

1935 - 2015

Won Pal Chung, M.D., passed away, at age 79, on Monday, Aug. 10, 2015. Most friends and acquaintances fondly referred to him as Dr. Chung. He was born on Dec. 25, 1935, near Pyongyang, North Korea, to Suk Yun and Sang Joon Chung. Dr. Chung and his family fled North Korea during the war in 1949, and settled in Seoul, South Korea, where he graduated from Yonsei University Medical School in 1960. He then immigrated with his wife, Soon, to the United States, where he completed his surgical residency at Brooklyn Cumberland Hospital and obtained his board certification in Colon and Rectal Surgery at Temple University. In 1969, Dr. Chung moved his young family to Nome, Alaska, to serve as the Medical Director of the Maynard-McDougall Memorial hospital for almost two years before relocating to Anchorage, Alaska, where he established a well-known medical and surgical practice. Residing in Anchorage, Dr. Chung recognized the growing number of Koreans settling in Alaska and actively advocated in support of the Korean community and diversity initiatives over his lifetime. In 1976, Dr. Chung was elected President of the Korean Community of Anchorage and served multiple terms. He founded the Korean Language School and served as an instructor in 1982, and then founded and operated the Alaska Korea Broadcasting Company in 1983, to bring Korean television to the Anchorage community. That same year he founded the Asian Alaskan Cultural Center to promote understanding and relationships between Asians and Americans. In 1987, Dr. Chung founded the Korean Community Center of Anchorage. He was named Alaskan of the Year, Denali Award recipient for community service in 1995, and in 1996, served as a member of Bridge Builders to build community among all racial and cultural groups. Dr. Chung was a 2001 Recipient of the Mayor's Award for Public Service as a member of the Public Safety Advisory Commission 1996-2001. He was active in the Korean church throughout his lifetime, served as the physician for Korean Airlines personnel for several decades and as a member of the Sister Cities Commission on behalf of Anchorage and Incheon, South Korea to promote international trade and cultural exchanges. Dr. Chung also served as a long-standing member of the Korean Reunification Advisory Council. Dr. Chung is survived by his wife, Soon; along with their children, Mary Hayes, George Chung, Susan Chung, Marian Jones and Angela Chung. He is also survived by two brothers; three sisters; and six grandchildren. Visitation will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church at 12310 Lorraine Street, in the small sanctuary, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015. Funeral services will be held immediately afterwards in the main sanctuary. Reception will be held after the services. Arrangements are with Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel.