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Saejowi is a nonprofit organization located in South Korea that assists North Korean refugees’ resettlement by providing medical assistance, counselling, training, and employment services. Established in 1988, Saejowi operates strictly as a non-political and non-religious organization. We serve as a trusted partner of Korean government agencies and researchers by conducting public opinion surveys and providing policy advice on issues related to refugees and socioeconomic changes within North Korea. Our work in refugee medical assistance for 13 years and counselling for 11 years are the longest standing programs of their kind in the country. We are recognized as the standard for refugee counselling licenses and documenting the qualitatively different medical needs of North Korean refugees.

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Over the past decade, Saejowi has provided direct services to over one-third of the total North Korean refugee population in the South through its medical assistance centers. The true impact of our programs lies in its ability to address root causes, such as focusing first on establishing emotional stability as a precondition for vocational training or education services. In addition, our organization sure that all who wish to work in the service of refugees, both South Koreans and North Korean refugees themselves, have a broad and in-depth understanding of the socioeconomic context of North Korea.

 

Saejowi’s programs are funded by donations from its membership, grants from Korean government ministries, North Korea-related foundations, and other private sector donors. Most recently, we received support from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, & Migration for operating a North Korean refugee home counselling program