My name is Sarah, and I am an M.A. student from the University of Tuebingen in Germany, majoring in Politics and Society of East Asia with a focus on the Korean Peninsula and China. My research centers on the social integration and migration of North Korean refugees to South Korea, with a particular emphasis on their personal and social experiences after several years of living in the country, and the impact these experiences have on various aspects of their lives.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to complete a 3-month internship at the NGO Saejowi, which works closely with North Korean refugees to improve their daily welfare. It was inspiring to witness the range of activities they offer to help North Koreans connect with others and become more self-sufficient in their daily lives. Reflecting on my experience, what stood out most to me was the focus on both physical and psychological support.
Medical consultation is offered at four medical support centers across South Korea, and after visiting two of these centers in Seoul, I gained a deeper understanding of the importance of medical support as a fundamental need for North Korean refugees to start a new life in the South. I had the privilege of speaking with some North Koreans who were using these services. They all expressed their gratitude for the medical consultation they received prior to treatment, emphasizing that without this guidance, they might never have pursued the care they needed.
In addition to physical health, Saejowi places a strong emphasis on mental health. I had the opportunity to participate in group coaching sessions led by professional psychological counselors, aimed at improving mental well-being and trauma management strategies. It became clear that this kind of support is essential for coping with personal trauma, especially in a society where most people do not share similar experiences.
Throughout my internship, I was responsible for managing social media content and appreciated the creative freedom I was given in terms of design and topics. Creating social media posts allowed me to reflect on the experiences I observed. For example, while creating content about the annual unification education theater for South Korean elementary, middle, and high school students, I reflected deeply on the messages conveyed in the plays and how they were perceived by others. I believe that expanding education about North Korea and ethical issues at an early age in South Korean schools is key to fostering future understanding between the two societies, and would also benefit the North Koreans living in the South.
Lastly, one of the most meaningful experiences during my internship was a trip to Hanawon with a group of Saejowi staff and North Koreans. Foreigners rarely get the chance to visit these facilities, let alone stay overnight. During the visit, I had the opportunity to engage with many North Koreans, which greatly enhanced my understanding of how they feel about life in South Korean society.
Overall, Saejowi feels like a family. I spent four out of five days a week at the office, where I was always provided with lunch, coffee, and snacks. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, answering my questions openly, even though my Korean was not always perfect. This internship not only gave me valuable insights into working with North Koreans within the current social and political context, but it also helped me grow as a person, making me more confident in my Korean language skills and deepening my understanding of the North Korean community.
I sincerely hope that Saejowi continues its important work of healing and connecting the people of North and South Korea. Thank you for this invaluable experience, and I wish everyone all the best for the future!
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