Saejowi North Korean Defectors' Medical Consultation Center at the Inje University Busan Paik Hospital in Busan:
"It feels like just yesterday that the North Korean Defectors' Medical Consultation Room was established, but already five years have passed. On April 27, 2018, a significant event took place at the Chungsong Hall International Video Conference Room, where Dr. Sang-Hoon Oh, Director of the Hospital, Director Byung-Cheol Lim of Hana Center, and Saejowi's representative Mi-Nyeo Shin, among other hospital officials, gathered to sign the [MOU for Support and Cooperation for North Korean Defectors]. This was a meaningful moment where we came together to discuss and deliberate on ways to enhance the health of North Korean defectors.
The Saejowi North Korean Defectors' Medical Consultation Center is located in the Buho Hall and operates from 9 AM to 6 PM, with 24-hour phone availability. The individuals served by this center are North Korean defectors, who, due to severe famine and systemic collapse in North Korea between 1994 and 2000, fled to South Korea in search of a better life. These defectors now live as South Korean citizens.
The consultation room offers counseling to help North Korean defectors cope with the trauma they experienced during their dangerous escape and the depression and anxiety they may face while adjusting to a new culture in South Korea. Additionally, we provide guidance and connections to medical support, helping them navigate the differences between the medical systems and language barriers in North and South Korea. For those coming from regions like Gyeongnam, Busan, and Ulsan, the consultation room serves as a comforting space, akin to a home, where they can share their stories and relieve their longing for their hometown.
The visitors who come to the consultation room often express deep gratitude, and it is clear that their demeanor changes significantly from when they first arrive to when they leave after receiving treatment."
Saejowi North Korean Defectors' Medical Consultation Center (How to Find Us)
Location: Buho Hall, Inje University Paik Hospital, Bokji-ro 70, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Transportation: Get off at Gaegeum Station, Exit 3 or 5 (Village Bus No. 10 and Inje University Paik Hospital Shuttle Bus run at 5-minute intervals)
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