It is a scene that I will remember for a long time. As new refugees in South Korea – all women – and the volunteers of the event parted in tears as the bus took the refugees back to Hanawon. It was as if they were together for a whole week, but in reality it was only a few hours.
North Korean refugees board a bus headed back to Hanawon after their city tour.
I have had the privilege of meeting North Korean refugees on many stages of their journey to freedom. Many stand out in my mind, but in March, I got to witness something special. It was the first day that North Koreans arriving in South Korea were allowed out of their cocoon at Hanawon. The event was hosted by a church in Seoul. Each refugee was assigned a “buddy,” or older South Korean woman from the host church.
The Resettlement Process
In their first months in South Korea, North Koreans are not afforded the freedom to explore their new country. They must pass a strict interview process conducted by South Korean intelligence to ensure they are not spies. Then they go to Hanawon, which is a facility where they learn the basics of South Korean life. They learn about democracy, receive job training, and are given comprehensive medical care in this 12-week program. During this crash course on how to live in the free world, they are gradually immersed into “regular” life on days like the one I witnessed.
As we waited for the groups to return from their day out learning how to use public transportation, going to a grocery store, and venturing into other shops, our team from Crossing Borders went to a nearby cafe. After spending a few minutes at this cafe, we saw some women from this refugee group enter the same cafe. The business specialized in dessert waffles and the women seemed intrigued at the menu.
After their time out, we all gathered at the host church. I was given the opportunity to speak to this group to introduce them to Crossing Borders and the services we provide in South Korea. But before I got into the details, I told them a story about how, just that morning, my colleague and I got on the wrong bus and were confused about paying for our ride. I assured them that it is okay to not know everything in their new country and that, eventually, they’ll be pros.
Returning to Hanawon
The church group was kind enough to give each woman gifts for their new lives in South Korea: pots and pans they can use in their new apartments. As officials and pastors stood and gave brief remarks, refugees listened intently. Many held hands with their South Korean guides. It had the feel of parents teaching their children how to live on their own.
When it was time for them to go back to Hanawon, last goodbyes were said, accompanied by warm embraces and tears. It is against Hanawon policy for any of the volunteers to exchange contact information with the women they met. So for many, that would be the last time they would see their new friends. It made me think about the hard journey ahead for the refugee women. They were all filled with hopes, fears, and dreams, and these emotions were palpable to all who were there.
I prayed that they would remember this church, its volunteers and Crossing Borders if and when they faced hardship. It is simply not possible for those present at the event or even for the South Korean government to cover all of the needs of North Korean refugees resettling in South Korea. But God calls us to care for the vulnerable and love the lost. Whether that is a few days, a few months or many years in their new home, we hope to share the hope of Jesus to all North Korean refugees.
