Saejowi Initiative for National Integration

Saejowi is a nonprofit organization located in Seoul, Korea that assists North Korean refugees' resettlement by providing medical assistance, counseling, training, and employment services. Established in 1988, we operate 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 (13 years) and counseling (12 years) are the longest standing programs of their kind in the country. The organization is recognized as the standard for refugee counseling licenses and documenting the qualitatively different medical needs of North Korean refugees. Working with and through the nation's five exclusive medical counseling centers for North Korean refugees, we have helped refugees get back on their feet through programs focusing on mental health and rehabilitation. Over the past decade, we have 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 focusing first on establishing emotional stability as a precondition for vocational training or education services. In addition, we make 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 socio-economic context of North Korea. Our programs are funded by donations from its membership, grants from Korean government ministries, North Korea-related foundations, and other private sector donors. We have also received support from the U.S. Department of State for operating a North Korean refugee home counselling program.