COLLECTION NAME:
Graduate Thesis Collection
Record
Title:
Integrating North Korean Defectors: Reframing the Current Hana Center as a Third Place
Creator:
Cho, Sylvia Youngsuk
Subject:
Thesis (M.F.A.) -- Interior Design
Subject:
Savannah College of Art and Design -- Department of Interior Design
Rights:
Copyright is retained by the authors or artists of items in this collection, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.
Abstract:
Despite governmental and non-governmental support, most North Korean defectors fail to integrate into South Korean society. The transition for female North Korean defectors is especially challenging because of the trauma from their journey to South Korea. In adjusting to a new society, many are faced with physical and psychological problems compounded by unemployment and social discrimination; daunting obstacles to successful resettlement and integration. To address the continued presence and influx of these defectors, Hana Centers work closely with the defectors in their residential area. These facilities are local government-funded and operated environmental adjustment reeducation centers. They provide three weeks of training and one year of counseling when needed. However, the current Hana Centers lack a third component - attractions and destinations - for female defectors to come and actively get involved in.
Abstract:
As defined by Oldenburg (1989), the third place is an informal gathering space that provides a neutral ground for social interaction of the whole community. It is a place beyond the realms of home and work to increase a sense of community. Using this principle, the current Hana Center model can be reframed as a Third Place. These centers can be better utilized to provide female defectors and local residents a safe and inclusive place to receive educational trainings, and find solidarity through human interactions within a setting different from other third places. Through a refocused approach to social interactions, the new community-based Hana Center will help defectors feel a stronger sense of belonging to the community and overcome their past trauma. As a result, the new model will facilitate the successful transition and integration of female North Korean defectors into South Korean society.
Publisher:
Savannah, Georgia : Savannah College of Art and Design
Date:
2013-05
Format:
PDF : 78 p. : ill