Official documents by state actors are one of the main types of information sources used
for understanding North Korea. Beside these documents, defector-migrants’ accounts provide an alternative source - possibly even a window into the private everyday life of North Korean citizens. Another information source is data on foreign trade, which offers a glimpse into North Korea's integration into regional and international markets and connectedness. Lastly, individual travel reports from North Korea may offer valuable information on everyday life in the rural North Korea, especially so when there's direct contact with locals.

Three presenters are invited to the 2022 Freie University Berlin – Institute of Korean Studies special lecture series “Understanding North Korea”. The first presenter, Joseph Lee is senior researcher at the Korean International Trade Association currently writing a doctoral thesis on Korean international trade. The next presenter Dr. Hyuk Jung has written his doctoral thesis on defector-migrants. The final presenter is Jaeeyon Chung, who traveled North Korea twice, in 2018 and 2019. In 2019, she had the opportunity to stay at a private house in North Hamgyong Province.

A Day in the Life: Visiting North Korea

Presenter: Jaeeyon Chung (Director of Programs at an English school, TalkHow)

Jae-eyon Chung is an English teacher and a travel blogger with a passion for exploring exciting destinations and writing about their cultures and foods. Born and raised in South Korea, she visited North Korea in 2018 and 2019, publishing her first North Korean travelogue, "A Day in the Life: Visiting North Korea", in 2019, a book which began as a series of blog entries. Ms. Chung currently teaches English in Seoul and is involved in developing English education programs as a representative of TalkHow English Education Center and has given numerous presentations across South Korea about her North Korean travel experience. Currently, Ms Chung is also completing work toward her MA in TESOL from Bond University, to be awarded in late 2022. 

"In 2018, I was fortunate to have a rare opportunity for someone born and raised in South Korea: I was able to visit North Korea as a tourist. I have now enjoyed two trips to North Korea. I shared food and stayed in the homes of some of my generous North Korean neighbours. If you ask me what North Korea was like, I will say without hesitation, 'I have friends there.' I look forward to sharing some of the things I learned and specific changes in my perspective on North Korea between what I felt and believed before and after my trips." - Jaeeyon Chung

Moderator: Dr. Hojye Kang

Online event

Time:

Tuesday, 17 May 2022

2:15-3:45 PM

Venue:

Webex (online)

Online registration:

https://fu-berlin.webex.com/fu-berlin-en/j.php?RGID=r1db91bb2a9706181f04949df6a2479e6

Organiser:

Dr. Hojye Kang: hojye.kang@fu-berlin.de