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Changgwang kindergarten, which is one of the most famous ones in Pyongyang.
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Missionary worker says that after the nuclear test, most foreigners have left
A Korean Christian residing overseas, who has helped North Korean children on humanitarian missions, sent a letter to The Hankyoreh on October 24. The letter expressed North Korea’s hardships since its recent nuclear test. After the letter was printed in The Hankyoreh, many people wrote in; The Hankyoreh sent their responses to the writer. The following is the writer’s reply. I left North Korea a short while ago, after taking care of the children staying there. I am going to return to North Korea on the afternoon of October 30 with medical supplies and things necessary for farming. I gave you a telephone call after checking my e-mail, but I couldn’t reach you. Therefore, I am writing a letter to you. I hope that you are healthy mentally and physically so that you can do the more decisive things that only newspaper writers can do in times of confusion. I don’t know how to express my feelings. Since the nuclear crisis, North Koreans’ attitude toward our existence has softened remarkably . People who used to be cold, even hostile toward us, clearly feel gratitude for our continuous visits. These days, most North Koreans I meet are depressed and nervous. The following are their questions to me: Executive members or instructors: "You came again. Most Chinese businessmen who used to constantly visit our nation have withdrawn, and group tourists have cancelled their tours, but you are different. Thank you very much." Person in charge of a border checkpoint: "They will issue a ban on your activities, as well. Even then, will you still come here? What will happen to the orphans that you take care of? I want to help them; what can I do?" An executive member: "I heard that you have a hard time bringing up our children well, but North Korean workers give you trouble instead of helping you. I am sorry. As you are their senior, teach them a lesson." Construction organization and its staff: "It is said that the Chinese will leave this country. Will you leave, too?" While other foreigners have left North Korea one after another, we have enlarged our presence there. Seeing this, the local authorities began spending their weekends to lay the foundations for a farm. It is clear that they appreciate us for our work and our continuous stay. I feel pity for them.
