Pictured above: Sam Chok, 1979: with Sisters Joan McDermott, Ellen Keating and Winfried Cunnigham
We continue to celebrate the 70th anniversary of our cherished association and connection with Korea with reflections of Sisters who spent time there over the decades. We have also found some wonderful old photos in the treasure trove of our Archives to share.
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Having sailed out of Dublin North Quay and travelled halfway round the World, via Suez Canal I arrived eventually in Incheon Port Korea in the month of April 1967. I recall it was a Saturday and by Monday of the following week I was studying Korean language in Yonsei Foreign Languages Dept. in Seoul! War broke out in June 1967 and, as a consequence, the Suez Canal was closed for years so that ended the practice of sailing to the Missions. Flying was now becoming the norm.
I am told that Korea has changed in the intervening years, since 1989 when I left there. I can well believe it because the country was struggling and the population was in very great need in the post-war 1960s. What impressed me most was the determination of the people to work hard and struggle to build up their beloved country – no matter what. Education was most important. Parents and grandparents alike made big sacrifices so that the next generation would continue their schooling and get into University and be well equipped to achieve such remarkable recovery. I knew a woman who pushed a cart in the streets selling “yun-tan” coal, so that her young son could continue his university studies!
Sr Joan McDermott
Mokpo, early 1960s: onboard a boat with Sisters Cecily McMahon and Zita O’Loughlin
Mokpo, 1960: with Sisters Cecily McMahon and Regis Smyth
Mokpo, 1950s: Sister Mary Roberta with two young friends
Hallim, early 1960s: with Sisters Imelda Crowley, Rosarii McTigue, Father O’Gorman, Brid Kenny, Elizabeth Taaffe, and Declan O’Dea
Mokpo, 1960: with Sisters Cecily McMahon, Clare Farren, and Stephanie King
Mokpo, 1970s: with Sisters Laurentia Harvey and Susan Keating
Mokpo, 1960s: Sister Eileen Kiely helping child with amputated leg
Sam Chok, 1970: Sister Evelyn Mannion with a young friend
St. Columban’s Clinic, Chun Chon, 1960s