Han Bi-ya facts for kids

Han Bi-ya (Hangul: 한비야; born June 26, 1958) is a well-known South Korean travel writer and relief worker. She helps people in need and speaks up for poverty reduction and refugees. Han Bi-ya has written many popular travel books. She also led the Emergency Relief Team for World Vision Korea.

She is considered one of the most impactful celebrities in South Korea. A 2009 survey showed she was one of the most respected Koreans among university students. In August 2009, she left World Vision to study more about humanitarian work at Tufts University.

About Han Bi-ya

Her Education Journey

Han Bi-ya went to Seungeui Girls' High School in Seoul. She studied English literature at Hongik University. Later, she completed her advanced studies at the University of Utah. In 2009, she continued her learning at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.

Amazing Travels

Han Bi-ya first became famous because of her travel books. She wrote a four-book series called Daughter of the Wind: Three and a Half Times Around the Globe on Foot. This series shared stories from her seven years of traveling the world, from 1993 to 1999. Han had left a good job at a big company to follow her passion for travel.

She explored many parts of the world, often alone and on foot. She rarely took flights. Her trips were special because she often stayed with local people. This helped her truly experience their culture. In some places, like Afghanistan, it can be very hard and even dangerous for a woman to do this. Han wrote that she faced risky situations but was lucky to survive. Her exciting stories have captured many readers.

Her travels made her want to help others. She realized that the world is not just a "Global Village." Instead, she saw it as a "Global House," where everyone is connected. This feeling inspired her to dedicate her life to helping refugees. Han Bi-ya has said she would no longer travel for fun. She found enough joy in her journeys. Now, helping refugees is what truly excites her.

Helping People in Emergencies

From 2001 to 2009, Han Bi-ya was a leader for the World Vision Korea Emergency Relief Team. She worked to raise awareness about refugee crises around the world. She helped people in many regions, including Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Europe and America.

Han Bi-ya believes her relief work showed her how important it is to prevent wars and conflicts. She hopes to use her experiences to help solve international problems in the future. Her book, March to the World, Off the Map, shares both the sad and happy moments from her work. She has also appeared on TV to talk about her experiences.

Inspiring Others

Han Bi-ya often shares her wisdom. She says the happiest people are those who do what they truly want. She believes bravery comes from not being afraid to try new things. The stronger your desire, the braver you become. If you find something you care about deeply, nothing can stop you.

She also advises young people to follow their own life path. She tries new things at any age, without comparing herself to others. Han Bi-ya has become a very inspiring figure for young people in Korea. Many young women have started backpacking trips, following her adventurous spirit. She teaches a valuable lesson about helping others and making the world a better place. Through her stories, many young Koreans learn to explore the world and use their talents to help others.

Her Impact

Global Aid and Education

Han Bi-ya has made a big difference in global relief efforts. After her book "March to the World, Off the Map" was published in 2005, donations to World Vision increased. She also helped create relief teams and worked with the World Food Program (WFP).

She used money from her book and advertising fees to start the World Vision Global Citizenship School. She also provides audio guides at the Global Citizenship Education Center in Seoul Land. In 2011, she became the first Principal of the World Citizenship School. This school teaches young people about being good global citizens.

As a Teacher and Speaker

After publishing "March to the World, Off the Map," Han Bi-ya began giving public lectures. In 2012, she became a visiting professor at Ewha Womans University. She teaches students about international studies.

Awards and Recognition

• Youth Leader in Korea (YWCA), 2004
• One of the "100 people brightening the world" (Korea Green Foundation)

See also

• World Vision
• Humanitarian aid