Han Bi-ya facts for kids

Han Bi-ya (Hangul: 한비야; born June 26, 1958) is a famous South Korean writer and humanitarian worker. She helps people in need around the world. She has written many popular travel books. She also led the Emergency Relief Team for World Vision Korea, an organization that helps people in crisis.

Many people in South Korea look up to her. She is known as one of the most respected Koreans. In August 2009, she left her work at World Vision. She wanted to study more about how to help people in need. She went to Tufts University to learn about humanitarian work.

About Han Bi-ya

Her School Days

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

Amazing Travels

Han Bi-ya first became well-known 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 travel. From 1993 to 1999, she traveled all over the world.

Before her travels, Han Bi-ya had a good job. She worked at a big public relations company. But she decided to quit and follow her passion: exploring the world.

She traveled to many faraway places, often alone and on foot. She rarely took airplanes. Her trips were special because she often stayed with local people. This helped her truly experience their culture. She wrote about facing difficult and sometimes dangerous situations. Her exciting stories have inspired many readers.

Her travels made her want to help others. She realized that the world is like a "Global House." This means we are all connected and should care for each other. Han Bi-ya decided to dedicate her life to helping refugees. She said that helping people now makes her heart beat with joy.

Helping People in Need

From 2001, Han Bi-ya was the leader of the World Vision Korea Emergency Relief Team. She worked to help people in many countries. She traveled to places in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and other parts of the world. She helped people affected by wars and disasters.

She realized how important it is to prevent conflicts. She hopes to find new ways to deal with international problems. Her book, March to the World, Off the Map, shares stories from her relief work. It talks about both sad and happy moments.

Inspiring Others

Han Bi-ya often shares her wisdom. She believes that the happiest people do what they truly love. She says bravery comes from not being afraid to try new things. If you find something you care deeply about, nothing can stop you.

She also advises young people to follow their own path. She tries new things at any age. She doesn't compare her life to others.

Han Bi-ya has become a hero for many young people in Korea. Many young women have started backpacking trips. They follow her routes and explore the world. She teaches young Koreans to be brave and help others. She encourages them to use their talents to make the world a better place.

Her Impact

Global Help

Han Bi-ya's work has made a big difference. After her book "March to the World, Off the Map" came out in 2005, donations to World Vision increased. This helped more people around the world. She also worked with the World Food Program (WFP).

Global Citizenship School

She used money from her book and advertising fees to start the World Vision Global Citizenship School. This school teaches young people about global issues. It helps them learn how to be good global citizens. In 2011, she became the first Principal of this school.

As a Teacher

After publishing "March to the World, Off the Map," she started giving many public talks. In 2012, she became a visiting professor. She taught at Ewha Womans University's Graduate School of 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