Nam Kwang Orphanage In Busan - Campus Signs

Nam Kwang Orphanage In Busan:
Campus Signs.

Thank you to a KSS Adoptee for sharing her photos of Nam Kwang Orphanage in Busan’s campus signs.

Below find a translation of each sign as well as a Gallery with all of the original campus sign photos together.

Please note that what ChatGPT translates as “Park Tae-deok” is the same name as “Park Tae-duk” (there’s no standard romanization of Hangul) - a name found commonly on Nam Kwang Orphanage in Busan documents.

Translation via Google Lens and ChatGPT.

+

For more info. on Nam Kwang Orphanage in Busan, including it’s current website, address, and contact info. please see:

Sources of KSS Orphans + Orphanage List

+

Photo 1:

**Facility Environment Layout**
Namkwang Social Welfare Association

*(Paperslip Note - The translation is from the top of the image down, hence the jumbled numbers. Scroll down to see a purely sequential list).*

● Namkwang Comprehensive Social Welfare Center
18. Bluebird Park
5. Children's Living Room B
7. Children's Dining Hall
8. Children's Auditorium
19. Walking Path
4. Children's Living Room A
9. Experience Learning Center
10. Playground
20. 70th Anniversary Memorial Park
6. Namkwang Children's Support Center (1st floor Children's Living Room / 2nd floor Children's Office)
11. Lawn Plaza
21. Chogye Park
17. Bamboo Grove
• 24. Parking Lot B
12. Bebeto Toy Land
Namkwang Social Welfare Association
3. Specialized Elderly Care Facility Hahoe Won
22. Foot Bath Room
13. Food Bank
2. Namkwang Welfare Center Annex ① (1st floor Indang Hall / 2nd floor Day Care)
16. Outdoor Stage
Namkwang Welfare Center Main Building (Welfare Center, Elderly Welfare Center)
Namkwang Welfare Center Annex ①
Specialized Elderly Care Facility Hahoe Won
Children's Living Room A
Experience Learning Center
Playground
Lawn Plaza
Bebeto Toy Land
Bluebird Park
Walking Path
70th Anniversary Memorial Park
Chogye Park
Foot Bath Room
Parking Lot
Food Bank
Children's Living Room B
Namkwang Welfare Center Annex
Namkwang Children's Support Center
Horticulture Program Room
Parking Lot B
Children's Dining Hall
Outdoor Stage
Children's Auditorium
Bamboo Grove
Namkwang Welfare Center Main Building (Welfare Center, Elderly Welfare Center)
P
Parking Lot
Namkwang Welfare Center Annex ② (Hyesang Home)
Horticulture Program Room
↑
Main Entrance

Photo 2:

The Namkwang Social Welfare Association is a future-oriented and comprehensive professional social welfare organization. Established in 1946, it began welfare projects for countless children wandering the streets right after liberation and has since carried out a wide range of social welfare activities in response to the changing times and needs. Currently, it provides high-quality social welfare services for all age groups, from children to the elderly, striving to improve the quality of life for marginalized neighbors. The symbol of the Namkwang Social Welfare Association, represented by a sprout, expresses hope that blossoms in love. This embodies the association's philosophy of pursuing a beautiful world where we live together.

Photo 3:

**Corporate Operating Philosophy**
**Mission**
The Namkwang Social Welfare Association strives to create a world where everyone can lead a happy life and live with dignity.
**Core Values**
**Vision**
**Happiness**
We provide optimal professional social welfare services that satisfy everyone.
We lead life changes by practicing love and sharing.
We serve as a hub institution that pioneers social welfare service trends through enhancing our internal capacities.
**Guidelines for Practice**
**1. Respect for people and responsibility**
We practice human-centered social welfare, respecting the basic human rights and diversity of all individuals.
**2. Building a happy community through positive mindsets and confident relationships**
We create a happy community through positive attitudes and trustworthy relationships.
**3. Trust and cooperation centered on the community**
We strive to be an accountable organization through honest practices and transparent operations.
**4. Supporting the community by fostering collaborative partnerships with diverse institutions**
We work together to prevent and resolve social issues by creating collaborative partnerships with various organizations.
**5. Challenges and growth for change**
We foster a culture of innovation and proactive behavior to embrace challenges and lead change.
**6. Contributing to sustainable growth and development in the community**
We develop specialized welfare services and various resources to support the sustainable growth of the community.

Photo 4:

**Introduction of the Founders**
**Late Director Park Tae-deok & Late Director Song Hye-sang**
Director Park Tae-deok graduated from Jeonju Agricultural and Forestry School and initially worked as an agricultural public official. While teaching at Sungdeok Elementary School and married to his wife, Director Song Hye-sang, who had a unique passion for child education, he was introduced to social welfare work through the encouragement of his cousin, who was working at the Gyeongsangnam-do Police Agency.
At that time, Busan was bustling with the repatriation of Japanese citizens and the return of Koreans who had been taken to Japan, leading to many cases of hunger and missing children. In response, Director Park went to the docks every evening to gather children separated from their families, providing them with warm shelter. He emphasized a "positive life" and treated the children "like his own," tirelessly working to address their needs.
The couple nurtured all children equally and emphasized education, supporting underprivileged children to grow up properly. Director Park held joint meetings on the first Sunday of each month, allowing children and staff to communicate and plan activities together, instilling a sense of love and belonging by singing the association's anthem.
The warm dedication of Directors Park and Song became a driving force for the children of Namkwang Academy to grow into healthy members of society. In recognition of their dedication to war orphans and impoverished children, Director Park received several awards, including a commendation from the Minister of Health and Welfare in February 1952, the Mayor of Busan in December of the same year and in March 1956, and the Order of Service Merit in 1985 and 1992. Sadly, he passed away in November due to an unexpected accident. Director Song received a presidential commendation in 1990 and the National Medal in 2004, and she passed away in June of that year.
The noble sacrifice and love of Directors Park and Song, who dedicated their lives to social welfare, are deeply embedded in the operating philosophy of the Namkwang Social Welfare Association and continue to this day.
**Presidential Commendation Award**
Director Park Tae-deok and his wife
A memorial stone for Director Park Tae-deok established at the Namkwang Academy alumni gathering.”

+

**The** **Tombstone text reads:**

**”In Honor of Father Park Tae-deok**
Although a person may pass away, their name, love, and contributions remain forever. The dedication to the underprivileged throughout his life, his passionate heart, and his compassionate spirit serve as a model and mirror for social workers in this country.
We, the over five hundred children who grew up under the nurturing care of Namkwang, establish this small stone to commemorate the grace of a father we can never forget.
November 22, 1993
From your sons and daughters.
This memorial stone for Director Park Tae-deok was established at the Namkwang Academy alumni gathering.

Photo 5:

The Path Taken by Namkwang

■ Establishment and Development (1940s)

1945.11.18: Park Tae-deok appointed as director of Namkwang Academy
1946.12.01: Opening of Namkwang Academy (Daeyeon-dong, Nam-gu, Busan) with childcare facilities, vocational training programs (Horticulture and Livestock departments)
1947.03.01: Enrollment in regular school (conducting external education)
1948.04.10: Opening of Namkwang Barbershop
1949.06.01: Operation of photography department as part of vocational training

■ Trials and Overcoming (1950s)

1950.00.01: Operation of temporary refugee camp due to the Korean War (approximately 480 children from six facilities, including National Child Welfare Center, each Sin Academy, and Central Shelter)
1951.03.16: Joined American private relief organization, Parents' Association
1951.10: Construction of new Namkwang Academy building with UN CAC aid
1952.10.01: Establishment of a branch in Sujeong-dong
1953.09.27: Establishment of a branch in Samgakji, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
1954.02.10: Authorized operation of Inbo Barbershop
1955.06.03: Construction of vocational training facilities and dormitory with support from U.S. Armed Forces Network (AFKN)
1956.07.01: Operation of overseas adoption program for war orphans through Holt International
1957.01.01: Transition to private operation of Namkwang Academy (appointed Park Seon-gi, president of Daesin Fermentation Company, as chairman)
1957.02.01: Graduated 17 students from Seoul National University, Hanyang University, and Busan Fisheries University
1958.01: Opening of 27 Kindergartens (renamed Songchuk Kindergarten)
1959.10.01: Operation of visiting education programs

■ Independence and Leap Forward (1960s)

1961.12.01: Opening of Namkwang Infant Home (Director: Song Hye-sang)
1962.04.30: Construction of settlement facilities as part of vocational training programs
1962.07.01: Delegation of public bathhouse operations at Dongrae Hot Springs
1962.10.05: Wang Shim-eun appointed as chairman of Namkwang Academy
1962.12.31: End of Songjuk Kindergarten operations
1965.08.11: Changed foundation name to Namkwang Child Welfare Foundation (Chairman: Park Tae-deok, Director: Song Hye-sang)
1967.07.02: Opening of Busan Temporary Child Protection Center (Director: Park Tae-deok) and establishment of Namkwang Mobile Counseling Office and Temporary Protection Office
1968.06.10: Wang Seong-eun appointed as chairman of Namkwang Child Welfare Foundation
1968.07.01: Opening of Namling Youth Hostel
1968.09.30: Operation of a farm supported by American donors based on the standards of all Dr. Jung's dairy cows

Photo 6:

The Path Taken by Namkwang

■ Growth and Development (1970s)

1970.10.01: Relocated to new buildings at San 15, Nopo-dong, Dongnae-gu (now Geumjeong-gu), including four structures (24 dormitory rooms, shared office and storage, medical room, dining hall, youth hostel, vocational training room, etc.)
1970.12.22: Construction of the Dairy Village Memorial Hall with support from American donors
1971.05.18: Changed from Namkwang Child Welfare Foundation to Namkwang Child Welfare Corporation
1971.10: Opening of Namkwang Clinic, a non-profit medical facility within Namkwang Academy (Director: Park Tae-deok)
1972.03: Expanded Namkwang Clinic's operations with support from an agreement with 한국사회봉사회 Korea Social Service
1972.06.23: Renamed Namkwang Academy to Namkwang Child Welfare Corporation
1973.07: Established a credit cooperative in Buk-myeon and officially operated the Busan Temporary Child Protection Center
1974.08.12: Officially authorized operation of Namkwang Child Counseling Center, implementing domestic and international adoption placement services
1974.10.07: Merged with the social welfare corporation Hapshimwon
1975.01.10: Established a scholarship program with support from the Child Relief Foundation (Netherlands)
1975.04.01: Operated Jeonggeun Middle School for preschool children (Principal: Song Hye-sang)
1976.04.20: Inauguration of new Namkwang Clinic in Namsan-dong

■ Modernization of Welfare Services (1980s)

1980.01.01: Established the Compassion Family Welfare Busan Branch (Branch Director: Song Hye-sang)
1981.12.31: Ended youth hostel operations
1984.12.01: Concluded operations of Namkwang Clinic and built new facilities in Guseo-dong
1985.05.01: Park Tae-deok received the Order of National Merit, Mugunghwa Medal
1987.10.01: Established a five-year modernization plan for facilities and renovated three buildings
1988.01.10: Invited overseas adult adoptees for a home country visit (132 visitors from four countries)
1989.04.14: Expanded the Busan Temporary Child Protection Center
New construction of Nambyeong Welfare Center inaugurated

Photo 7:

The Path Taken by Namkwang

■ Diversification of Welfare Services (1990s)

1990.05.08: Director Song Hye-sang received a presidential commendation
1991.09.01: Changed the name of the Namkwang Child Welfare Corporation to Namkwang Social Welfare Association
1993.04.30: Opened Namkwang Senior Day Care Center (Namkwang Senior Center)
1994.03.11: Inaugurated Jeollyeong Comprehensive Social Welfare Center and Jeollyeong Daycare Center
1995.02: Established Namkwang Home Service Worker Dispatch Center
1995.05.15: Opened Wachi Comprehensive Social Welfare Center and Dasom Daycare Center
1996.07.01: Opened Namkwang Short-Term Care Center
1996.11.30: Celebrated the 50th anniversary
1998.10.19: Opened Namkwang Comprehensive Social Welfare Center
1999.07.01: Opened Wachi Senior Day Care Center

■ Professionalization of Welfare Services (2000s)

2000.03.02: Park Yang-chun appointed as CEO
2000.06.01: Opened Wachi Inclusive Day Care Center for Disabled Individuals
2000.08.24: Inaugurated Geumjeong Jahwal Guardianship Agency (now Geumjeong District Community Self-Support Center)
2001.02.05: Opened Giuri Mental Disability Community Reintegration Facility
2001.08.01: Opened Geumjeong Youth Self-Support Center
2003.12.01: Opened Shooting Disability Day Care Center
2004.02.10: Opened Wachi Home Service Worker Dispatch Center
2004.05.05: Director Song Hye-sang received the National Decoration
2004.10.07: Opened Jeollyeong Regional Child Center
2005.01.27: Opened Wachi Regional Child Center
2005.05.18: Celebrated the 60th anniversary
2005.11.11: Held a charity golf tournament to commemorate the 60th anniversary

■ A New Leap Forward (2010 and Beyond)

2011.05.01: Reorganized the office of Namkwang Social Welfare Association
2011.05.20: Declared the mission and vision of Namkwang Social Welfare Association
2012.12.01: Formed the Supporters’ Association of Namkwang Social Welfare Association
2014.03.23: Declared the core values of Namkwang Social Welfare Association
2014.12.01: Elected Wang Sang-eun as Honorary Chairman
2016.01: Opened Jeolmyeong Development Support Center
2016.02.24: Celebrated the 70th anniversary

Photo 8:

“Establishment and Development [1940s ~ 1950s]
In the 1940s, Busan took the lead in relief efforts for disaster victims, establishing orphanages to support war orphans and operating relief facilities through donations from external organizations. Namkwang Academy, the predecessor of Namkwang Social Welfare Association, was founded in December 1942 to shelter wandering youths and war orphans in the port area of Busan. After liberation, child welfare activities began in earnest.

On November 18, 1945, after Park Tae-deok was appointed as director, temporary shelters were set up on approximately 5,000 pyeong of land in Daeyeon-dong, Nam-gu, Busan, to care for homeless youths and orphans. The facility was named "Busan Municipal Namkwang Academy" and officially opened on December 1, 1946.

In its early days, Namkwang Academy conducted relief efforts for war orphans gathered from across the country during the chaotic post-war period. To support their independence, vocational training in horticulture, carpentry, and photography was provided. In the 1950s, branches were established in Sujeong-dong and Yongsan-gu, Seoul, for students attending school in Busan and Seoul. Thus, Namkwang Academy created a loving environment for children during a time of social turmoil and economic hardship.

Images:

Observations of abuse during youth
Namkwang Academy children
Director Park Tae-deok warmly embracing the children
Children peacefully sleeping
Children heading to school with determination to learn
Woodworking activities as part of vocational training
10th anniversary celebration of Namkwang Academy
Song Hye-sang personally styling children's hair

Photo Caption Lower Right:

"Namkwang Academy Beach Recreation Center."

Photo 9:

Independence and Leap Forward [1960s]
In the 1960s, the rapid increase in hunger and missing children necessitated the expansion and enhancement of facilities. In response, the Namkwang Social Welfare Association began operating the Namkwang Infant Home as a branch with the support of Busan city.

In 1965, the foundation changed the name of Namkwang Infant Home to Namkwang Child Welfare Center, and in 1967, it opened the Busan Temporary Child Protection Center as part of a city commission, actively working to address issues related to hunger and missing children.

Additionally, the Namkwang Child Counseling Center was established, initiating domestic and international adoption programs, marking a significant growth toward becoming a specialized child welfare institution. Despite budget constraints from the government, efforts were made to secure funding through membership in external organizations like Compassion, aiming to ensure healthy development for vulnerable children in the region and address local issues.

Efforts to improve child welfare and promote independence were also actively pursued. To support the independence of discharged children, a public bathhouse was operated at Dongrae Hot Springs, along with the management of a farm and poultry house. In 1968, the first youth hostel in the country, Namkwang Youth Hostel, was opened, further diversifying child welfare programs.

Images:

Graduation ceremony at Busan Fisheries University
Bright smiles of Namkwang children
Relief activities by the American organization, Parents' Association
Graduation photos of Namkwang Academy students
Compassion sponsors with Namkwang children
Director Song Hye-sang greeting the First Lady, Yuk Young-soo

Photo 10:

Growth and Development [1970s]
Until the 1960s, the Namkwang Social Welfare Association was based in Daeyeon-dong but relocated to Nopo-dong in Dongnae-gu (now Geumjeong-gu) in 1970. In 1971, it changed its status from a foundation to a social welfare corporation.

During this period, the Namkwang Social Welfare Association expanded its specialized areas of child welfare while also running support programs for single mothers and sponsorship initiatives. To enhance medical welfare for the local community, Namkwang Clinic was established. The clinic provided health check-ups for facility children as well as free medical services for low-income residents, free childbirth for single mothers, regular sanitation efforts, and mobile medical services. Additionally, a credit cooperative was established and operated in the Buk-myeon area, laying the groundwork for future local welfare initiatives.

In the 1970s, support from external organizations gradually diminished. Despite increased government financial support, the facility faced significant financial challenges in its operations. To address the funding shortage, sponsorship efforts were organized through resource exploration within domestic and international institutions and the local community. This led to active scholarship programs for local residents, continually striving to improve community welfare and the quality of life for its inhabitants.

Images:

Inauguration ceremony for the new Namkwang Clinic
These efforts continued into the 1980s, allowing the Namkwang Social Welfare Association to establish itself as a key player in a wide range of welfare programs, expanding beyond child welfare.
Namkwang Youth Hostel
Namkwang Clinic
Visit from a visiting instructor at Namkwang Youth Hostel
Directors visiting an overseas adoption family in Denmark
Children starting the new school year

Photo 11:

Modernization of Welfare Services [1980s]
In the 1980s, the Namkwang Social Welfare Association not only actively pursued its existing child welfare programs but also continued the local welfare initiatives from previous periods, playing a leading role in meeting the welfare needs of the community.

During this time, issues of hunger and missing children continued to rise, prompting further activation of the Namkwang Social Welfare Association's child welfare programs. The association established its status as a representative child welfare institution in Busan through exemplary operations such as the Namkwang Child Welfare Center, Namkwang Child Counseling Center, and Busan Temporary Child Protection Center.

Images:

Director Park Tae-seok receiving a national decoration
Group photo after the presidential election
A high school girl smiling brightly on her entrance ceremony day
40th anniversary celebration
The support from various sponsors and volunteers connected through the diverse external activities of Directors Park Tae-deok and Song Hye-sang became a significant stepping stone for the modernization of child welfare services. This also greatly contributed to the activation of welfare projects for local residents that had been pursued with interest since earlier periods.

Even before the concept of local welfare had firmly established itself in our society, the Namkwang Social Welfare Association had shown considerable interest in welfare programs for community residents and actively promoted related activities. In the 1980s, it engaged in even more vigorous local welfare activities, creating a lasting impression of "Namkwang Social Welfare Association for the Local Community."

Image: