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영어

According to the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction Secretariat, 9 among the top 10 countries with the highest disaster‐related deaths were situated in Asia. South Korea, being a developed country, suffers great physical and psychological damage from these disaster‐related adversities. The endless pursuit of the Korean government to reduce numbers of high death tolls, casualties and economic losses caused by either natural or human‐induced disasters has made its turn by providing its people a more holistic approach. As material relief helps disaster victims regain their physical losses, the government sees it as equally important to aid their psychological needs to prevent longterm mental health problems. Recently, numerous cases of post‐disaster mental problems were given attention. In effect, a nationwide psychological support system was carefully planned and finally realized early this year. This paper highlights Korea’s first regional psychological support center for disaster victims, its humble beginnings and by far, its latest accomplishments. With the establishment of this center, Korea continues its pursuit to improve its people’s quality of life and create a better future for generations to come.