By Kang Hyun-kyung
LIMA ― Those who live in Comas in the northern Lima still remember a dedicated, caring Korean volunteer who worked for two years from 2005 at the Laura Rodriguez Clinic Center, named after the first female Peruvian doctor.
Kim Myeong-seon, a former Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) volunteer, worked there as a nurse. The community was fond of her because of her open-mindedness and humble and caring personality.
“Comas people liked her so much that they pleaded with KOICA to extend her stay here when her volunteer contract neared its end. The aid agency agreed to our request and she was here with us one more year,” said Noe Abad, director of the clinic.
The residents wanted the female Korean volunteer to marry a Peruvian man so that she could be with them for the rest of her life.
“But this turned out to be wishful thinking,” said Abad.
“Most Korean volunteers here go through difficult times for the first three or four months because of the language barrier. After that time period, they adapt to the new neighborhood very well and actively participate in community activities.”
Among the many Korean volunteers who have worked at the clinic, Kim was particularly special to the Comas people.
“From a Peruvian’s perspective, Korea has an advanced medical industry. Its technology and medical expertise are awesome. So the Comas people thought that Korean doctors or nurses could be arrogant,” Abad said. “Kim helped the residents break the stereotype.”
Approximately 450,000 people reside in the Comas district. The majority are working-class families.
The clinic has provided medical services to the local people since 1994 after the construction of the KOICA-financed medical facility was completed.
The local people were impressed by Kim’s warmth and came to have a good image of Koreans because of her.
During her stay at the clinic, Kim was in charge of a diabetic program. She paid visits to local patients, listened to their stories and became friends with them.
“She was a warm person and that’s why people here liked her so much,” said Abad. After returning to Korea, Kim travelled to Peru for a reunion visit two years ago and enjoyed spending time with the local people.
Kim’s contact information was unavailable to hear her personal story and experience in Comas.