By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee 

Speaker Choi Ho-jeong of Seoul Metropolitan Council visited the Evergreen Tree Welfare Center in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, Korea, with Irish Ambassador to Korea Michelle Winthrop on Feb. 12.

The welfare center, which is operated by the social welfare corporation St. John of God Brothers, is a self-supporting facility that provides comprehensive services for people with developmental disabilities to live independently as members of the community, and is operated under the guidance of the Ireland-based Hospitaller Order of St. John of God.

The visit was organized by Ambassador Winthrop, who had previously visited the center and suggested the visit to Speaker Choi.

In her letter, Ambassador Winthrop said, “It is impressive to see how the welfare center supports people with developmental disabilities who are slow learners through barista training so that they can enjoy independent living and dignity.” She added that the center's positive energy resembles that of Seoul.

After an introduction to the organization and a discussion about the independent living facilities for people with developmental disabilities in Korea and Ireland, Choi and Ambassador Winthrop toured the group home, the work activity room, and the Granada Cafe, a sheltered workshop for people with disabilities, and spoke with residents.

When Ambassador Winthrop mentioned that the welfare center's program to help people become independent through barista training and stand as dignified members of the community is a practical support measure, Speaker Choi responded, “We will look at the site to see if there are any difficulties in using the welfare center, and if there is a need, we will improve it together with related organizations.”

Choi said she was impressed that the ambassador referred to people with developmental disabilities as “people with learning difficulties” in her letter, noting that “the people here are part of our community who are a little bit slower to learn,” and that "we will work in Parliament to ensure that all members of society are included without being marginalized.