Freedom Voyagers

(Re)Discovering Freedom: A Journey of Reflection and Writing

Amidst the fast-paced changes in contemporary Korea, a pressing question emerges: What do we risk losing as we immerse ourselves in the allure of AI-driven technologies like ChatGPT, craving condensed information?

The “(Re)Discovering Freedom Through Reflection and Writing” program offered a transformative experience for young South Koreans through engaging discussions and essay writing. This six-week program held between April 26 and June 7, 2023, aimed to deepen participants' understanding of freedom and its significance in building an open, democratic, and inclusive society that respects freedom.

The program began with an exploration of the concept of freedom in relation to ‘existence’, drawing insights from literary works such as Albert Camus' "L'Étranger" and Franz Kafka's "Die Verwandlung." Participants were encouraged to reflect on the meaning of freedom in their own lives.

Subsequent sessions delved into the intersections between freedom and 'ownership', 'politics', and 'society'. Participants engaged with texts by authors such as Erich Fromm, Karl Popper, John Stuart Mill, and Friedrich Hayek, as well as films like "Sophie Scholl - The Final Days," "The Trial of the Chicago 7," and "Das Leben der Anderen." These sessions fostered critical thinking and facilitated discussions on the role of freedom in various contexts.

Led by Kim Chi Heon from Sungkyunkwan University and Oh Min Jung from Hongik University, this program provided a platform for young individuals to network, exchange, and collaborate with participants, contributing to the broader community of liberal-minded individuals in Korea.

To further enhance the learning experience, participants received one-on-one mentoring sessions, where they received valuable guidance and feedback on their reflections and essays. The program concluded with an essay presentation and a closing ceremony. Participants showcased their essays, sharing their unique perspectives on freedom and its significance.

FREEDOM VOYAGERS is a civic education project launched by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) for young South Koreans, which aimed to raise their awareness and interest in the importance of fundamental liberal values for an open, democratic, and inclusive society. Designed with an interactive approach, the program aimed to enable participants to develop their own perspectives on these values and to formulate well-grounded opinions in order to raise their voices to important issues for our society. 
As a kick-off program of FREEDOM VOYAGERS 2023, FNF and its local partners – Playseed School and Mapo Orang Seoul Youth Center co-organized “(Re)Discovering Freedom Through Reflection and Writing”.