Dear Onyang

A Story of the Last Refugee Ship in the Heungnam Evacuation During the Korean War

More than ten years after SAMTOH’s publication of the heartfelt Korean picture book <온양이> comes its English version Dear Onyang, translated by the granddaughter of North Korean refugees who were rescued during the Heungnam evacuation.

 

Dear Onyang is a historical fiction story that takes place in the Heungnam evacuation of December 1950 during the Korean War. From December 15 to 24, the U.S.-led UN troops carried out an evacuation by sea for tens of thousands of North Korean refugees. These refugees traveled from the North Korean port of Heungnam to South Korea. The story follows 9-year-old Myeong-ho, his pregnant mother, and younger brother Myeong-nam as they make the difficult journey from their village to the port. When Myeong-ho’s family finally manages to board the last ship, the Onyang, Myeong-ho’s mother gives birth to their younger sister, who they name after the ship.

A poignant story of life and hope, Dear Onyang encourages readers to shine a light on the dark memories of war to brighten the future before us.

About the Author

Seon An-na was born and raised in Ulju County of Ulsan City. She became a writer in 1990 after receiving the Saebeot Literary Award. In 1991, she won an annual spring literary contest held by the Korean newspaper, Dong-a Ilbo. Since then, she has published several other children’s books, picture books, and essays in criticism. Seon is the recipient of the Korean Children’s Book Award, the Sejong Children’s Literature Award, and the Korean Children’s Literature Award.