Experiences of Local Residents with Post-Disaster Community Recovery Programs Following the Sewol Ferry Disaster

Abstract

This study examined residents’ experiences with community recovery programs in Ansan, which was designated as a special disaster area following the Sewol ferry disaster. Individual in-depth interviews and a focus group interview were employed to collect and analyze the experiences of 12 participants as part of this general qualitative study. The findings of our analysis were categorized into: the local context after the disaster; the motivation to participate in the program; the nature of the healing experienced by the participants; capacity building based on relationship awareness; and understanding of others and restoration of relationships. The stories of the participants reveal that recovery from disasters was based on the experience of understanding and establishing relationships with others, including the dead and their neighbors. Based on the findings, we suggest implications for practitioners in disaster areas to consider for local community recovery.