About Us

Charles Ryu

About the Founder

Charles Ryu

Twice-escaped refugee of North Korea and founder of Freedom Bridge Foundation, Charles dedicates himself to educating others about North Korea and influencing change.

Learn MoreGo to Charles' Website

How We Operate

In addition to direct programming, we carry out the administrative and fundraising work needed to sustain our mission.

This includes donor communications, budgeting, recordkeeping, compliance, program planning, and board oversight. These functions ensure that our programs are well managed, accountable, and positioned for long-term impact.

Because our work depends on available funding, partner capacity, and participant availability, our programs are offered during different periods throughout the year rather than all at once. Each program is scheduled as resources allow.

Freedom Bridge Foundation program participants during an outdoor cultural activity
Freedom Bridge Foundation program participants in a classroom session

Our Current Cohort

This includes donor communications, budgeting, record-keeping, compliance, program planning, and board oversight. These functions ensure that our programs are well managed, accountable, and positioned for long-term impact.

Because our work depends on available funding, partner capacity, and participant availability, our programs are offered during different periods throughout the year rather than all at once. Each program is scheduled as resources allow.

Our Programs

Leadership & Opportunity

Timeline

July 13 - August 1

Our Leadership and Opportunity Program is a short-term educational and cultural immersion experience designed for selected North Korean refugees. This program may include orientation sessions, cultural learning experiences, mentorship, career exposure, community events, and guided reflection.

To make participation possible, we may provide travel support, lodging, local transportation, meals, modest stipends, and limited counseling or coaching when needed. Programs are primarily carried out in the United States, including California, and may include travel to other locations within the U.S. Some preparation and follow-up may also take place online.

This program helps participants build confidence, expand cultural understanding, strengthen personal stability, and discover new opportunities for the future.

Language Exchange & Communication

Timeline

Coming Soon!

We offer language exchange and communication practice opportunities that help participants strengthen English speaking skills, cultural understanding, and real-world communication.

These programs may include structured conversation sessions, group activities, mentorship-style practice, and support for measurable learning goals such as improved TOEFL performance. Sessions may be offered online or in person through partner organizations in the United States or South Korea, depending on participant location.

By improving language and communication skills, this program supports integration, education, employability, and long-term self-sufficiency.

Coding Bootcamp & Skills Training

Timeline

Coming Soon!

We provide technology education and workforce development opportunities that prepare participants for meaningful employment and long-term economic stability.

This may include coding workshops, technical classes, mentorship, project-based learning, and scholarships for third-party training programs. Activities are delivered by volunteers, mentors, contracted instructors, and partner organizations, either online or at partner locations in the United States or South Korea.

This program is designed to give participants practical, marketable skills that increase access to jobs and future career growth.