This study examines the mental health challenges faced by Afghan refugees resettled in South Korea,
focusing on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Using trauma theory and ecological system theory,
this research explores the impact of pre-migration trauma and post-migration stressors, such as cultural
adaptation difficulties, language barriers, and social isolation. Adopting a qualitative descriptiveanalytical methodology and utilizing trauma theory and ecological system theory, this study identifies the
compounded effects of these stressors on refugees’ mental health and their integration into South Korean
society. The findings reveal that South Korea’s homogeneous society exacerbates these challenges, with
limited culturally competent mental health care available. The study concludes that trauma, language
barriers, cultural adjustment difficulties, and social isolation are central contributors to psychological
distress, and emphasizes the need for systemic and trauma-informed interventions to mitigate these
challenges and support refugees’ integration.
