Publication

This publication provides an analysis of the political and social status of North Korean refugees in South Korea. The authors explore 1) refugee movement on the Korean peninsula since 1945; 2) the refugees' reasons for leaving North Korea; 3) China’s role as a transit country for refugees; and 4) the integration process in South Korea. They conclude that the social assimilation of North Korean refugees in South Korea remains difficult due to a lack of mutual understanding and compassion. Greater openness and improved information policies, they argue, would not only help the refugees integrate better, they could also help spark the interest of young South Koreans in the issue of reunification and Korean rapprochement.