The long way to freedom - adaptation problems of North Korean defectors in South Korea Cover Image

Długa droga do wolności - problemy adaptacyjne północnokoreańskich uciekinierów w Korei Południowej
The long way to freedom - adaptation problems of North Korean defectors in South Korea

Author(s): Natalia Matiaszczyk
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences
Published by: Wydawnictwo Adam Marszałek
Keywords: North Korean defectors; identity; adaptation; South Korea; migrants

Summary/Abstract: Although South Korea and North Korea have shared a common national and cultural heritage for thousands of years, they have become de facto stranger to each other in the last few decades. They differ not only in a different political and economic system, but also in the mentality and lifestyle of ordinary citizens, and in language. Since the 1990s, the number of North Korean defectors has increased. Those who decide to escape to South Korea encounter many problems in their new homeland. The aims of this article is to present the main adaptation problems faced by North Korean defectors, such as trauma, discrimination and problems with assimilation in South Korean society. There are also shown the examples of how to overcome or reduce them, as well as what support from the South Korean authorities looks like.

  • Issue Year: 29/2021
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 145-163
  • Page Count: 19
  • Language: Polish
Toggle Accessibility Mode